Radiological Technologist

Radiation Production and Characteristics

Content is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter.

Radiographic Pathology

Content is designed to introduce theories of disease causation and the pathophysiologic responses; pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, radiographic appearance and management of alterations in body systems are presented.

Radiation Protection

Content is designed to present an overview of the principles of radiation protection, including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel, and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies, and heath care organizations are incorporated.

Radiographic Procedures

Content is designed to provide the knowledge base necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures, including basic computed tomography (CT) and special studies. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images. Laboratory experience should complement the didactic portion.

Ethics and Law in the Radiologic Sciences

Content is designed to provide a fundamental background in ethics. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics, as well as the elements of ethical behavior are discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts, and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal and professional standards and the ASRT scope of practice. The importance of proper documentation and informed consent is emphasized.

Image Analysis

Content is designed to provide a basis for analyzing radiographic images. Included are the importance of minimum imaging standards, discussion of a problem-solving technique for image evaluation, and the factors that can affect image quality. Actual images will be included for analysis.

Digital Image Acquisition and Display

Content is designed to impart an understanding of the components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving, and retrieval and discussed. The Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system will assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.

Imaging and Processing

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base in factors that govern and influence producing and recording radiologic images. Film and electronic imaging with related accessories are emphasized. Class demonstrations/labs are used to demonstrate theory application.

Imaging Equipment

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base ion radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile and tomographic equipment requirements and design. The content also provides a basic knowledge of quality control.

Patient Care in Radiology

Content is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. Routine and emergency patient care procedures are described as well as infection control procedures using standard precautions. The role of the radiographer in patient education is identified.

Pharmacology and Drug Administration

Content is designed to provide basic concepts of pharmacology. The theory and practice of basic techniques of venipuncture and administration of diagnostic contrast agents’ an/or intravenous medications is included. The appropriate delivery of patient care during these procedures in emphasized. Considerations: Prior to introducing this educational content, students should successfully complete patient care objectives (including CPR/BLS certification), as well as objective related to anatomy and physiology. Though regulations regarding the administration of contrast media and intravenous medications vary in different states and institutions, the official position of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is that venipuncture falls within the profession’s general scope of practice and practice standards. Therefore, it should be included in the didactic and clinical curriculum with demonstrated competencies of all appropriate disciplines regardless of the state or institution where the curriculum is taught. In states or institutions where students are permitted to perform intravenous injections, the program has specific ethical and legal responsibilities to the patient and the student. The student shall be assured that: ·Legal statutes allow student radiographers to perform this procedure ·Professional liability coverage is adequate ·Adequate supervision is provided ·Appropriate, structured, laboratory objectives are identified Evaluation and demonstration of competency occurs before this task is performed unsupervised.

Principles of Computed Tomography

Content is designed to provide entry-level radiography students to principles related to computed tomography (CT) scans.

Radiation Biology

Content is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues, and the body as a whole are presented. Factors affecting biological response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation.

Radiographic Medical Terminology

Content is designed to provide an introduction to the origins of medical terminology. A word-building system is introduced and abbreviations and symbols are discussed. Also introduced is an orientation to understanding radiographic orders and diagnostic report interpretation. Related terminology is addressed.

Radiologic Clinical Practice

Content and clinical practice experiences designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize, and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated. Practice experiences should be designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well being of the patient preparatory to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

Fundamentals of Radiological Sciences & Health Care

Content is designed to provide an overview of the foundations in radiography and the practitioner’s role in the healthcare delivery system. Principles, practices and policies of the healthcare organizations are examined and discussed in addition to the professional responsibilities of the radiographer.