Curriculum

The curriculum of the Radiologic Technology Program consists of didactic classes and clinical experience as follows:

 

Course of Study

• Competency-Based Clinical Education
• Critical Thinking
• Healthcare Ethics and Law
• Patient Care in Radiography
• Radiographic Positioning and Procedures
• Radiographic Technique & Digital Imaging
• Principles of Radiation Physics
• Radiographic Equipment and Quality Control
• Radiographic Pathology
• Radiographic Analysis
• Radiation Biology and Protection
• Special Procedures
• Cross Sectional Anatomy 

Course Descriptions

1st Semester:

 

RT 101 - Patient Care in Radiography
This course provides an overview of radiography in addition to the basic concepts of patient care, infection control, and the role of the radiographer as a member of the health care team. Content includes pharmacology and administration of diagnostic contrast agents and/or intravenous medications. Emphasis will be place on traits of successful radiography students with regards to cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills. Topics include: program policy manual, critical thinking, history of radiography, professional roles and behavior, professional attitudes and communications, and special imaging modalities. Also included will be hospital and departmental organization, and hospital and program affiliation.
Prerequisite: Admission to Radiography Program

TECH 101 - Radiographic Technique I
This course is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the exposure factors required to produce quality radiographs. The material presented will enable the student to vary factors to control density, contrast, visibility of detail, recorded detail, distortion, radiographic equipment, conventional radiography and processing, and the use of automatic exposure devices. Film imaging with related accessories is emphasized.

Prerequisite: Admission to Radiography Program

POS 101 - Radiographic Positioning and Procedures I
POSL 101– Radiographic Lab
This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the basics of diagnostic radiography. The material presented will enable a student to interpret radiology requisitions, recognize the structure and organs visualized in a radiograph, and to correctly position a patient for various radiologic examinations. A section on radiation protection will introduce the student to the proper methods of protecting both the patient and themselves from ionizing radiation. Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy I will also include the preliminary steps to taking a radiograph, general radiographic anatomy and positioning terminology, and anatomy and radiography of the thoracic viscera, upper extremities, lower extremities, shoulder girdle, bony thorax, urinary system, abdomen, pelvis, femur, and hip radiography. The students will conduct supervised radiographic positioning labs and x-ray experiments using film-screen and digital imaging technology.
Prerequisite: Admission to Radiography Program

 

CL 101 – Introductory Clinical Experience I
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning with emphasis on the thoracic viscera, upper extremities, lower extremities and shoulder girdle. Designed to give the student an introduction to the basics of diagnostic radiography in the clinical setting. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 8 weeks, 2 days a week.  

Prerequisite: Admission to Radiography Program

 

2nd Semester:

TECH 102 - Radiographic Technique II
The course is designed to give an understanding of the components, principles, and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic imaging. 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 to bridge between film-based and digital systems. Principles of digital quality assurance and maintenance are presented.
Prerequisite: TECH 102 - Radiographic Technique I

 

POS 102 - Radiographic Positioning and Procedures Anatomy II
POS 102L - Radiographic Lab
This course is designed to advance and increase the student’s knowledge of diagnostic radiographic positioning. Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy II will cover the radiographic anatomy, positioning, and radiography of the vertebral column, scoliosis, spinal fusion, sacroiliac joints, digestive system, biliary tract and gallbladder, skull, facial bones, and paranasal sinuses.  The students will conduct supervised radiographic positioning labs and x-ray experiments using film-screen and digital imaging technology.
Prerequisites: POS 101 - Radiographic Positioning and Procedures I; POSL 101 - Radiographic Lab I

 

PHY 102 - Principles of Radiation Physics
This course is designed to present the student with the fundamental units of measure of electrical and radiation physics and the basic principles underlying the operation of x-ray equipment and circuit components. Topics will include the radiation concepts of matter, energy, electricity, electromagnetism and the properties of x-rays. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Mammography, fluoroscopy, mobile equipment, radiologic quality assurance and quality control will also be presented.

Prerequsites: TECH 102 - Radiographic Technique I

CL 102 – Introductory Clinical Experience II
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning with emphasis on the vertebral column, scoliosis, spinal fusion, sacroiliac joints, bony thorax (sternum, sternoclavicular joints, ribs), digestive system, urinary system, biliary tract and gallbladder, abdomen, pelvis, femur, and hip radiography. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 16 weeks, 4 days a week.
Prerequisite: CL 101 - Introductory Clinical Experience I

 

3rd Semester:

 

ETH 101 - Healthcare Ethics and Law
This course is designed to provide a fundamental background in healthcare ethics. The historical and philosophical bases of ethics, as well as the elements of ethical behavior, are discussed. The student will examine a variety of ethical issues and dilemmas found in clinical practice. An introduction to legal terminology, concepts and principles will also be presented. Topics include misconduct, malpractice, legal and professional standards and the ASRT scope of practice. The importance of proper documentation and informed consent is emphasized.
Prerequisites: RT 101 - Patient Care in Radiography

POS 201 - Advanced Radiographic Procedures                                                                                    Advanced Radiographic Procedures will include radiographic anatomy and positioning terminology that are relevant to the following: contrast arthrography, long bone measurement, and radiography of the mouth, salivary glands and anterior neck, reproductive systems, and tomography. Additional topics include pediatric radiography, geriatric radiography, radiation oncology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and bone densitometry.
Prerequisite: POS 102 - Radiographic Positioning and Procedures II

SP 201 - Special Procedures
This course is designed to advance the student’s knowledge of specialized procedures in the radiography department. The material presented will enable a student to recognize the structure and organs visualized in a radiograph, and to correctly position a patient for various advanced and special radiologic examinations. Special Procedures will include the radiography of the circulatory system, digital angiography and spot film imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.
Prerequisite: POS 202 - Advanced Radiographic Procedures II


CL 103 – Intermediate Clinical Experience I
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning with emphasis on the skull, facial bones, and paranasal sinuses.
Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.
Prerequisite: CL 102 - Introductory Clinical Experience II

4th Semester:


BIO 101 - Radiation Biology & Protection
This course provides the student with information on the fundamental principles of radiation protection and radiation biology. Knowledge provided by the course is essential to understanding the biological effects of ionizing radiation and radiation protection at a basic scientific level and will serve as a standard to radiographers to promote the safe use of medical ionizing radiation. Study of legal and ethical radiation protection responsibilities of radiation workers, personnel monitoring devices, public and occupational dose limits, theory and operation of radiation detection devices, and state regulations governing radiation protection practices.  Additional topics include the study of radiation sources, units of measure, effective dose limits, and biological effects of radiation.
Prerequisite: PHY 102 - Principles of Radiation Physics

RT 202- Radiographic Analysis
This course is designed to provide a basis for analyzing the radiographic quality of the following procedures: chest, abdomen, upper extremities, shoulder girdle, lower extremities, hip and pelvis, spine, skull, facial bones, gastrointestinal tract, and pediatric radiography. In addition to reviewing radiographs for analysis, the students will apply the skills acquired throughout the program in a simulated trauma clinical setting. The students will demonstrate patient assessment, proper positioning, exposure factors, and radiation protection, along with efficiency, leadership, and management. Included are the importance of minimum imaging standards, discussion of a problem-solving technique for image evaluation and the factors that can affect image quality.
Prerequisite: Radiographic Positioning & Related Anatomy sequence, Radiographic Technique sequence


CL 104 – Intermediate Clinical Experience II
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning with emphasis on contrast arthrography, long bone measurement, and radiography of the mouth, salivary glands and anterior neck, reproductive systems, and tomography. Also emphasized will be radiography of the geriatric and pediatric patient, radiation oncology, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and bone densitometry. Students are required to successfully complete three (3) mid-program competency examinations supervised by their clinical instructor/supervisor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.

Prerequisite: CL 103 - Intermediate Clinical Experience I

5th Semester:


CL 205 – Intermediate Clinical Experience III
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning with emphasis on the radiography of the circulatory system, digital angiography and spot film imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography.
Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.
Prerequisite: CL 104 - Intermediate Clinical Experience II

PATH 201 - Radiographic Pathology I
This course is designed to introduce concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection of the respiratory, skeletal, gastrointestinal, and urinary systems. The material covered should enhance the student’s knowledge regarding interpretation of clinical information provided on the requisition and/or patient’s chart. There will also be case studies and critical thinking exercises designed to allow the student the opportunity to consider the relevance of radiographic procedures with regards to technical and patient considerations.
Prerequisite: Anatomy and Physiology (Program Prerequisite) 


CL 206 – Intermediate Clinical Experience IV
Supervised sessions emphasizing increasing development of medical imaging skills. Practical application of radiographic positioning demonstrating competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Emphasis on enhanced student knowledge of pathology and the relation to radiographic imaging quality. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.
Prerequisite: CL 205 - Intermediate Clinical Experience III

PATH 202 - Radiographic Pathology II
This course is designed to introduce concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection of the cardiovascular, nervous, hematopoietic, endocrine and reproductive systems. The material covered should enhance the student’s knowledge regarding interpretation of clinical information provided on the requisition and/or patient’s chart. There will also be case studies and critical thinking exercises designed to allow the student the opportunity to consider the relevance of radiographic procedures with regards to technical and patient considerations. The course also includes a written research paper on a chosen pathology with oral presentation
Prerequisite: PATH 201 - Radiographic Pathology I


CL 206 – Advanced Clinical Experience I
Supervised sessions emphasizing practical application of radiographic positioning with clinical experience emphasis on selected radiographic procedures including fluoroscopy, special procedures, ER/trauma, surgery, and mobiles and general radiography. Includes use of specialized equipment. Emphasis on enhanced student knowledge of pathology and the relation to radiographic imaging quality. Students are required to successfully complete three (3) terminal competency examinations supervised by their clinical instructor/supervisor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.
Prerequisite: CL 206 - Intermediate Clinical Experience IV

REG 201 - Registry Review I
Preparation for the ARRT Registry Examination utilizing computer programs, practice registry exams, and structured review by program faculty of required curriculum.
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

CL 206 – Advanced Clinical Experience II
Supervised sessions emphasizing increasing development of medical imaging skills and the practical application of radiographic positioning. Clinical experience emphasis on selected radiographic procedures including fluoroscopy, special procedures, ER/trauma, surgery, and mobiles and general radiography. Includes use of specialized equipment. Emphasis on enhanced student knowledge of pathology and the relation to radiographic imaging quality. Students are required to successfully complete three (3) terminal competency examinations supervised by their clinical instructor/supervisor. Clinical experience in hospital environment for 11 weeks.
Prerequisite: CL 207 - Advanced Clinical Experience I

REG 202 - Registry Review II
Continued preparation for the ARRT Registry Examination utilizing computer programs, practice registry exams, and structured review by program faculty of required curriculum.
Prerequisite: Departmental Approval 


Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (CPR) -  

CPR must be completed prior to starting the program and we accept only Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers from the American Heart Association, or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross. Please submit a copy of your CPR card with your application. 

 

Other courses may be added at the school's discretion. The School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic reserves the right to change course offerings or course content.

 

Clinical Experience

Students rotate through or demonstrate clinical competency in the following radiologic areas:

• Diagnostic Radiology
• Fluoroscopy
• Mobile Radiography
• Surgical Radiography

In addition, students will be introduced to the areas of Diagnostic Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Oncology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT), Angiography, Cardiac Catheterization, and Mammography.

 

Academic Grading Policy

Students must maintain 75 percent or better grade point average in each course of the program. Students not satisfying the minimal academic requirements will be counseled and may be subject to academic probation and/or dismissal from the program.

 

Attendance, Vacation, Sick Time, Holidays

Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. During clinical rotation, students are required to report on time for their assignment and complete their 7 hour clinical day. Students are allowed personal time off each year. The program consists of 6 semesters with breaks between each semester.

 

All clinical assignments occur Monday through Friday during the day, with the exception of the trauma rotation, which consists of 2 weeks of evenings. All academic classes are given during the day. Students are given six holidays off each year.