RT 101 Image Production and Evaluation I (3)

This course instructs students in the proper conventional and digital imaging techniques required to produce quality and diagnostically useful radiographs.  The four primary exposure factors are explained with discussion in concepts of density, contrast, and geometric factors.  X-ray tube construction, file composition, intensifying screens and grid use are also addressed.  Digital radiography is introduced with an emphasis on computerized radiography. This instruction includes CR characteristics, exposure factors, and image creation. When appropriate, students will work in the RT laboratory to produce images for evaluation. Students will also evaluate radiographs in the classroom to determine their technical acceptability.  (Fall Semester)  Co-requisite:  SC 103/103L

The lecture component of this course begins with an introduction to the specific nomenclature, as well as underlying principles of radiographic positioning. Routine and advanced positioning studies, correlated with anatomy of the upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen, thorax, and the urinary, digestive, and biliary systems are presented. (Fall Semester) Co-requisite:  SC 103/103L

The College Laboratory component of Radiographic Procedures I contains anatomy and positioning applications, as well as film - critique sessions. A competency-based system of evaluation is utilized. (Fall Semester) Two Laboratory Hours. Co-requisite:  SC 103/103L

This course is designed to assist the student to develop both general and specific interactive skills in patient care. It focuses on record maintenance and administrative procedures, ethics and medicolegal issues, patient safety and transfers, vital signs, emergency situations, infection control, oxygen delivery, EKG monitoring, and contrast media. (Fall Semester)  Co-requisite:  SC 103/103L

This course requires practical clinical application of knowledge and skills, and involves clinical experiences in general radiographic areas and contrast studies. It is taken concurrently with the didactic components of the semester, and is provided at the College’s clinical affiliates. A competency - based system of evaluations is utilized. (Fall Semester) Sixteen clinical hours (two days). Co-requisite: SC 103/103L

RT 105 Image Production and Evaluation II (3)

This course continues instruction on radiographic exposure principles.  Students will review RT 101 concepts, then build on these concepts by applying mathematical formulas (algebra level) that can be utilized for technique compensation.  Conventional film processing, artifacts, characteristic curve, and beam limitation will also be discussed. Digital Imaging concepts are further explained with an emphasis on direct readout. This instruction includes image capture, processing, and display. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 101, RT 102/102L, RT 103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better. Co-requisite: SC 104/104L

The lecture component of this course focuses on both routine and advanced positioning studies, correlated with anatomy of the spine and skull. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 101, RT 102/102L, RT 103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better. Co-requisite: SC 104/104L

The College laboratory component of Radiographic Procedures II contains anatomy and positioning applications of the spine and skull, correlating with film-critique sessions. Again, a competency - based system of evaluation is utilized. (Spring Semester) Two Laboratory Hours. Prerequisites: RT 101, RT102/102L,RT  103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better. Co-requisite: SC 104/104L

This course includes units on pharmacology, drug administration, and monitoring of medical equipment. In addition, specialized radiographic procedures are discussed throughout this semester. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 101, RT 102/102L, RT 103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better. Co-requisite: SC 104/104L

In this semester, clinical experiences are provided in general radiographic areas and contrast studies with special emphasis on radiography of the skull and spinal column. It is taken concurrently with the didactic components of the semester and is provided at the College’s clinical affiliates. A competency - based system of evaluation is utilized. (Spring Semester) Sixteen clinical hours (two days). Prerequisites: RT 101, RT 102/102L, RT 103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better. Co-requisite: SC 104/104L

In the first summer clinical component, the student continues to gain experience in general radiographic and contrast studies, as well as portable and surgical radiography. Experiences are provided at the College’s clinical affiliates. A competency - based system of evaluation continues to be utilized. (Summer I) Forty clinical hours (five days) per week for a total of eight weeks or 320 hours. Prerequisites: RT 105, RT 106/106L, RT 107, RT 108 and SC 104/104L with grades of a "C" or better.

This course covers basic electrical and mechanical examples as applicable to the structure and operation of radiologic equipment. It includes identification of structure and function of x-ray generating devices and circuitry with emphasis on the radiographic tube. (Fall Semester) Prerequisite:  RT 109 with a grade of "C" or better.

This course explores the phenomena of energy conversion and the interactions between radiation and matter. The electromagnetic spectrum and related radiation concepts are discussed.  Students will learn about radiation detection and monitoring and the appropriate units of measurement.  All aspects of radiation protection for patients and occupational radiation workers workers is explained. (Fall Semester) Prerequisite:  RT 109 with a grade of "C" or better.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the concepts of disease and surveys the pathology particular to several selected body systems. Medical procedures related to the disease are investigated, with emphasis placed on radiographic studies. Normal anatomy/physiology is reviewed and compared with radiologic pathological conditions. Image demonstration utilizes conventional formats. (Fall Semester) Prerequisite:  RT 109 with a grade of "C" or better.

In the second year, students continue to gain general radiographic experiences, as well as begin experiences with special procedures, the emergency room, and other imaging areas. These areas include mammorgraphy, CT (computerized tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), and Sonography.  All experiences are offered at the College’s clinical affiliates. A competency - based system of evaluation continues to be utilized. (Fall Semester) Sixteen clinical hours (two days). Prerequisite:  RT 109 with a grade of "C" or better.

Radiologic generating equipment, image intensification and fluoroscopic devices are presented in this course. Discussion on computer applications, digital angiography, computerized tomography and others is also included. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 201, RT 202, RT 203, RT 205 with grades of "C" or better.

This course provides the student with the principles of cell radiation interaction. The effects of radiation on normal cell biology are outlined and factors influencing the molecular and cellular response are discussed. The acute and chronic effects of radiation on tissue, organs, and whole body systems are also presented. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 201, RT 202, RT 203, RT 205 with grades of "C" or better.

This course continues to survey pathology particular to several selected body systems. Emphasis is placed on radiographic studies and procedures. Normal anatomy and physiology is reviewed and compared with radiologic pathological conditions. Image demonstration continues to utilize conventional formats. (Spring Semester) Prerequisites: RT 201, RT 202, RT 203, RT 205 with grades of "C" or better.

This course is designed to provide a basic overview of advanced imaging procedures such as: Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Echocardiography, Mammography, Computerized Tomography (CT), Special Radiographic Procedures, "DEXA," and Surgical Radiogaphy. Sectional Anatomy is discussed, and, Advanced Positioning/Procedures are also reviewed to prepare students to perform non-routine radiographic studies. (Spring Semester)

RT 210 Clinical Education IV (3)

Specialty clinical experiences continue as the students demonstrate applications of knowledge and skill. This course is taken concurrently with the didactic components of the semester and is provided at the College’s clinical affiliates. A competency - based system of evaluation continues to be utilized. (Spring Semester) Sixteen clinical hours (two days). Prerequisites: RT 201, RT 202, RT 203, RT 205 with grades of "C" or better.

Clinical experience involving general radiography, contrast studies, portable radiography, surgery, and specialty examinations. In addition, the student is provided opportunities for preparation for the American Registry (R) Examination. (Summer II) Forty hours (five days) per week for a total of eight weeks or 320 hours. Prerequisites: RT 206, RT 207, RT 208, RT 209, RT 210 with grades of "C" or better.

RT 213 Mammography (3)

This is a comprehensive didactic course that will cover many areas including mammographic positioning, breast anatomy and physiology, patient preparation, mammography equipment, quality assurance and modifications for non-routine patients.  (Offered as needed)  Prerequisites: RT 101, RT 102/102L, RT 103, RT 104 and SC 103/103L with grades of "C" or better.