Course Descriptions

 

Radiologic Technology

Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III, IV
	Length of Course:	120 hours
	Prerequisite:	None for A & P

A comprehensive knowledge of human structure and human function is imperative for the practicing radiologic technologist. This knowledge is acquired through an in-depth study of each system of the body. During Anatomy and Physiology, student radiologic technologists develop an understanding of the following systems and an appreciation of the relationship between each system: integumentary, skeletal, digestive, urinary, respiratory, circulatory, nervous, musculature, reproductive, endocrine, special senses and embryology.

Applied Radiographic Calculations
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	None; minimum of one semester algebra recommended

This course is intended as a review of the following mathematical principles: fractions, decimals, percents, exponents, perfect squares and square roots, ratios and proportions, metric system, graphs, and algebraic work problems. Mastery of these skills is required in order for students to proceed to other courses included in the radiologic technology curriculum.

Clinical Practicum I, II, III, IV, V, VI
	Length of Course:	24 months (2,005 hours)
	Prerequisite:	Enrollment in Rad. Tech. Program

This portion of the educational program provides students with the opportunity to correlate knowledge gained in the classroom with applied practical situations. This goal is achieved by scheduling students for specific clinical assignments, during which time, they function as a student technologist and therefore, as a member of the health care team.

The Clinical Practicum is divided into semesters, each with established clinical performance objectives. The clinical performance grade submitted at the conclusion of each phase is determined from a comparison of the expected level of performance in each phase to the student's actual level of performance.

Computers in Radiology I
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	None

An introduction to fundamental principles of computer technology includes a discussion of computer concepts and terminology. Computer applications in radiology are identified and explained.

Film Critique I, II, III
	Length of Course:	30 hours
	Prerequisite:	None for Film Critique I

This course is designed to give students the ability to critique films in order to determine acceptable radiographic quality. This will enable the student to evaluate technical skills, radiation protection, visibility functions, geometric functions, artifacts and the use of problem solving skills in regard to the above mentioned criteria.

Health Care Law
	Length of Course:	8 hours
	Prerequisite:	Introduction to Radiology

This unit encompasses the medical, legal and moral responsibilities of radiologic technologists toward themselves, the hospital and the patients. Discussions include topics such as how to deal with confidential information, medico legal considerations of patient care, professional guidelines and codes of ethics. Effective means of communicating and interacting with patients and other health care team members also are issues presented for discussion.

Introduction to Radiology
	Length of Course:	8 hours
	Prerequisite:	None

This introductory course is designed to familiarize the student with the professional discipline of radiologic technology. The student is oriented to the history of medicine, patient care, dynamics of learning, radiographic equipment, quality assurance, legal aspects of radiology and the progress of radiologic technology. Professional organizations which represent the radiologic department are discussed to prepare the student technologist for effective interaction within the hospital.

Medical Terminology I, II
	Length of Course:	30 hours
	Prerequisite:	None

An introduction to the medical language is necessary for radiologic technologists to communicate effectively and intelligently with other health care team members. In addition to learning the definitions of thousands of medical taerms, abbreviations and symbols, the student becomes proficient in the proper spelling, pronunciation and usage of medical terminology.

Patient Care Management
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	None

This course provides instruction in the theoretical and applied nursing skills most commonly encountered during a patient's visit to the radiology department. Students are introduced to hospital and department policies concerning the principles of isolation, sterile technique, oxygen administration and patient transport. Throughout the duration of the course, the importance of empathetic and quality patient care is continually interwoven.

Principles of Radiographic Exposure I, II
	Length of Course:	Didactic Session - 60 hours Laboratory Session - 40 hours
	Prerequisite:	Applied Radiographic Calculations

The principles of image formation are introduced in this first-year course. Students obtain a basic understanding of the characteristics and properties of radiation and the x-ray tube, the structure and function of radiographic imaging accessories, the geometry of image formation and quality assurance tests performed on radiographic equipment. The properties, functions and effects of the technical factors of kilovoltage, milliamperage and time are reinforced through discussions, experiments and calculations of work problems.

Quality Assessment
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	Exposure - Positioning I, II

An overview in quality management in an imaging department. Students will have a basic understanding of maintaining quality patient care and quality imaging. They will learn the evaluation process used to maintain high quality standards.

Radiation Biology
	Length of Course:	30 hours
	Prerequisite(s):	Radiation Physics I, II Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III

The material covered in this course is designed to create an awareness in the student of the effects of ionizing radiation on biologic tissue. The direct and indirect hit theories of radiation exposure to individual cells are discussed, as well as the acute radiation syndrome and the genetic and somatic effects of exposure to ionizing radiation.

Radiation Physics I, II
	Length of Course:	90 hours
	Prerequisite(s):	Applied Radiographic Calculations

Designed as an introduction to the fundamental principles of radiation physics, this course concentrates on the physical properties of electromagnetic radiation, the mechanisms of radiation production and its interactions with matter. Also included is information on the structure of matter, as well as basic principles of electricity and magnetism, components of the x-ray circuit and the entire integrated circuit. Quality assurance is taught for the evaluation of accuracy and radiation levels produced by radiographic equipment in order to maintain a safe and effective radiology department.

Radiation Protection
	Length of Course:	30 hours
	Prerequisite(s):	Radiation Physics I Introduction to Radiology Exposure I

This course provides instruction to the student regarding safety standards for ionizing radiation. Barrier precautions for ionizing radiation, legal dose limits and maximum permissible doses for nonoccupational and occupational workers also are discussed.

Radiographic Film Processing I
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	None

This course studies the physical principles of image formation. Discussions include the structure and function of radiographic film and imaging accessories as well as maintenance of a quality assurance program. Also covered is an introduction to the chemistry and mechanisms of manual and automatic processing.

Radiographic Procedures and Positioning I, II, III
	Length of Course:	Didactic Session - 137 hours Laboratory Session - 90 hours
	Prerqsuisite:	None for Rad. Proced. I

This course combines the theoretical and practical aspects of radiographic positioning by providing coordinated didactic and clinical sessions. Radiographic evaluation and identification are included in the didactic portion of the course.

As the course progresses, the first-year student masters and assumes responsibility for performing the fundamental positions and procedures in the laboratory sessions for each of the following categories: chest, abdomen, upper extremity and shoulder girdle, lower extremity and pelvic girdle, sialography, angiography, venography, lymphangiography, myelography and other procedures.

Radiologic Imaging Education I, II
	Length of Course:	Variable
	Prerequisite:	None for Rad. Imaging I

This course is designed to help the student understand the importance of communications in the radiology field. This is achieved by attending professional meetings, preparing and presenting scientific materials such as essays, research papers, and projects and participation in other related areas.

Radiologic Pathology I
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite(s):	Anatomy and Physiology I, II, III Principles of Radiographic Exposure Radiographic Positioning and Procedures I, II, III

This course is designed to acquaint the student with selected pathological conditions, paying particular attention to those which may affect the resulting radiographic image. Disease processes involving all systems of the body are discussed, including topics encompassing benign and malignant processes, the effects of trauma, congenital anomalies, as well as normal variants. Lectures are highlighted with the presentation of radiographs which demonstrate the pathologies being discussed by the radiologist staff.

Registry Review I, II
	Length of Course:	60 hours
	Prerequisite:	Second-year radiologic technology student

Simulated registry review examinations are scheduled throughout the duration of the second year of the educational program. In addition to providing a time frame for administration of each examination, question and answer sessions are scheduled following the completion of the examination.

Pharmacology
	Length of Course:	15 hours
	Prerequisite:	Second year Radiologic technology student

This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of pharmaceuticals used daily in a radiography department as well as those used less frequently. This includes narcotics used in interventional procedures as well as contrast material used in all areas. This class will also give the student the skills needed for basic venapuncture.

 

1601 Lowell Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80204
School Office: 303-899-5267