Radiologic Sciences
Academic Plans
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BSRS Sophomore Transfer (Class of 2023+) -
BSRS Traditional
Courses
RS 100: Fundamentals of Medical Imaging & Healthcare
Credits 2This course provides students an introduction to the essential elements of medical imaging and the healthcare environment. Included are topics ranging from school and professional history, hospital and school policies and procedures, organizational structures, the inter-relationship of select professional organizations, healthcare economics, patient communication and customer service skills, and avenues for professional development and continuing education. The basic principles of radiation protection and health and hygiene will be discussed as well as a brief introduction to the specialty areas of radiology. The student will begin to gain an appreciation for the medical imaging environment and the critical role it plays in the delivery of quality medical care.
RS 120: Principles of Radiologic Physics
Credits 3This course provides a foundation for the technology of radiologic sciences. Topics discussed include atomic structure and mechanics the nature of electricity and magnetism, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Also included are topics dealing with basic circuits and circuit theory, x-ray tube design and operation, digital imaging, x-ray production and interactions, as well as the technology fundamental to its effective usage and control. Operator and equipment safety will be emphasized throughout the course.
RS 201: Image Analysis I
Credits 3This course is designed to assist students in recognizing the difference between optimal and sub-optimal radiographic images to include chest, abdomen, upper extremities, and shoulder girdle. The student will develop and implement a plan to determine the positioning and technical factors required to create an optimal image.
RS 204: Radiographic Procedures I
Credits 3Radiographic Procedures I will provide information on various radiographic procedures. It is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the routine radiographic positions and their underlying anatomical features. This course will provide the foundational information that will then be applied in the course RS 204L.
RS 204L: Radiographic Procedures I – Lab
Credits 1Clinical Radiography I Lab will provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate routine radiographic positions and their application in a radiographic room with emphasis on proper use of equipment used in radiographic imaging, safety protection devices and patient communication.
RS 205: Image Production & Management
Credits 3This course provides a foundation for understanding and applying the principles of x-radiation to medical image production. Factors of image quality, image geometry, and exposure factor variables, methods of scatter control, quality control procedures, image-receptor technology, x-ray beam characteristics and exposure technique selection will be covered. Students should expect to be proficient at x-ray exposure technique preparation for general radiographic procedures.
RS 206C: Clinical Radiography I
Credits 2Clinical Radiography I provides the student with opportunities to apply learned positioning skills in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. Students will master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed in the radiology department while being exposed to patient procedures under the direct/indirect supervision of a registered technologist.
RS 207: Radiographic Procedures II
Credits 3Radiologic Procedures II provides information on various radiographic procedures. It is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the routine and non-routine radiographic positions, to include fluoroscopic, mobile and trauma radiography, and the underlying anatomical features. This course provides the foundational information that will then be applied in the course RS 207L.
RS 207L: Radiographic Procedures II – Lab
Credits 1Clinical Radiography II Lab will provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate routine as well as non-routine radiographic positions and their application in a radiographic room. Emphasis on proper use of equipment used in imaging will include the fluoroscopic unit and mobile x-ray machine as well as radiation safety protection devices.
RS 208: Image Analysis II
Credits 3This course is designed to assist the student in recognizing the difference between optimal and sub-optimal radiographic images to include lower extremities, pelvis, bony thorax, spine, and skull imaging. The students will utilize the evaluation plan developed in Image Analysis I to determine the positioning and technical factors required to create an acceptable image.
RS 211C: Clinical Radiography II
Credits 3Clinical Radiography II provides the student with clinical application needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed in the radiology department while being exposed to patient procedures under the direct/indirect supervision of a registered technologist.
RS 220: Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences I
Credits 2This course introduces the student to fundamental patient care procedures commonly expected of medical imaging professionals. Basic nursing skills and communication essential to the radiographer will be emphasized. Topics covered include communication strategies specific to medical imaging, patient handling techniques, human diversity, medical histories and records documentation, infection control, and vital signs. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the vital role the radiographer plays as a member of the healthcare team and the professional standards of the conduct expected.
RS 230: Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences II
Credits 2This course is a continuation of RS 220 (Patient Care in Radiologic Sciences I). In this course, topics include medical emergencies, pharmacology and the principles of drug administration, medical law and professional ethics, contrast media and the introduction of radiopharmaceuticals, non-aseptic techniques and procedures, surgical radiography and aseptic techniques, and the care of patients in medical imaging under a variety of imaging situations. Students will continue to integrate the role of the radiographer into the concept of a multidisciplinary health team.
RS 301: Radiographic Pathology
Credits 3This course acquaints the future radiographer with some of the basic radiologic interpretive techniques in medical imaging evaluation. Various disease processes will be discussed and their radiologic manifestations. The general intent of this course is to give radiographers an appreciation of the challenge radiologists have in image interpretation and the vital role medical imaging professionals play in achieving optimum image quality. Students will present classroom presentations on selected disease processes.
RS 302: Ancillary Imaging and Cross-Sectional Anatomy
Credits 2This course will introduce the student to the various imaging modalities within a contemporary healthcare setting. Students will gain an understanding of the patient’s pathway from diagnosis to treatment. Various allied health specialties such as cardiac catheterization, CT, MRI, radionuclide imaging, sonography, women’s imaging, radiology, and radiation oncology will be discussed. Cross-sectional anatomy will be covered as it relates to a patient’s diagnosis.
RS 303C: Clinical Radiography III
Credits 6Clinical Radiography III will provide the student with essential clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed in the radiology department while being exposed to patient procedures under the direct/indirect supervision of a registered technologist. Emphasis will be on Fluoroscopy, mobile and off-hour radiography.
RS 304: Principles of Radiation Protection and Radiobiology
Credits 3This course discusses radiation protection practices as utilized in a modern medical imaging department. Radiation effects at the molecular and cellular level will be presented as well as the factors effecting biological responses to irradiation including acute and chronic effects. Federal, State, and International standards will be reviewed along with techniques and methods the professional radiographer can use to ensure minimum exposure to the general public and occupational personnel. Other topics to be covered include ALARA, personnel monitoring, equipment characteristics, department design theory and the vital role members of the radiation protection team play in keeping exposure levels to a minimum. An outside observation assignment is a requirement of this course.
RS 305: Advanced Radiologic Physics
Credits 3This course is designed as a follow-up to radiologic physics and investigates the imaging technologies of fluoroscopy and image intensification, flat-panel digital technology, image display systems, film/screen imaging, computed (CR), direct radiography (DR) and computer applications in medical imaging. A particular emphasis will be placed on the use of computers in medical image formation and management (PACS). Additionally, specialized radiology equipment will be discussed including tomography, and mobile and portable units. The role of the radiographer in quality control management will be a consistent theme in this course.
RS 306: Clinical Radiography IV
Credits 4Clinical Radiography IV will provide the student with the necessary clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. Emphasis will be on surgical, trauma and off-hour radiography.
RS 310: Radiographic Pathology
Credits 2This course is designed to acquaint the future radiographer with some of the basic radiologic interpretive techniques in medical imaging evaluation. Common disease processes will be discussed as well as their radiologic manifestations. Interpretive skills used by radiologists will be emphasized as they relate to optimum medical image quality, and the role a medical imaging professional plays in delivery quality images. Classroom format will be participative with selected case study student presentations.
RS 333C: Clinical Radiography II
Credits 4Clinical Radiography II provides the student with clinical application needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed in the radiology department while being exposed to patient procedures under the direct/indirect supervision of a registered technologist. Emphasis will be on general, fluoroscopy, and mobile radiography.
RS 343C: Clinical Radiography III
Credits 3Clinical Radiography III will provide the student with the necessary clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital/clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. Emphasis will be on surgical, trauma, fluoroscopy, mobile radiography, and off-hour radiography.
RS 410: Principles of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Credits 3This course provides the student with entry-level knowledge of contemporary magnetic resonance scanning. Topics to be covered include MRI nuclear physics, signal generation, protocols and sequencing, patient care and MRI safety, instrumentation and image evaluation, coil technology and applications, MRI angiography and common clinical applications of MRI scanning technology. This course is supplemented by a concurrent clinical practicum.
RS 410C: MRI – Clinical
Credits 2This course is designed to compliment the didactic course in MRI scanning and runs concurrently. Students will be assigned to actual MRI clinical sites and placed alongside experienced MR technologists. Areas to be covered during this clinical practicum include MR patient and physician communications, pulse sequences and scanning protocols, image quality assessment and quality control, MR scanner operation and MR patient and operator safety. Additionally, there will be clinical experience in coil selection and placement, patient positioning, patient care specific to MR scanning and MR angiography. Image critique and cross-sectional anatomy and pathology seen on MR images are included for discussion. Students completing this course should be prepared to continue the clinical requirements in preparation for MR certification.
RS 420: Principles of Computerized Tomographic Imaging (CT)
Credits 3This course presents the fundamental physical principles of current CT scanning technology. Topics to be covered will include a review of the historical development of CT technology, CT image production, back projection and cone-beam technologies, detector design and operation, software applications, x-ray tube design considerations, CT image geometry and image reconstruction techniques and methods to minimize dosages to patients and staff. Additionally, the patient care considerations unique to CT procedures will be discussed. An emphasis will be placed on multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) and its clinical applications. This course is supplemented by a concurrent clinical practicum.
RS 420C: CT- Clinical
Credits 2This course compliments the didactic course in CT scanning and provides CT experiences in a contemporary CT imaging department. Students will be assigned to CT clinical sites and placed alongside experienced CT technologists. Areas to be covered during this clinical practicum include CT patient care, physician communications, CT scanning protocols, image quality assessment and quality control, CT scanner operation and patient and operator safety. Students will demonstrate competency in basic, entry-level CT procedures and will be prepared to continue the post-graduation clinical requirements for CT certification.
RS 430: Principles of Women’s Imaging
Credits 3This course provides a basic understanding of the principles of mammographic imaging as well as osteoporosis detection. Included in this course will be topics such as breast anatomy and pathology, mammographic equipment design and operation, positioning skills and patient care considerations, quality control procedures, and interventional breast procedures, including basic ultrasonography of the breast. Also included will be the theory and operation of dual emission x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Both women’s imaging specialties will be supported by clinical experiences as a separate course and runs concurrently.
RS 430C: Women’s Imaging – Clinical
Credits 2Students in this course will be assigned to an accredited mammography facility offering a full range of women’s health services. Emphasis will be placed on breast cancer detection technologies including mammography and stereotactic localization. Additionally, students will learn the procedural skills of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Students should expect to develop entry-level skills necessary in a contemporary Women’s Imaging department and in doing so, will begin preparation for certification in mammography and DXA scanning.
RS 440: Senior Practicum
Credits 2Clinical Radiography V provides the student with essential clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital and clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. This course will continue to place emphasis on an ever-changing environment that encourages continued development of routine radiographic procedures, as well as non-routine. The student will begin to practice performing procedures in a timely manner, as dictated by the patient situation, while maintaining image quality.
RS 443C: Clinical Radiology IV
Credits 4Clinical Radiography IV provides the student with essential clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in hospital and clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. This course will continue to place emphasis on an ever-changing environment that encourages continued development of routine radiographic procedures, as well as non-routine. The student will begin to practice performing procedures in a timely manner, as dictated by the patient situation, while maintaining image quality.
RS 450: Senior Practicum
Credits 3Clinical Radiography VI will provide the student with the necessary clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in a hospital and clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills and experiences related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. Emphasis will be placed upon critical thinking skills in a complex medical imaging environment. Clinical experiences in this course will complement the completion of the student’s portfolio. Students will complete the required American Registry of Radiologic Technologist clinical competencies during this course.
RS 453C: Clinical Radiology V
Credits 4Clinical Radiography V will provide the student with the necessary clinical education needed in the practice of radiography. Clinical rotations will take place in hospital and clinic setting. The student will continue to master the skills and experiences related to the functions and procedures performed during radiographic examinations. Emphasis will be placed upon critical thinking skills in a complex medical imaging environment. Clinical experiences in this course will complement the completion of the student’s portfolio. Students will complete the required American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) clinical competencies during this course.
RS 470: Radiology Synthesis
Credits 1This course will enhance the transition of students into professional radiology practice. A cumulative review for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) boards exams will occur. Mock board exam will be given.