Course Syllabus

Shore Medical Center ~ School of Radiologic Technology

A cooperative program with Atlantic Cape Community College

COURSE SYLLABUS

COURSE TITLE: RADX205 – Introduction to Advanced Imaging Modalities     

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK AND MATERIALS:

• Bontrager K., Lampignano, J., & Kendrick, L. Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy, (8^th ed.) Mosby, Elsevier            ISBN 978-0-323-08388-1
• Bontrager K., Lampignano, J., & Kendrick, L. Textbook of Radiographic Positioning & Related Anatomy (8^th ed.) Mosby, Elsevier (Workbook) ISBN 978-0-323-08832-9

• Carlton, R., & Adler, A. (2013). Principles of Radiographic Imaging (5^th ed.) Delmar Cengage Learning ISBN 978-1-4390-5872-5

 

www.canvas.infrastructure.com                        www.evolve.elsevier.com

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course presents students with an overview of sectional anatomy, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging modalities. Course work will include basic concepts related to advanced imaging – basic definitions, physical principles, clinical application and technologist responsibilities.

 

PRE-REQUISITE: RADX201

 

CO-REQUISITES: RADX202, RADX203, RADX204, and RADX206

ADA STATEMENT: As per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), accommodations for disabilities can be provided to students who provide documentation to Atlantic Cape's Disability Support Services (DSS) office. A licensed healthcare professional must provide this documentation, and it must be current (issued within the last five years).  Student accommodations cannot be provided for a course unless the student is first registered with the DSS office.  For more information, please contact Lucy McGlynn (email: lmcglynn@atlantic.edu and/or phone: 609-343-5090.

LEARNING GOALS:

This course provides students with the opportunity to investigate advanced imaging modalities and the role that medical imaging plays in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Content is designed to offer the entry-level student radiographer an understanding pertinent thoracic, abdominal, pelvic and brain anatomy.  Students will distinguish basic operating principles of CT, MRI, Radiation Therapy, Nuclear Medicine/PET, Ultrasound, Mammograpy and Bone Densitmetry.  The radiographic appearance of anatomical structures will be discussed.  The professional responsibilities of imaging technologist will be emphasized with various guest lecturers.

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of the Radiologic Technology Program, the student will:

1. Student will classify anatomical structures in the correct plane and location.
2. Students will identify the location of anatomical structures in the thorax, abdomen, pelvis, and brain.
3. Students will differentiate CT scanners and express how images are acquired, reconstructed, and displayed by CT system.
4. Students will differentiate MR scan parameters and identify different purposes of spin density.
5. Students will differentiate between Angiography and Interventional procedures. Students will explain patient preparation and contraindications for angiography imaging.
6. Students will discriminate between anatomical, functional and treatment modalities.
7. Students will prepare patient for bone density scan and translate bone density scores.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

 

Computed Tomography

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Explain the invention and technological advancement of the CT system
• List the major components of a CT system
• Explain the basic operating principles of CT imaging, including x-ray transmission, data acquisition, image reconstruction, window width, and level.
• Explain the weight limit and aperture opening of CT gantry.
• Describe the major display features possible with current CT technology.
• Identify the scan parameters for thorax, abdomen/pelvis, and brain CT studies.
• Describe various specialized CT procedures to include purpose, procedure and scan parameters.
• Define pathological indications related to CT procedures

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Explain how MR produces an image
• Describe the components of an MR unit: stationary magnet, gradient and RF coils, table and computer console.
• Compare the process of MR image productions with that of other imaging modalities
• Explain how tissue signal is generated and received by the body tissues
• Explain how image contrast is produced in the MR image
• Identify basic MR safety conditions
• Identify information needed when preparing a patient for an MR scan
• Identify the type of contrast agent used in MR
• State the appearance of specific tissue types on T1 and T2-weighted images
• Define pathological indications related to MR procedures

Angiography and Interventional Radiography

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Identify the six steps for the Seldinger technique
• Identify the equipment generally found in an angiography room
• Differentiate between the clinical indications, contraindications and general procedures for angiography and interventional procedures
• Describe the types of contrast media and operation of injection devices
• Identify specific examples of vascular and nonvascular interventional procedures
• Define pathological indications related to angiography procedures

Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Identify basic operating principles related to nuclear medicine imaging
• List and define the purpose of radionuclides used for NM and PET procedures
• Describe the responsibilities for members of the NM team
• Define pathological indications related to nuclear medicine imaging
• Discuss the similarities and differences between SPECT and PET
• Describe the basic operating principles of PET imaging
• Identify the pathological conditions best seen with nuclear medicine and PET imaging

Radiation Oncology (Therapy)

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Distinguish between internal and external types of radiation therapy
• Identify the energy level, characteristics, and advantages of the major types of radiation therapy units
• List the specific responsibilities of radiation oncology team members
• Define the major components of linear accelerators

Ultrasound

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Identify basic operating principles related to ultrasound (sonography)
• List the characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of ultrasound systems
• Distinguish the purpose, transducer used and pathologic indications demonstrated with ultrasound procedures

Bone Densitometry

Lecture:

Students will be able to:

• Recall the major components of bone and their function
• List common clinical and pathological indicators for osteoporosis
• Explain the risk factors associated with osteopenia/osteoporosis
• Explain the WHO diagnostic criteria
• Describe the general types of agents approved by the FDA for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis
• Identify the most common types of equipment, methods and techniques for determining bone mineral density
• Discuss the difference between K-edge filtered and energy switching measurement systems
• Describe the positioning details and three bone compartments used for BMD measurements
• Identify the radiation protection precautions and ALARA principles that apply to DXA

ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES:

Student Learning Outcome	Assessment Strategies
Students will differentiate CT scanners and express how images are acquired, reconstructed, and displayed by CT system. Students will demonstrate window width and level.	Critical Thinking Questions, Case studies, Chapter Review Questions, Demonstrations, & Quizzes
Students will differentiate MR scan parameters and identify different purposes of spin density. Student will recognize safe and unsafe conditions in the MR suite.	Critical Thinking Questions, Case studies, Chapter Review Questions, Demonstrations, & Quizzes
Students will differentiate Angiography and Interventional procedures. Students will explain patient preparation and contraindications for angiography imaging	Critical Thinking Questions, Case studies, Chapter Review Questions, Demonstrations, & Quizzes
Students will discriminate between anatomical, functional and treatment modalities	Critical Thinking Questions, Case studies, Chapter Review Questions, Demonstrations, & Quizzes
Students will prepare patient for bone density scan and translate bone density scores.	Case studies, Critical Thinking Questions, Chapter Review Questions, Demonstrations, & Quizzes

GRADING SCHEMATIC:

Letter Grade	Numerical Range	Conversion
A	93 – 100%	Outstanding
A-	90 - 92%	Excellent
B+	87 - 89%	Exemplary
B	83 – 86%	Very Good
B-	80 – 82 %	Good
C+	77 – 79%	Acceptable   Program Dismissal –  Clinical grade 79% and lower
C	75 – 76%	Marginal
D	60 - 74%	Failing/Poor – Program Dismissal – Didactic grade 74% or lower
F	Below 60%
I	Incomplete
W	Official Withdrawal	With approval by Program Director
E	Unofficial Withdrawal	Without approval by Program Director

Reading & Written Assignments: All reading and written assignments should be completed prior to class, unless otherwise stated. 

 

Student Responsibilities: To obtain maximum benefit from this course, it is the student’s responsibility for attending all scheduled classes, completing all assigned readings and instructor handouts, as well as, actively participating in class discussions and activities.   Class attendance policy will follow school policy delineated in Handbook.

 

All students are required to meet a C or higher (75%) to maintain status within the program.

 

Grading Procedure and Criteria

Students are required to maintain a C (75%) or higher average to maintain their status in the program. Quiz, test, projects, and lab competency are part of overall score.

1. All tests will account for 40% of final grade
2. All quizzes will account for 20% of the final grade (includes Laboratory and Image Evaluation and Exposure Journal)
3. Final exam will account for 40% of final grade.
4. Didactic Attendance Policy ~ Chapter 2 Student Handbook.The instructor reserves the right to revise this syllabus at any time during the semester. Advance notice of any changes may be given whenever possible. 
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