Course Titles and Descriptions

Below are the general education and core course titles and descriptions for the A.S. in Radiologic Technology program – Track A.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course covers the structure and function of the human body from the single cell through all body systems, and the interrelatedness of the body’s structure and functions are examined. Basic fluid, electrolyte, and acid/base balance concepts are included.

This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course teaches students the skills they need to think for themselves—skills they will call upon in this course, other college courses, and the world that awaits. This course covers the core concepts with real-world examples and practice exercises.

This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course gives students the math skills that provide a foundation for more advanced courses. Students will explore writing and solving linear and nonlinear equations, powers and exponents, quadratic equations, polynomials and factoring, graphing, and linear inequalities and functions.

This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course includes studying basic methods and concepts of sociology, which have broad academic relevance and can be applied to sociology and other academic disciplines.

This is a General Education Course.

45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to reading various literary texts and teaches them the basic elements of fiction, poetry, and drama. The course will teach students how to write analysis, explication, and compare-and-contrast essays according to the literature.

This is a General Education Course.

18 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces the student to medical and pathological terms related to specific body systems. Through lecture, discussion, demonstration, visual aids, and self–study, the student will develop knowledge and understanding of the professional language to function and communicate effectively with other medical team members.

This is a General Education Course.

128 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

This course introduces students to basic imaging principles and patient care. Students review medical ethics, pediatrics, and geriatrics patient care. The duties and responsibilities of working in Radiology are also presented, emphasizing communication and relationships. A review of infection control, standard, and transmission-based precautions is covered.

40 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

The course is designed to teach the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Content provides basic information about the intensity of the X-ray beam and how technical factors influence it.

48 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

The course provides the knowledge to perform standard abdomen imaging, respiratory system, and upper extremities. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, and positioning lab practicum. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: None

The course provides the knowledge to perform standard imaging of the respiratory system, bony thorax, and upper extremities. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and positioning lab practicum. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

168 Clock Hours/5.5 Quarter Credits

Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

40 Clock Hours/3.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.

The course provides a basic understanding of the principles of Radiobiology and radiation’s short-term and long-term effects. This course discusses the effects of radiation at the molecular and cellular levels. In addition, this course provides a better understanding of radiation protection for patients and occupational workers in the healthcare field.

This course describes dose management implementations and the design for radiation protection within radiology. The principles of radiation and dose limits are described to promote safe practices.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.

The course provides a basic understanding of diagnostic radiology’s components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems. Digital Processing, imaging capture, and technical considerations in digital imaging are discussed.

Technical factors affecting radiographic quality are outlined and described for properly analyzing the image. In addition, this course introduces medical informatics and quality management.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.

The course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is placed on basic imaging of the lower extremity, pelvis, hip, and vertebral column. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.

The course provides a knowledge base to perform standard radiographic procedures of the bony pelvis, lower extremities, and vertebral column. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and positioning lab practicum. Students will be required to demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under the direct supervision of the patient.

176 Clock Hours/5.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.

The course provides basic information about electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism and applies these principles to the x-ray circuit. In addition, it provides a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic, and mobile equipment requirements, function, and design.

This course will include outside-of-school preparation hours such as reading and writing assignments, practice and practical application assignments, and projects. A minimum of 25 hours of out-of-class work will be assigned.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.

The course provides a fundamental medical law, ethics, and human diversity background. The historical and philosophical basis of ethics and the elements of ethical behavior will be discussed. The student will examine various ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice.

Course activities will include research and analysis of case studies pertinent to medical imaging. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts, and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal, and the ASRT professional standards.

45 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.

Content is designed to provide the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is placed on basic imaging of the abdomen, soft tissue neck, digestive system, and urinary system. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.

The course provides a knowledge base to perform standard radiographic procedures on the abdomen. Students will also review the biliary system, genitourinary system, gastrointestinal tract, and procedures using fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and positioning lab practicum. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

184 Clock Hours/6 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module III with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module III with a “C” or better.

This course provides theories of disease causation and the pathophysiological disorders that compromise healthy systems. Etiology, pathophysiological responses, clinical manifestations, radiographic appearance, and management of alterations in body systems will be presented.

Students will be required to write a research paper pertinent to medical imaging. They will be encouraged to submit it for consideration in the annual student competition held by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module III with a “C” or better.

This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging. Emphasis is placed on basic imaging of the cranial, trauma radiography, mobile radiography, and surgical radiography. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate lectures, demonstrations, image analyses, positioning lab practicum, and self-paced study using multimedia programs. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module III with a “C” or better.

The course provides information necessary to perform radiographic procedures of the cranium and facial bones, including sinuses, zygomatic arches, TMJs, orbits, and mandibles. Students will also demonstrate special techniques for trauma cases and mobile radiography. Consideration will be given to the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality.

Course methods will incorporate demonstrations, image analyses, and positioning lab practicum. Students must demonstrate competency in positioning skills, equipment manipulation, and radiation protection before performing these skills under direct supervision in the patient care setting.

280 Clock Hours/9 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module IV with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.

The course provides radiography students with principles related to sectional anatomy. This course overviews the human body’s transverse, coronal, and sagittal sectional anatomy. Correlations between CT, MRI, and ultrasound are explored.

24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter II with a “C” or better.

The provides entry-level radiography students with principles related to contrast arthrography, pediatric and geriatric, mammography, bone densitometry, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, vascular, cardiac, and interventional radiography. The course also introduces principles of diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear and molecular imaging, and radiation oncology.

240 Clock Hours/8 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

40 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.

The course explains the components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving, and retrieval are discussed.

Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system assist students in connecting film-based and digital imaging systems. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter IV with a “C” or better.

This course provides entry-level radiography students with principles related to computed tomography (CT) imaging. Special emphasis is placed on a study of the head and brain, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. Correlations between cadaver cross- sections, CTs, MRIs and radiographs are explored. CT Basics: The Series by ASRT that is utilized in conjunction with the course satisfies the ARRT 16-credit Structured Education Requirements for CT.

40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter IV with a “C” or better.

This course provides radiography students with the principles related to mammography. Topics include patient care, anatomy and physiology of the breast, positioning for routine and diagnostic exams, pathology, mammography equipment, quality control and quality assurance for digital imaging systems.

264 Clock Hours/8.5 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module VI with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. Team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development concepts are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

 30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module VI with a “C” or better.

The course reviews patient care and procedures to prepare students for the radiographer primary certification and State of California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch certification examinations. This course will review patient care topics such as sterile technique, medical-legal, imaging procedures, and image analysis.

10 Clock Hours/1 Quarter Credit Hour

Prerequisites: Completion of Quarter VI with a “C” or better.

The content is designed to prepare the student for the post-education transition into the workforce. The course guides students in the development of documents which includes skills in resume writing, developing and practicing effective interviewing skills and techniques for job search strategies. Students will prepare and apply for the ARRT and California Department of Public Health registries to obtain certification as radiographer.

272 Clock Hours/9 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module VII with a “C” or better.

Clinical experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging, and total quality management. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Levels of competency ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

30 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours

Prerequisites: Completion of Module VII with a “C” or better.

The course reviews the radiologic technology curriculum and prepares students for the ARRT® radiographer’s primary certification and State of California Department of Public Health, Radiologic Health Branch fluoroscopy certification requirements. This course will focus on image production and radiation safety.