Course Descriptions

Radiography Practicum I

RAD105

Clinical application of radiographic theory, providing opportunities to acquire expertise and proficiency at specified levels of competency in a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures, digital equipment applications, basic radiation protection standards, various radiographic equipment, and anatomy and physiology and radiographic positioning. Integrates knowledge of patient care, management, and medical ethics into daily radiographic practice. Students complete approximately 180 hours of clinic during this course. Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Student must have current CPR certification. Fall Only.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Clinical

Corequisites:
RAD108, RAD109

Introduction to Medical Imaging

RAD108

Introduction to the radiography profession and healthcare field, providing foundational knowledge of all aspects of the medical imaging profession in preparation for more advanced courses and clinical experiences. Discussion covers a variety of ethnic and cultural beliefs that may impact patient care. Topics include infection control, radiographic exposure parameters, basic radiation protection, pathology, medical/legal considerations, pharmaceuticals, and patient assessment. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD105, RAD109

Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning I

RAD109

Introduction to basic anatomy and terminology used in radiographic positioning, including a comprehensive study of the basic positions of the human body for radiographic examination. Focus on the evaluation and critique of radiographs of the related anatomy. Course requirements include weekly demonstration of competence in the laboratory setting to ensure readiness for practice in a clinical setting. This is the first in a series of four anatomy and positioning courses. Fall Only.

3.50 Credits: 3 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
RAD105, RAD108

Radiography Practicum II

RAD118

Clinical learning experience that applies classroom theory to actual practice of technical skills on specific levels of competency. Expertise and proficiency are gained in a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures, and skills are refined in the areas of radiation safety practices, radiographic positioning, patient care, ethics, and radiographic equipment. Students complete approximately 180 hours of clinic during this course. Transportation is the responsibility of the student. Student must have current CPR certification. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Clinical

Corequisites:
RAD119, RAD124, RAD126

Prerequisites:
RAD105

Principles of Radiographic Exposure I

RAD119

Introduction to the fundamental concepts and techniques relating to the production of x-radiation and its application to radiography. Topics include atomic structure, radiation exposure factors, x-ray tube construction, basic radiation protection, factors that affect radiographic quality, x-ray interaction with matter, and clinical applications. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD118, RAD124, RAD126

Radiation Protection & Biology

RAD124

Overview of the principles of radiation protection and radiobiology. Emphasis on the radiographer's responsibility for protecting the patient, personnel, and the public. Topics covered include the concepts of ALARA - as low as reasonably achievable, NIRL - negligible individual risk level, stochastic and non-stochastic effects, and MPD - maximum permissible dose. Other topics include regulatory agency involvement in radiation protection and the basic effects of ionizing radiation on cells and the human body. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD118, RAD119, RAD126

Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning II

RAD126

Second in a four-course series, continuing coverage of the terminology and positions used in radiographic examination. Focus on the evaluation and critique of radiographs of the related anatomy. Course requirements include weekly demonstration of competence in the laboratory setting to ensure readiness for practice in a clinical setting. Spring Only.

3.50 Credits: 3 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
RAD118, RAD119, RAD124

Summer Practicum I

RAD198

Summer clinical experience, providing opportunities to acquire expertise and proficiency in a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures by applying classroom theory to the actual practice of technical skills at specified levels of competency. In order to meet competency requirements, students will spend approximately 450 hours in the clinic environment. Students must have current CPR certification. Transportation will be the responsibility of the student. Summer Only.

2 Credits: 0 Lecture, 6 Clinical

Prerequisites:
RAD118

Radiographic Equipment & Maintenance

RAD212

Overview of the various parts of computed radiography (CR) and digital radiographic (DR) equipment with a review of screen-film radiography. Close examination of all parts of radiographic equipment functionality and role within the radiographic room. Topics include factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving, and retrieval as well as principles of system quality assurance, quality control, and maintenance. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
PHS222, RAD219, RAD220, RAD225

Principles of Radiographic Exposure II

RAD219

Comprehensive analysis of the factors affecting image quality; study requires integration of technical factors previously learned. Emphasis on principles of low dosage radiography, geometry of image formation, analysis of radiographic quality, tube rating charts, radiation interaction, and practical application of radiographic technique and equipment, including grids. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
PHS222, RAD212, RAD220, RAD225

Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning III

RAD220

Third in a four-course series, continuing coverage of the terminology and positions used in radiographic examination. Focus on the evaluation and critique of radiographs of the related anatomy. Course requirements include weekly demonstration of competence in the laboratory setting to ensure readiness for practice in a clinical setting. Fall Only.

2.50 Credits: 2 Lecture, 1.50 Lab

Corequisites:
PHS222, RAD212, RAD219, RAD225

Radiography Practicum III

RAD225

Clinical radiography experience, continuing the application of radiographic theory and technical applications. Expertise and proficiency are gained in a variety of diagnostic radiographic procedures and techniques, including radiation protection applications, quality assurance, interventional and special radiographic examinations. An understanding of anatomy and physiology and radiographic positioning is required at specific levels of competency. Students complete approximately 180 hours of clinic during this course. Transportation will be the responsibility of the student. Student must have current CPR certification. Fall Only.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Clinical

Corequisites:
PHS222, RAD212, RAD219, RAD220

Prerequisites:
RAD198

Pathology

RAD229

Study of human pathology on a gross anatomic level. Topics include various types of pathological processes, including inflammatory, immunology, infections, trauma, and neoplastic processes as well as the radiographic appearance of such pathology. Specific diseases are studied in further depth from an organ system approach with correlation to radiographic appearance of disease and pathology. Spring Only.

2 Credits: 2 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD234, RAD236, RAD249, RAD251, RAD255

Prerequisites:
BIO103; or
BIO115 and BIO125

Advanced Imaging Modalities

RAD234

Introduction to advanced modality options that are available to licensed radiographers as professional advancement. Emphasis on how modalities operate, the equipment used in various modalities, and how images are created in these modalities. Coursework explores non-traditional career opportunities in areas such as pediatrics, trauma, operating room, and mobile radiography. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD229, RAD236, RAD249, RAD251, RAD255

Radiographic Anatomy & Positioning IV

RAD236

Last in a four-course series, continuing coverage of the terminology used in radiographic positioning. Radiographic concepts relating to upper and lower gastrointestinal systems, biliary system, urinary system, and reproductive system are introduced. Spring Only.

1.50 Credits: 1.50 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD229, RAD234, RAD249, RAD251, RAD255

Introduction to CT & MRI Imaging

RAD247

Basic study of the theory and application of Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Computerized Tomography. Aspects of electronic digital imaging are included. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
RAD220 and RAD221 and RAD225 and RAD226 and RAD227 and RAD228

Cross Sectional Anatomy for Radiographers

RAD249

Introduction to human anatomy in a cross-sectional image format. Continuation of human anatomy and physiology using transverse, coronal, and sagittal MRI and CT imaged sections of the human body. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD229, RAD234, RAD236, RAD251, RAD255

Radiography Practicum IV

RAD251

Clinical radiography experience, continuing the application of radiographic theory and technical applications. Expertise and proficiency are gained in fluoroscopic radiographic studies, tomography, urinary radiographic procedures, and pediatric and geriatric radiographic applications at specified levels of competency. Students complete approximately 180 hours of clinic during this course. Student must have current CPR certification. Transportation will be the responsibility of the student. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 3 Clinical

Corequisites:
RAD229, RAD234, RAD236, RAD249, RAD255

Prerequisites:
RAD225

Professional Seminar Review

RAD255

Preparation for entry into the profession, including professional requirements and expectations of a registered technologist. Topics include the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) certification exam, ARRT’s Continued Quality Requirements (CQR), and annual continuing education unit (CEU) requirements. Spring Only.

1 Credit: 1 Lecture

Corequisites:
RAD229, RAD234, RAD236, RAD249, RAD251

Summer Practicum II

RAD298

Final clinical experience, providing opportunities to achieve final competency and proficiency in radiographic procedures, including mobile and surgical equipment manipulation and technique application, as well as in a variety of radiographic examinations encountered in prior semesters. Additionally, opportunities exist to apply MRI, CT, and cross-sectional anatomy applications and techniques. Focus on demonstrating “affective domain competency” by integrating problem-solving scenarios and/or actual clinical experiences in areas such as patient needs, non-traditional patients, stress-related patient reactions, and professional criticism as it applies to the employer/employee work relationship. In order to meet competency requirements, students spend approximately 450 hours in the clinic environment. Students must have current CPR certification. Transportation will be the responsibility of the student. Summer Only.

2 Credits: 0 Lecture, 6 Clinical

Prerequisites:
RAD251

Essential Computed Tomography

RAD305

Comprehensive study of patient care, equipment, radiation safety, and procedures as they relate to computed tomography, also known as CT imaging. Coursework includes hands-on practice using an online simulator. Designed to prepare students for a career in computed tomography by providing the didactic content required to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) CT credentialing examination. Students are responsible for arranging the clinical component through their employers or from a list of participating clinical affiliates. The arrangement, supervision, and all documentation relating to the clinical experience are strictly between the student and the site. Current students who have successfully completed RAD249 or those who possess a Radiography, Radiation Therapy, or Nuclear Medicine credential through ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) are eligible for the course. Summer Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
RAD249

Essential Magnetic Resonance Imaging

RAD306

Comprehensive study of patient care, equipment, and procedures as they relate to magnetic resonance imaging, also known as MR imaging. Coursework includes hand-on practice using an online simulator. Designed to prepare students for a career in magnetic resonance imaging by providing the didactic content required to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT) MRI credentialing examination. Students are responsible for arranging the clinical component through their employers or from a list of participating clinical affiliates. The arrangement, supervision, and all documentation relating to the clinical experience are strictly between the student and the site. Current students who have successfully completed RAD 249 or those who possess a Radiography credential through ARRT are eligible for the course. Summer Only.

3 Credits: 3 Lecture

Prerequisites:
RAD249