School of Radiography

Course Descriptions

RAD 262 Methods of Patient Care

This course of study is specific to the Diagnostic Imaging Department. Special consideration is focused on the basic emotional, physical, and diverse cultural needs of the patient, infection control, institutional safety, surgical asepsis, vital signs, and oxygen administration. This course will also include concentration of instruction for medical emergencies, specialized problems, pharmacology, drug administration, electrocardiograms, and venipuncture.

Learning Outcomes: The student will correctly assess patient conditions; demonstrate accepted infection control and general safety practices; respond appropriately to emergency situations; practice effective communication skills; and identify pertinent pharmaceuticals and their applications.

RAD 261 Radiation Biology and Protection

Content is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems (molecules, cells, tissues, and whole body), biological and physical factors affecting radiation responses (acute and chronic), the kinetics of cell survival, and the principles of radiation protection including the responsibilities of a radiographer for patients, personnel, and the public.

Learning Outcomes: The student will describe the biophysical mechanisms of radiation damage and the somatic and genetic effects of radiation exposure on humans; state typical dose ranges for routine radiographic procedures; explain basic methods and instruments for radiation monitoring, detection, and measurement; and apply appropriate radiation protection.

RAD 265 Principles of Radiation Production, Characteristics, and Equipment

Content is designed to establish knowledge of the concepts of radiation production, emission, and interaction with matter, radiation types and characteristics, and a base knowledge of the components, principles, and operation of radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile, tomographic, and digital imaging equipment. Factors impacting image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed.

Learning Outcomes: The student will describe the equipment and physics of x-ray production; describe basic x-ray circuitry; and relate equipment components to the imaging process.

RAD 264 Radiographic Procedures I

Content includes an introduction into basic human anatomy and radiographic positioning principles. Anatomy, positioning, and radiographic identification of thorax, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities with clinical lab experience and assessment to compliment didactic instruction will be completed. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images, the manipulation of radiographic equipment, radiation protection, and critical thinking skills in a diverse patient population.

Learning Outcomes: The student will define radiographic positioning terms; manipulate equipment properly; position and align anatomical structure and equipment; and evaluate images for proper demonstration of anatomy and pathology.

RAD 267 Radiographic Procedures II

Prerequisite: Completion of RAD 264 Radiographic Procedures I

Content is a continuation of RAD 264 with advancement of basic human anatomy and radiographic positioning principles to include: anatomy, positioning, and radiographic identification of the bony thorax, vertebral column, skull, contrast media applications, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, genitourinary, vascular, and mammography with clinical lab experience and assessment to compliment didactic instruction. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images, the manipulation of radiographic equipment, radiation protection, and critical thinking skills in a diverse patient population.

Learning Outcomes: The student will manipulate equipment properly; position and align anatomical structure and equipment; and evaluate images for proper demonstration of anatomy and pathology.

RAD 263, 266, 363, 366, 368 Radiography Clinical Practicum I - V

Content is designed to allow the student sequential development of patient care and assessment skills, competency in the performance of radiologic imaging procedures, and the ability to apply, analyze, integrate, and evaluate these concepts. Through a structured competency-based clinical practicum, concepts of team practice, patient-oriented clinical practice, and professional development are discussed, examined, and evaluated.

Learning Outcomes: The student will apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions; demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and communication in the applicable occupational language.

RAD 361 Diagnostic Image Production

Content is designed to establish a knowledge base of factors that govern and influence producing and recording radiographic images. Film and electronic imaging with related equipment are emphasized. Class and clinical lab demonstrations are used to demonstrate theoretical application.

Learning Outcomes: The student will formulate exposure factors to optimize image quality, minimize patient exposure, and preserve equipment; apply methods of image assessment; and adapt exposure variables to changing conditions.

RAD 362 Sectional Imaging and Anatomy

Content provides an entry-level radiography student the relationship of sectional imaging components, the concepts of transverse radiography, image reconstruction, and radiographic demonstration of cross-sectional anatomy of the head, thorax, abdomen, and extremities.

Learning Outcomes: The student will compare planar anatomy to sectional anatomy and recognize anatomical structures as seen in computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

RAD 364 Image Processing and Quality Management

Content is designed to develop an understanding of the components and operating principles of image processing, basic maintenance and troubleshooting procedures, and radiographic image artifact identification. Quality management in the imaging sciences will include theory and application of the basic quality control tests of radiographic equipment.

Learning Outcomes: The student will perform departmental and system evaluation, use problem-solving techniques and tools to generate solutions to quality issues.

RAD 365 Radiographic Pathology

Content is designed to introduce theories of disease causation and pathophysiologic disorders that compromise healthy human systems. Etiology, pathophysiology, age specific responses, clinical manifestations, the role of diagnostic imaging procedures, radiographic appearance of selected diseases, and the treatment and/or management are presented.

Learning Outcomes: The student will classify different types of diseases; explain the pathogenesis of common diseases; identify the appearance of common diseases on medical images; and quality assess the radiographic image.

RAD 367 Issues in Radiography

Content provides: 1) A comprehensive junior and senior year review of all radiographic courses with registry simulation testing to enhance a student’s radiographic knowledge. 2) A mid-term and final examination. (A student must pass a junior mid-term examination to continue into the senior year. A student must pass a final examination to program complete). 3) A senior year research paper on a related Radiologic topic will be completed and submitted for competition at the Michigan Society of Radiologic Technologists (MSRT) annual educational meeting. 4) A discussion of job interveiwing and the completion of a resume.

Learning Outcomes:  The student will demonstrate preparation for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist examination; use written medical terminology and display an understanding of selected radiographic topics; and prepare for employment.