First Year Courses

Introduction to Radiologic Technology
This course provides a basic overview of the hospital, the Department of Radiology and the School of Radiography. The student is introduced to customer quality service and the student role in the health care industry. Instruction regarding radiation protection, radiation physics, and radiographic exposure is also given.

Medical Terminology
Medical Terminology gives instruction regarding the understanding and usage of medical terms, to include word roots, clinical descriptions, abbreviations, definitions, etc. in the medical field.

Fluoroscopic Examinations
Designed to introduce the student to examinations done with the aid of fluoroscopy, this course offers instruction in radiographic anatomy and positioning of those exams which typically present. Extensive laboratory activities accompany the classroom instruction.

Methods of Patient Care
This course provides the student with instruction necessary for patient care of both the routine and traumatized patients. Among the issues discussed are standard precautions for body substances, infection control, aseptic principles, patient safety issues, patient drains and catheters, drug administration, and first aid.

Radiographic Positioning 1 & 2
Both courses provide information regarding radiographic anatomy and positioning particular body parts. Positioning principles, terminology, topographical landmarks and Radiograph Critique of acceptable/unacceptable radiographs are also included. Positioning 1 covers instruction of the chest, abdomen and upper extremities, while Positioning 2 includes lower extremities, upper thorax, pelvis and spine.

C.P.R
After completion of this class, the student receives certification in Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Medical Ethics
This course deals with the ethical and legal responsibilities of the health care professional relative to health care delivery. Discussion includes subjects such as patient communication, patient records, patient confidentiality, death/dying issues and some basic legal concepts. Cultural diversity is a major component throughout the course.

Radiographic Exposure
This course provides an in-depth study for acquiring technical image quality. It includes the process of Image Analysis, methods for correcting unacceptable images, compensation for changes made to correct unacceptable images, compensation for pathology and other controllable circumstances.  The course includes digital imaging in addition to traditional film-screen methods.

Radiographic Critique 1
Students observe individual radiologists during radiograph interpretation for a total of 4 hours.

Radiation Physics 1
This is an introductory course in the physics of the basic theory, properties and production of x-rays. A portion of the course is dedicated to the metric system and structure of matter.

Venipuncture and EKG
This course teaches correct technique required for Venipuncture through both classroom and clinical phases. Students learn the procedure in a classroom and perform the procedure on a phantom arm and a classmate. In the clinical setting, students are required to successfully demonstrate the procedure on 30 patients. An additional class demonstrating insertion of venous catheters is included and a requirement of correct technique on 20 patients is required.

Clinical Education 1
Clinical rotations begin in the second quarter of the first year and are scheduled for three days/week. During the second quarter, no weekend/evening shifts are included. Thereafter, two weekend/evening shifts per month are scheduled for students. Rotations include: Portables, General Radiography, Minor Emergency Care, Surgery, Fluoroscopy, Emergency Department, Out-Patient Centers.

Digital Imaging 1
This course introduces the student to the fundamental principles of digital imaging, specifically the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems in diagnostic radiology. Image Acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Student is instructed on exposure principles, image evaluation, image acquisition errors and recognition. Computer applications in radiology are identified; daily contact with computers, state of the art imaging equipment (CR and DR) and PACS systems is experienced in the clinical area.

For more information, please contact the School of Radiography:

Phone: (309) 655-2782