RAD

Upon completion of this course, students will have an overview of the radiologic sciences profession and its patient care aspects. Students learn the history and future of radiography, demonstrate proper patient care techniques while assisting the patient, and discuss the importance of customer service.

Students get an overview of the radiologic technology profession and patient care. The course focuses on direct patient contact, CPR, OSHA compliance, use of proper body mechanics, universal precautions, vital signs, and numerous patient care techniques needed by the radiographer on the healthcare team to serve the acute or chronically ill patient. Students discuss the importance of customer service.

Students acquire a thorough working knowledge of the medical and scientific vocabulary used in the field of diagnostic medical imaging. Students learn standard abbreviations, combining forms, prefixes, suffixes, pronunciations, and correct spellings.

The course leads the learner through concepts related to radiographic imaging, including: beam restriction, grids, radiographic film, processing, sensitometry, intensifying screens, quality factors, and conversion techniques involving manipulation of exposure parameters.

A study of the fundamental units of measurement, the structure of matter and the concepts of work, force, and energy. The course covers the basics of electricity: electrostatics, electrodynamics, magnetism and the electric generator. Concepts include electromagnetic induction, transformers, rectifiers, x-ray tubes, and the interactions that produce x-radiation. Radiation measurement and basic radiation protection concepts are also included.

This course covers radiographic considerations and positioning of the upper limb, lower limb, and chest. Students learn necessary positions, perform simulated radiographic positioning, and receive instruction in techniques for dispensing ionizing radiation.

This course gives students practical learning experience in a clinical environment. This course gives the student the opportunity to apply the radiographic skills they have acquired thus far in a variety of settings, including the radiology departments of local healthcare facilities.

This course builds upon the concepts learned in RAD131, Radiation Physics, and RAD130, Image Production I. The course leads the learner through concepts related to radiographic imaging, including: film critique, exposure control systems, including fixed and variable kilovoltage technique, chart construction, automatic exposure control, and exposure conversion methods.

Students are introduced to radiation protection concepts and a quick review of the basic interactions of x-radiation with matter. The radiation quantities and units are discussed in relation to limits for exposure to ionizing radiation and protection of the patient and the occupationally exposed personnel during diagnostic radiographic procedures. Cell biology and the structure of the cell are studied in conjunction with the biologic effects of radiation exposure.

Students focus on radiographic considerations and positioning of the vertebral column, the kidneys and urinary tract, the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract, and the skull. Students learn necessary positions and perform simulated radiographic positioning and receive instruction in techniques for dispensing ionizing radiation.

This course continues the practical, hands-on learning process begun in RAD136.

Students focus on radiographic considerations and positioning of the skull, with emphasis on the cerebral cranium, visceral cranium, and paranasal sinuses. This course is a continuation of RAD135 and RAD145 and has the same hands-on laboratory component.

This course continues the practical, hands-on learning process begun in RAD146.

This course continues the practical, hands-on learning process begun in RAD256.

Students explore ethics as a branch of philosophy and discuss elements of ethical behavior, ethical issues, and dilemmas in health care. There is discussion and lecture regarding the legal responsibilities of the Radiologic Technologist, including issues of patient consent, elements of risk management, and equipment safety.

Students explore the use of computers in radiology today. Computerized imaging and therapeutic techniques, such as computerized tomography, digital radiography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy and ultrasounds, will be considered. Students are introduced to the use of computers in patient information and scheduling systems.

Students review the anatomy of the nervous and circulatory systems and are introduced to the special radiological procedures used for their examination. The course focuses on the specialized equipment and accessories required for each procedure. The use of contrast media and potential adverse reactions will also be discussed. Included are angiographic, neuroradiographic, and interventional procedures. Infrequent, but interesting studies, are also covered such as lymphography and sialography. The second part of this course covers various disease processes of the human body. Diseases may be classified as either structural or functional with each type being defined. Exogenous and endogenous causes of diseases are explained. An awareness of pathology with an understanding of the effect disease has on a radiographic image are the main goals.

This course continues the practical, hands-on learning process begun in RAD266.

A final, comprehensive course that reviews and relates concepts previously covered in the two-year curriculum. It provides the student with a meaningful approach to evaluate previous learning and to investigate areas of needed preparation for employment and credentialing. The course also includes employment interview skills and related concepts such as résumé preparation.

This course continues the practical, hands-on learning process begun in RAD276.