Aurora St. Luke's Medical Center School of Radiologic
Technology
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Curriculum
Overview
The curriculum consists of both academic and clinical components and
is based on two years of full-time study. The program is divided into
six semesters. Fall and spring semesters are twenty weeks; summer
semesters are seven weeks.
Our curriculum is based on the Standards for an Accredited
Educational Program in Radiologic Sciences as established by the Joint
Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), the
curriculum recommendations of the American Society of Radiologic
Technologists (ASRT) and the Task Inventory of the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The faculty presents the curriculum
through formal lecture, laboratory and clinical applications to enhance
the learning experience. Transfer credits
All enrolled students must complete the prescribed curriculum in its
entirety in order to graduate from the program. The program does not
accept transfer credits from colleges and/or universities due to the
highly specialized nature of our program's curriculum. In addition, the
program does not accept transfer students from other JRCERT accredited
certificate programs.
Course descriptions
SEMESTER I
Intro to Radiologic Technology (2 credits)
This course is designed to prepare the student for clinical
practice. The first three weeks is devoted to program orientation which
provides an overview of radiography, various imaging modalities, and a
review of medical terminology, basic math skills, and atomic structure.
An overview of human anatomy, radiographic positioning and procedures,
imaging principles, radiographic equipment, and radiation protection is
also provided. This course also introduces the student to the basic
concepts of patient care, including consideration for the physical and
psychological needs of the patient and family, emergency care, CPR,
pharmacology, and standard precautions are also covered. The
pharmacology of contrast media is introduced. Medical ethics, legal
issues and cultural diversity will be discussed.
Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology I (3 credits)
In this course the student studies both the structure and physiology of
the human body as they relate to radiography. This course focuses on the
cells, tissues, thoracic and abdominal structures, the urinary system
and skeletal anatomy of the upper extremity.
Radiographic Exposure I (2 credits)
This course provides the student with knowledge of radiographic
qualities and the factors influencing those qualities. This semester the
student is introduced to the principles of x-ray production,
interactions with matter, the x-ray tube, and exposure factors. The
relationship between exposure factors and radiographic quality is also
discussed.
Radiographic Procedures I (3 credits)
This course provides the student with radiographic positioning for the
chest, abdomen, upper extremity, and urinary system. Students practice
positioning skills in the laboratory and demonstrate proficiency by
written testing and skills demonstration in a laboratory setting. Each
unit includes radiographic image evaluation modules which correlate
knowledge and skills from several didactic units, laboratory assignments
and clinical education. Through the image evaluation component students
learn to identify radiographic anatomy, evaluate diagnostic quality,
identify images that are of poor radiographic quality as well as
determine the appropriate corrective actions for unacceptable images.
Clinical Education I (4 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows students to rotate through
all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress in
competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
SEMESTER II
Radiation Protection (2 credits)
This course covers all aspects of radiation protection for both the
patient and the radiographer. Specific topics include radiation safety
methods and devices as well as the detection and measurement of
radiation dose.
Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology II (3 credits)
In this course the student studies both the structure and physiology of
the human body as they relate to radiography. This course focuses on the
digestive system, accessory digestive organs, and skeletal anatomy of
the lower extremity, thorax, spine and skull.
Radiographic Exposure II (3 credits)
This course provides the student with knowledge of radiographic
qualities and the factors influencing those qualities. This semester the
student is introduced to the geometric factors, scatter radiation,
digital imaging equipment, grids, beam restriction, filters and
compensating filters.
Radiographic Procedures II (3 credits)
The procedure course provides the student with radiographic positioning
for lower extremity, spine, skull and digestive and accessory digestive
system structures. Students practice positioning skills in the
laboratory and demonstrate proficiency by written testing and skills
demonstration in a laboratory setting. Each unit includes radiographic
image evaluation modules which correlate knowledge and skills from
several didactic units, laboratory assignments and clinical education.
Through the image evaluation component students learn to identify
radiographic anatomy, evaluate diagnostic quality, identify images that
are of poor radiographic quality as well as determine the appropriate
corrective actions for unacceptable images
Clinical Education II (5 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows students to rotate through
all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress in
competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
SEMESTER III
Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology III (1 credit)
In this course the student studies both the structure and physiology of
the human body as they relate to radiography. This semester focuses on
breast and the circulatory system. The physiochemical process is
discussed.
Radiographic Procedures III (1 credit)
The student learns basic concepts of advanced imaging methods, special
procedures and supplementary imaging modalities.
Clinical Education III (2 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows students to rotate through
all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress in
competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
SEMESTER IV
Radiation Biology (1 credits)
Radiation biology covers radiation effects on the cellular, tissue,
organ and systemic structures of the human body. Long term somatic
effects, short terms somatic effects and genetic effects are
investigated.
Radiographic Procedures IV (3 credits)
This course provides the student with radiographic positioning for the
facial and temporal bones. Students practice positioning skills in the
laboratory and demonstrate proficiency by written testing and skills
demonstration in a laboratory setting. Each unit includes radiographic
image evaluation modules which correlate knowledge and skills from
several didactic units, laboratory assignments and clinical education.
Through the image evaluation component students learn to identify
radiographic anatomy, evaluate diagnostic quality, identify images that
are of poor radiographic quality as well as determine the appropriate
corrective actions for unacceptable images. In addition, this course
also provides instruction in venipuncture and CT imaging of the head.
Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology IV (3 credits)
In this course the student studies both the structure and physiology of
the human body as they relate to radiography. This semester focuses on
the blood, lymphatic system, reproductive systems, fetal development,
nervous system and the muscular system. In addition, cross sectional
anatomy of the head is also covered.
Radiographic Exposure III (3 credits)
This course exposes the student is also introduced to the principles of
fluoroscopy, AEC, tomography and mobile imaging equipment, The
components of film-screen imaging, including theory of image formation
are investigated. The function and systems of a chemical processors,
film sensitometry, and film/processing artifacts are explained.
Radiographic Physics I (3 credits)
This course provides basic electronics and electrical theory, x-ray
circuitry, equipment operation and maintenance, computer fundamentals
and digital image acquisition and display.
Clinical Education IV (5 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows students to rotate through
all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress in
competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
SEMESTER V
Radiographic Physics II (3 credits)
This course familiarizes the student with current concepts in quality
assurance. The physics of advanced modalities are introduced. The
physics of radiobiology and radiation protection are also examined.
Radiographic Anatomy and Physiology V (3 credits)
In this course the student studies both the structure and physiology of
the human body as they relate to radiography. This semester focuses on
the respiratory and endocrine systems as well as special senses. In
addition, cross sectional anatomy of the neck, spine, thorax, abdomen,
pelvis, upper and lower extremities is also covered. Diagrams, CT and
MRI images are utilized.
Radiographic Interpretation (2 credits)
This course acquaints the student with pathologic processes and injury
as well as how pathology affects the radiographic appearance of anatomic
structures. The use and benefits of other imaging modalities in the
diagnosis of disease is also discussed.
Radiographic Exposure IV (3 credits)
This course integrates previous coursework through an analysis of
contrast, density/brightness, detail/resolution and distortion. Also
included are complex conversion problems and the analysis of various
technique charts/exposure systems.
Clinical Education V (5 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows students to rotate through
all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress in
competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
SEMESTER VI
Professional Development in Radiography (1 credit)
This course investigates the current topics in health care and medical
imaging. The majority of the course focuses on developing a
comprehensive understanding of professional practice through completion
of practice standards portfolio project as well as preparation for the
certification examination administered by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Clinical Education VI (2 credits)
The clinical component of our program allows the student to rotate
through all aspects of the radiologic science field. Students progress
in competence and ability on an individual basis. A total of 66
competencies, including 36 mandatory competencies, must be achieved in
the two years.
Clinical affiliates
We maintain various clinical sites to provide students with a
diverse educational experience. During the first year, students are
assigned to one of the following clinical affiliates:
During the second year, students rotate
to all of the major clinical affiliates. In addition, the school
utilizes additional rotational sites throughout the two-year program.
Evaluation of clinical performance
Each semester, the student's clinical performance is assessed. The
clinical evaluation encompasses assessment of skills: positioning,
radiation protection, equipment manipulation, patient care, as well as
the student's professional growth. The clinical component of the
semester grade is based on Instructor, Rotational and Semester
Evaluations, Competencies and Simulations. Excessive absenteeism and
tardiness will affect the student's grade.
Grading policy
The student must maintain a minimum of an 80% average in all academic
and clinical courses in order to earn course credits and remain in good
standing. The student's academic and clinical progress is evaluated at
the conclusion of each semester.
The first semester is considered probationary. Students receiving
grades below the 80% standard in 2 or more courses are requested to
withdraw from the program. Students receiving 1 failing grade are
placed on an additional 10-week probation. Students failing any course
work at the end of the 10-week probationary period are requested to
withdraw from the program. After the first semester, failure to maintain
the school's grading standard will result in probation. Subsequent
failures may lead to termination from the program.
In addition to semester coursework, proficiency examinations are
administered periodically throughout the program. Failure of these
examinations will impact the student's status.
Graduation
The following criteria must be met to graduate:
- The student must earn all necessary credits.
- The student must successfully complete all identified “Clinical
Competencies."
- The student must achieve all required exit outcomes/competencies.
- The student must fulfill any monetary agreements made with the
Department and/or the Medical Center. This includes full payment of
tuition and fees.
- The student must return all Departmental and/or Medical Center
property prior to leaving on the final day of scheduled attendance.
Upon successful fulfillment of these criteria, the student will be
awarded a diploma and pin, indicating the status of Graduate of Aurora
St. Luke's Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.
Certification
Upon satisfactory completion of the prescribed
curriculum and other listed criteria, the student receives a certificate
of graduation. This certificate enables the graduate to apply for
registration through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
After successful completion of this 200 question examination, the
graduate is registered in the field of Radiologic Technology and may use
the title Registered Technologist - Radiographer, RT(R) (ARRT). |
