Curriculum & course descriptions

Curriculum

First Year First Semester

Fundamentals of Radiologic Technology 110
Patient Care 111
Principles and Equipment of Imaging 111
Human Anatomy and Physiology 111
Radiographic Procedures 111
Image Analysis 110
Clinical Education 110

First Year Second Semester

Principles and Equipment of Imaging 122
Human Anatomy and Physiology 122
Radiographic Procedures 122
Diversity in Healthcare 120
Integrated Radiology 120
Image Analysis 120
Clinical Education 120

Second Year Third Semester

Principles and Equipment of Imaging 233
Human Anatomy and Physiology 233
Radiographic Procedures 233
Professional Development 230
Radiation Biology 231
Image Analysis 230
Clinical Education 230

Second Year Fourth Semester

Principles and Equipment of Imaging 244
Quality Assurance 240
Human Anatomy and Physiology 244
Radiographic Procedures 244
Radiation Protection 242
Radiographic Pathology 240
Registry Review 240
Image Analysis 240
Clinical Education 240

Course Descriptions

Fundamentals of Radiologic Technology 110 ‑ 45 hours
This course is designed to introduce the student to the profession of radiologic technology, medical ethics, and the hospital environment.  The student will learn program guidelines, learning and test taking skills, and the historical development of radiology.  Professional ethics and guest relations are emphasized.  Various types of imaging equipment will be discussed.  Image processors and accessory equipment will be introduced.  This course will also introduce the student to radiation protection for self and the patient.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, and class discussions.

Patient Care 111 ‑ 25 hours
This course provides a study in the general patient care with emphasis on special nursing procedures.  It provides insight into the role and responsibilities of the radiologic technologist in providing overall patient care.  Classes are provided in first aid, isolation techniques, sterile procedures, surgical procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and patient care for radiographic examinations. Basic pharmacology and drug administration will be studied.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and class discussions. 

Radiographic Procedures 111, 122, 233, 244 ‑ 200 hours
This course provides comprehensive instruction on radiographic procedures including orthopedic, trauma, mobile, and pediatric procedures. Contrast media studies will be covered.   Covered on each lesson will include routines, patient positioning, and structures demonstrated.  Students will participate in laboratory exercises to practice positioning taught in class.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and class discussions.

Image Analysis 110, 120, 230, 240 - 100 hours
This course is designed for group and individual participation in the critical evaluation of individual radiographic films.  Anatomical structures, associated pathology, radiographic positioning, radiographic quality, and pertinent patient clinical data are evaluated.  Methods of instruction include class discussions, oral presentations, and independent study.

Human Anatomy and Physiology 111, 122, 233, 244 ‑ 100 hours
This course provides a comprehensive study of the anatomical structures and physiological aspects of all parts of the human body.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, laboratory exercises with the articulated and disarticulated skeletons, worksheets and class discussions.

Principles and Equipment of Imaging 111, 122, 233, 244 ‑ 225 hours
This course provides an introduction and review of the basic mathematical concepts.  It provides a comprehensive study and evaluation of all factors controlling and/or influencing radiographic quality.  The operating principles of various imaging equipment will be discussed. A detailed study of the components and operating principles of computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) from image capture to long-term storage will be conducted.  Quality assurance procedures that should be conducted to insure consistency in radiographic systems will be discussed.  In addition, QC tests performed in order to comply with state and federal regulations will be discussed.  Best practice methods will be emphasized. Laboratory experiments are conducted demonstrating the factors affecting image formation as well as QC tests.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, demonstrations, laboratory exercises, and class discussions.

Diversity in Healthcare 120 – 15 hours
This course is designed to promote a better understanding of patients, families, and other healthcare providers. Cultural and ethnic influences, communication styles, value systems, socioeconomic influences, and health risks will be discussed. Alternative/complementary medicine is explored. Students will participate in role-playing, as well as problem solving and critical thinking activities.

Integrated Radiology 120 – 25 hours
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to other imaging and therapeutic modalities and areas of specialization.   Methods used in the determination of best imaging procedure to be performed will be examined.  The student will explore emerging trends on the utilization of medical imaging.  Basics physics and equipment in mammography, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), interventional radiography, and positron emission tomography (PET) will be covered.

Professional Development 230 – 30 hours
This course is designed to acquaint the student with the process and need for professional development.   The value of active membership in professional societies will be discussed.  Students will read professional journals and present information gleaned from the articles.   Students will develop a resume and professional portfolio.  Information on how to obtain and maintain certification and registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) will be outlined.  Professional obligations to remain in good standing with the ARRT will be emphasized.

Radiation Biology 231 ‑ 15 hours

During this course, the student will study the effects of ionizing radiation on living tissue.  Topics include types of radiation, radiation syndromes, and somatic and genetic effects.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and class discussions.  The movie “The Day After” will be viewed and discussed.

Radiographic Pathology 240 ‑ 40 hours
The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to different diseases and their effects on the body.  Diseases will be grouped according to the body systems.  How radiography is employed to aid in the diagnosis of the disease and how the disease affects the radiographic image will be discussed.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and class discussions.  Radiologists will be guest lecturers.

Radiation Protection 242 ‑ 25 hours
This course provides an understanding of the importance and necessity for radiation protection.  Topics include sources of radiation, units of measures for radiation, and instruments for detecting and measuring radiation.  Equipment and procedures for protecting patients and personnel from excessive radiation exposure are stressed.  Federal and state regulations concerning radiation protection are reviewed.  Methods of instruction include lectures, PowerPoint presentations, and class discussions.

Registry Review 240 - 50 hours
This course provides an overall review of materials taught during the two-year educational process.  Topics of difficulty from each course are examined for review.  The student will present a review session on an assigned portion of the ARRT Content Specifications.  Also included in this course is the administration of simulated Registry examinations.

Clinical Education 110, 120, 210, 220 ‑ 2500 hours
This course is the application, evaluation, and participation of general radiographic procedures under the direct and indirect supervision of registered radiologic technologists/radiologists. An introduction and minimal rotation into all imaging areas: Nuclear Medicine, Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Radiation Oncology, and Ultrasound are provided.  Rotations will include Presbyterian Medical Center, Charlotte Orthopedic Hospital, Matthews Medical Center, Huntersville Medical Center, Mint Hill Medical Center, Museum Imaging Center, and Ballantyne Imaging Center.