Course Descriptions

Radiography Course Descriptions

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(Enter Datatel Course Numbers with the dash. i.e. ENGL-100; use commas to separate multiple Course Numbers)

RADG-001 - CLINICAL ORIENTATION 1 (1 WEEK)  
This course provides an introduction to the affiliate, the affiliate policies and procedures, and the affiliate Radiology Department. The course is designed to assure the affiliated hospital that the students will not compromise their high standards of health care. Clinical Orientation 1 & 2 are prerequisites for Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively.
This is a developmental course. Credit for this course will not be counted toward fulfilling graduation requirements at STCC.
RADG-002 - CLINICAL ORIENTATION 2 (1 WEEK)  
This course provides an introduction to the affiliate, the affiliate policies and procedures, and the affiliate Radiology Department. The course is designed to assure the affiliated hospital that the students will not compromise their high standards of health care. Clinical Orientation 1 & 2 are prerequisites for Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively.
This is a developmental course. Credit for this course will not be counted toward fulfilling graduation requirements at STCC.
RADG-111 - RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING 1  4 credits
This course provides the basis for performing anatomic positioning. Anatomic positioning is the “art” of radiography. The final product, the radiograph, is dependent upon proper anatomic positioning, as well as the proper technical factors. The ultimate purpose of all positioning is to visualize specific parts of the body, free from superimposition of anatomic structures, and pathology. This course will include development of psychomotor skills in the application of ionizing radiation to produce diagnostic radiographs of the appendicular skeleton. The laboratory section of this course affords time for the student to demonstrate and practice the radiographic positions. The lab sessions simulate conditions or situations with patients in the radiology department. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or equivalent. COREQUISITE: RADG-111L.
RADG-112 - IMAGE PRODUCTION AND EVALUATION  2 credits
An understanding of how images in radiography are recorded is necessary as a first step in obtaining the best radiograph for medical diagnosis. This introductory course covers these essentials: film, video, laser and computer images, manual and automatic processing, intensifying screens, primary exposure factors, and mathematical principles that apply to image quality. These topics include grids, beam restricting devices, density contrast, detail, geometric and other types of distortion, and ways to reduce radiation dose to the patient. COREQUISITE: RADG-112L. PREREQUISITE: ALGB-093 or equivalent.
RADG-116 - INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE  2 credits
This introductory course will deal with the essentials for patient/technologist interaction. The relationship between clinical education and the theory component of the R.T. curriculum as well as defining the clinical competency evaluation system are covered. Students will learn definition of terms, titles of organizations, and abbreviation/phrases used in a radiography department. They will also discuss personal obligations, what is meant by professional confidentiality and effective communication techniques. The nature of ionizing radiation and its biological effect on the human, risk versus benefit, radiation detection equipment, and instrumentation. The class will also discuss the NCR and Commonwealth of Massachusetts rules and regulations relating to protection and monitoring of personnel. PREREQUISITE: high school algebra 2.
RADG-211 - RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING 2  4 credits
This course is a continuation of RADG-111, Positioning 1. It deals with the anatomic positioning of the spine, the ribs and pathology. Also, assisting the Radiologist in contrast instillation during exams of the urinary system, gastrointestinal, and bilary tracts. The lab section of this course affords time for the student to demonstrate and practice the radiographic positions. The lab sessions simulate conditions or situations with patients in the radiology department. PREREQUISITES: RADG-111, RADG-112, BIOL-132. COREQUISITE: RADG-211L
RADG-212 - EQUIPMENT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE  2 credits
Sequential to RADG-112, an in-depth examination of the equipment used in radiography, starting with the x-ray tube and the rectifying circuit, tube ratings, and the cooling charts for multiple exposures, automatic exposure control, image intensification, stereography, and tomography. Problem solving for different grids is covered. PREREQUISITE: RADG-112. COREQUISITE: RADG-212L.
RADG-213 - CLINICAL PRACTICUM 1  2 credits
These courses provide a structured clinical experience to assist the student in the application of didactic and laboratory practice in clinical settings, under the supervision of registered technologists. This experience includes an examination of the student’s competence, and a continuing evaluation of his professionalism. Clinical Orientation 1 and 2 are required prior to Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively. Successful completion of each course is required to progress to the next practicum. NOTE: Clinical orientation is offered during the Winter Intersession only. PREREQUISITE: RADG-001.
RADG-215 - CLINICAL PRACTICUM 3 (12 WEEKS)  4 credits
This course requires students to spend five clinical days a week in a radiology department where students will perform routine as well as some complex examinations under the direct supervision of a registered radiographer and a clinical instructor. Procedures performed are evaluated on the basis of a competency-based clinical education system. This experience includes an examination of the student’s competence, critical thinking and a continuing evaluation of his/her professionalism. Clinical Practicum 1 and Positioning 1 & 2 are required prior to Summer Clinical Practicum and Clinical Practicum 4, respectively. Success completion of each course is required to progress to the next practicum. PREREQUISITES: RADG-213 and RADG-211
RADG-311 - SPECIAL PROCEDURES IN RADIOPHARMACEUTICALS  2 credits
A highly-trained team of professionals is necessary to successfully execute the techniques required to obtain diagnostic information during a special procedure. Special procedures are commonly employed to visualize the vascular system or similar hollow organs or vessels. This course will deal with the procedures, the equipment utilized, and the preparation and performance of the procedures. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-232, RADG-111, RADG-211.
RADG-313 - CLINICAL PRACTICUM 3  3 credits
These courses provide a structured clinical experience to assist the student in the application of didactic and laboratory practice in clinical settings, under the supervision of registered technologists. This experience includes an examination of the student’s competence, and a continuing evaluation of his professionalism. Clinical Orientation 1 and 2 are required prior to Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively. Successful completion of each course is required to progress to the next practicum. NOTE: Clinical orientation is offered during the Winter Intersession only. PREREQUISITE: RADG-214.
RADG-314 - RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING 3  3 credits
This course is a continuation of RADG-211, Positioning 2. It deals with the positioning of the cranium and special views (projections) of the anatomic structures in RADG-111 and RADG-211. The major emphasis will be placed on the various positions of the cranium and pathology. PREREQUISITES: RADG-211, BIOL-232. COREQUISITE: RADG-314L.
RADG-413 - SEMINAR/QUALITY CONTROL  3 credits
This course will provide the procedures followed in a quality control program, and will examine the benefits of such a program to the radiology department. Also, a review of the entire curriculum of the program, including film critique, will be provided. PREREQUISITES: RADG-311, and RADG-314.
RADG-414 - RADIATION BIOLOGY (5 WEEKS)  1 credit
This course includes a detailed examination of the effects of radiation on the cell, the systems, and the human being, including both long-term and short-term effects, somatic and genetic effects. PREREQUISITES: BIOL-132, BIOL-232, PHYS-300. Restricted to Radiography and Nuclear.
RADG-415 - CLINICAL PRACTICUM 4  3 credits
These courses provide a structured clinical experience to assist the student in the application of didactic and laboratory practice in clinical settings, under the supervision of registered technologists. This experience includes an examination of the student’s competence, and a continuing evaluation of his professionalism. Clinical Orientation 1 and 2 are required prior to Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively. Successful completion of each course is required to progress to the next practicum. NOTE: Clinical orientation is offered during the Winter Intersession only. PREREQUISITES: RADG-002, RADG-313.
RADG-416 - CLINICAL PRACTICUM 5 (7 WEEKS)  5 credits
These courses provide a structured clinical experience to assist the student in the application of didactic and laboratory practice in clinical settings, under the supervision of registered technologists. This experience includes an examination of the student’s competence, and a continuing evaluation of his professionalism. Clinical Orientation 1 and 2 are required prior to Clinical Practicum 1 and 4, respectively. Successful completion of each course is required to progress to the next practicum. NOTE: Clinical orientation is offered during the Winter Intersession only. PREREQUISITE: RADG-415
RADG-417 - ADVANCED RADIATION PROTECTION (7 WEEKS)  1 credit
This module is a continuation of RADG-116. Topics covered include ionizing radiation and x-ray energies. Interactions of radiation with matter and a review of the radiation units of measurement are studied. Dosimetry will cover NRC and NCRP requirements on effective dose equivalent limits, record keeping, monitoring, patient protection, and shielding requirements. Also, an introduction of the state regulation CMR 105 will be given and compared with the federal regulation 10 CFR-20. PREREQUISITE: RADG-116.
RADG-418 - RADIATION PROTECTION AND BIOLOGY  2 credits
This module is a continuation of RADG-116. Topics covered include ionizing radiation and x-ray energies. Interactions of radiation with matter and a review of the radiation units of measurement are studied. Dosimetry will cover NRC and NCRP requirements on effective dose equivalent limits, record keeping, monitoring, patient protection, and shielding requirements. Also, an introduction of the state regulation CMR 105 will be given and compared with the federal regulation. Includes a detailed examination of the effects of radiation on the cell, the systems, and the human being, including both long-term and short-term effects, somatic and genetic effects. PREREQUISITES: RADG-116, BIOL-132, BIOL-232, PHYS-300
RADG-419 - RADIATION PROTECTION AND BIOLOGY (7 WEEKS)  1 credit
This module is a continuation of RADG-116. Topics covered include ionizing radiation and x-ray energies. Interactions of radiation with matter and a review of the radiation units of measurement are studied. Dosimetry will cover NRC and NCRP requirements on effective dose equivalent limits, record keeping, monitoring, patient protection, and shielding requirements. Also, an introduction of the state regulation CMR 105 will be given and compared with the federal regulation. Includes a detailed examination of the effects of radiation on the cell, the systems, and the human being, including both long-term and short-term effects, somatic and genetic effects. PREREQUISITES: RADG-116, BIOL-132, BIOL-232, PHYS-300