Course Catalog

Radiologic Technology - RT23 Degree


The Radiologic Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree program is a sequence of courses that prepares students to enter the field as an entry-level radiographer. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of didactic and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates receive an associate of applied science degree, have the qualifications of a radiographer, and are eligible to sit for the Radiography Examination of the ARRT.

The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program is to provide its students, through didactic and clinical experiences, the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to acquire and retain entry level positions in the radiology technology field.

Requirements:

  • Submit a completed application and application fee
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
  • Present acceptable SAT or ACT scores taken within the last 60 months, or acceptable ACCUPLACER, COMPASS or ASSET scores taken within the last 60 months. Documentation on a college transcript of successful completion of appropriate courses from a regionally accredited college or university may be accepted in lieu of test scores.

Additional Program Requirements:

  • American Heart Association Provider CPR Certification, physical examination, up-to-date immunizations, criminal background check and drug screen required prior to start of clinical rotation.
  • Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Radiologic Technology program.
  • Students are accepted to the program based on a competitive admissions process. Program-specific competitive admission requirements are available online.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging is often part of the Medical Imaging Department in our clinical affiliate facilities; therefore safety education is required of all Radiologic Technology students. Prior to entering the MRI environment, all Radiologic Technology students must watch a MRI Safety video and complete a screening form. Potential Radiologic Technology students may view this video at https://vimeo.com/47300914. For students deemed unable to enter the MR environment, rotations will be scheduled to protect the student.

Start Terms:

  • This program begins each Fall semester on the Valdosta campus.
Curriculum Outline (77 hours)
General Core Courses 15
Area I - Language Arts/Communication (3 Hours) 3
ENGL 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Reading and Writing Scores Co-requisite(s): None Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Area II - Social/Behavior Science - Complete 3 Hours 3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics - Choose One of the Following (3 Hours) 3
MATH 1101

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
MATH 1111

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Degree Level Math Scores Co-requisite(s): None Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts - Complete 3 Hours 3
General Education Core Elective - Complete 3 Hours 3
Occupational Courses 62
BIOL 2113

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113L, ENGL 1101 Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.

1
BIOL 2114

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L w/ a “C” or better Co-requisite(s): BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

1
ALHS 1090

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): None Co-requisite(s): None Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
RADT 1200

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides instruction on the principles of cell radiation interaction. Radiation effects on cells and factors affecting cell response are presented. Acute and chronic effects of radiation are discussed. Topics include: radiation detection and measurement; patient protection; personnel protection; absorbed dose equivalencies; agencies and regulations; introduction to radiation biology; cell anatomy, radiation/cell interaction; and effects of radiation.

2
RADT 1010

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L Co-requisite(s): None Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Provides the student with an overview of radiography and patient care. Students will be oriented to the radiographic profession as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on patient care with consideration of both physical and psychological conditions. Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: ethics, medical and legal considerations, Right to Know Law, professionalism, basic principles of radiation protection, basic principles of exposure, equipment introduction, health care delivery systems, hospital and departmental organization, hospital and technical college affiliation, medical emergencies, pharmacology/contrast agents, media, OR and mobile procedures patient preparation, death and dying, body mechanics/transportation, basic life support/CPR, and patient care in radiologic sciences.

4
RADT 1030

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Introduces the knowledge required to perform radiologic procedures applicable to the human anatomy. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include: introduction to radiographic procedures; positioning terminology; positioning considerations; procedures, anatomy, and topographical anatomy related to body cavities, bony thorax, upper extremities, shoulder girdle; and lower extremities.

3
RADT 1075

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission The content of this course introduces factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image using analog and digital radiographic equipment found in diagnostic radiology. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and techniques required to produce high quality diagnostic radiographic images. Topics include: Image quality (radiographic density; radiographic contrast; recorded detail; distortion; grids; image receptors and holders (analog and digital); processing considerations (analog and digital); image acquisition (analog, digital, and PACS); image analysis; image artifacts (analog and digital); Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system will assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.

4
RADT 1320

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 12 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Introduces students to the hospital clinical setting and provides an opportunity for students to participate in or observe radiographic procedures. Topics include: orientation to hospital areas and procedures; orientation to mobile/surgery; orientation to radiography and fluoroscopy; participation in and/or observation of procedures related to body cavities, the shoulder girdle, and upper extremities. Activities of students are under direct supervision.

4
RADT 1060

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of the pelvic girdle; anatomy and routine projections of the spine, gastrointestinal (GI) procedures; genitourinary (GU) procedures; biliary system procedures; and minor procedures.

3
RADT 1065

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content of this course is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Other topics include the nature and characteristics of x-radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; x-ray production; the properties of x-rays and the fundamentals of x-ray photon interaction with matter.

2
RADT 1085

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 2 Lab 2 - 2 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission, Program Instructor Approval Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Content establishes a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic and mobile equipment requirements and design. The content also provides a basic knowledge of Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) devices, beam restriction, filtration, quality control, and quality management principles of analog and digital systems. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.

3
RADT 2090

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 1 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 3 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of the cranium; anatomy and routine projections of the facial bones; anatomy and routine projections of the sinuses; sectional anatomy of the head, neck,thorax and abdomen.

2
RADT 1330

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 21 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Continues introductory student learning experiences in the hospital setting. Topics include: equipment utilization; exposure techniques; attend to and/or observation of routine projections of the lower extremities, pelvic girdle, and spine; attend to and/or observation of procedures related to the gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and biliary systems; and attend to and/or observation of procedure related to minor radiologic procedures. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.

7
RADT 2340

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 18 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides students with continued hospital setting work experience. Students continue to develop proficiency in executing procedures introduced in Radiographic Procedures. Topics include: patient care; behavioral and social competencies; performance and/or observation of minor special procedures, special equipment use, and participation in and/or observation of cranial and facial radiography. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.

6
RADT 2260

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 3 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 0 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for radiographers. Topics include: image production and evaluation; radiographic procedures; anatomy, physiology, pathology, and terminology; equipment operation and quality control; radiation protection; and patient care and education.

3
RADT 2360

Weekly Contact Hours: Lecture - 0 Lab 2 - 0 Lab 3 - 27 Pre-requisite(s): Program Admission Co-requisite(s): Program Admission Provides students with continued hospital setting work experience. Students demonstrate increased proficiency levels in skills introduced in all of the radiographic procedures courses and practiced in previous clinical radiography courses. Topics include: patient care; behavioral and social competency; advanced radiographic anatomy; equipment utilization; exposure techniques; sterile techniques; integration of procedures and/or observation of angiographic, interventional, minor special procedures; integration of procedures and/or observation of special equipment use; integration of procedures and/or observation of routine and special radiographic procedures; and final completion of all required clinical competencies. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.

9
Faculty
Advisor

Radiologic Technology Program Coordinator

Advisor

Radiology Technology Clinical Coordinator

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