Radiologic Technology - RAD

The attitude of life-long learning enables the radiologic technologist to stay in step with the current healthcare environment and be prepared to help foster the future and increase awareness of the profession in the global community. This content is geared to increase and disseminate intellectual inquiry, information literacy and the use of scholarly research methods.

It is important for the radiologic technologist to understand health care delivery, ethics and law. This course content includes legal issues that affect the employee and employer directly regarding ethical behavior and scope of practice. Ethical and legal compliance helps to ensure patients receive adequate patient-centered care, and that the institution is not liable for acts which might lead to litigation.

Advanced skills are essential elements of providing high-quality patient care. This course focuses on patient education, assessment, communication, pre-procedural and post-procedural care and proper charting and documentation. Technologists' responsibilities and intervention in cases of critical patient need are also discussed.

Radiologic science professionals need to effectively relate and communicate with patients and other health care professionals. This course focuses on expanding the knowledge base and skills necessary for interpersonal, internal, external and written communications. Human diversity and respect is emphasized.

A study of quality control methods are examined and discussed pertaining to the equipment and usage within a radiography department.

A survey of medical and surgical diseases employing special radiographic procedures with an introduction to the therapeutic uses of radiation, radium and isotopes; overview of medical pathology selected on the basis of relevance to radiological exams. These lectures are presented by radiologists and other specialists from the affiliated hospitals. Two (2) hours of class time per week are required.

Accent on radiation health and safety; definitions and significance of various terms employed in radiation protection; biological effects of radiation; methods and instruments used in monitoring: national and state requirements regarding diagnostic radiation are discussed in detail. Two (2) hours of class time per week are required.

A study of different types of contrast media and how each is used to delineate specific anatomic parts or organs; common radiographic procedures using contrast media; indications; contradictions; patient preparation, care and positions are explained. Two (2) hours of class time per week are required.

A planned clinical experience is provided which gives the student the opportunity to incorporate the theory presented in RAD 236 and other pertinent courses and expand clinical skills while performing radiographic procedures under supervision of the clinical staff. Progression in the program is dependent on the student demonstrating clinical competence on a specified number of competency evaluations (the number to be identified in the syllabus) and demonstrating continued competence on examinations in which competence has already been demonstrated.

Course will establish a knowledge base of atomic structure and terminology, x-ray unit circuitry, radiation production, the nature and characteristics of radiation, and the photon interactions with matter.