Montgomery College

Takoma Park Campus

Radiologic Technology Program

Syllabus RT 102

Spring 2009

Course Title:  Radiologic Technology II                   Credit Hours: 4

Instructor:      Ms. Rose Aehle, MS, RT(R,M)

Office #           (240) 567-5564

HSC 442

E-mail:   rose.aehle@montgomerycollege.edu

E Address: www.montgomerycollege.edu/rt (lecture notes posted)

Class Hours/Place      Lecture – Section 30415         M 10:20-11:35 a.m.

                                                                                    F    8:30-  9:45 a.m.

                                    Lab -  Section 31922               M  12:00-1:40 p.m.

                                              Section 31674               F   10:00-11:40 p.m.

                                                HSC 423 (lec)

                                                        424/430 (lab)

Office Hours: M  9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

                        W 9:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Texts:              Radiologic Science for Technologists, Physics, Biology and Protection 9^th

                        Edition, Bushong, Mosby, 2001 Text and Workbook

                        Radiographic Imaging and Exposure 3rd^d edition, Terri Fauber

                        Digital Radiography and Pacs, Christi Carter

Patient Care in Radiography with An Introduction to  Medical Imaging, 7^th Edition, Ehrlich,

Course Description: A continuation of RT 101 with the presentation of more complex theories to further the knowledge of the student. A correlated laboratory will aid the student in synthesizing the material presented in class. Topics covered will be radiation safety and protection, X-ray machinery circuitry which includes electronic theory and design, analysis of common machine malfunctions and simple repairs, digital and computed radiography, and fluoroscopy. In addition, a concentration of establishing appropriate technical factors based on anatomy, patient exposure and the relationship between digital index numbers will be thoroughly discussed. Review of mathematical concepts for determining compensation for technique changes will be incorporated throughout the class.  Supporting the contrast objectives in RT 112, the required ARRT competency of venipuncture and drawing up contrast will be presented in a lab component of this class  (T only) (CE) PREREQUISITES: A grade of C or better in mathematics foundation and RT 101 and Admission to the RT program or permission of the department. Three hours lecture, two hours laboratory each week

Integration of principles and formulas from Radiographic Physics part I,will be reconsidered through this course. During lab time students will be given opportunity to continue to work on adjusting technique, film critique and alternative procedures as well as basic positioning skills.

Course Methodology:  Learning facilitated and interactive lecture format, interactive media, group activities, lab exercises.

Course Outcomes (by chapter/topic):

Radiographic Technique:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      List the four patient factors and explain their affects on radiographic technique.

2.      Discuss the four image quality factors of optical density, contrast, image detail, and distortion and how they are used to describe the characteristics of a radiograph.

3.      Identify the three types of technique charts.

4.      Explain the three types of automatic-exposure controls.

5.      Calculate missing factors in greater density problems

Film Artifacts:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Visually identify artifacts on the radiographs, including pi lines, guide-shoe marks, chemistry fog, wet pressure sensitization, kinking and static.

2.      List and discuss the three categories of artifacts.

3.      Identify artifacts associated with digital systems

4.      Explain the derivation of exposure artifacts.

5.      Describe the types of artifacts caused by processor problems.

6.      Discuss how improper handling and storage of film can cause artifacts

Image Quality:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1. Evaluate and contrast film quality based on spatial and contrast resolution
2. Apply and plot factors that constitute a characteristic curve
3. Evaluate changes in factors that would affect a characteristic curve
4. Identify the anatomy of a characteristic curve and explain deviations to the curve
5. Calculate magnification factors
6. Differentiate causes of distortion
7. Compare factors that impact the affect of focal spot blur
8. Discuss the difference between a characteristic curve for filmless systems vs film systems

Electricity/Magnetism

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Identify the electric charges of protons and electrons and define electrification. Explain the laws of electrostatics.

2.      Name examples of conductors and insulators and describe electric circuits

3.   Discuss the history and discovery of naturally occurring magnetic material.

4.   List the three classifications of magnets

5.   Identify the interactions between matter and magnetic fields.

6.    Discuss the four laws of magnetism.

Electromagnetism:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Discuss the development of the battery as a reliable source of electric current for scientific investigation.

2.      Evaluate and explain the relationship between magnetism and electric current.

3.      Demonstrate understanding of the basic function and design of the electric generator, the electric motor, transformer and rectifiers

X-ray Unit

1.  Diagram and distinguish the components of a simplified x-ray circuit, which include      transformers and rectifiers.  

 2.  Identify and relate the laws of electromagnetic induction as it pertains to x-ray circuitry

3.  Correlate the functions of  direct and alternating current as it relates to x-ray production

Alternative Procedures:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Identify the directional movements of the tomographic unit.

2.      Explain tomographic motion blur theory.

3.      Discuss the relationship between tomographic angle and section thickness.

4.      Describe magnification radiography technique and use.

Fluoroscopy:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Discuss the history of fluoroscopy.

2.      Explain visual physiology in relation to fluoroscopic illumination.

3.      Describe the parts of the fluoroscopic image intensifier.

4.      Calculate flux gain and brightness gain.

5.      List the approximate kVp levels for seven common fluoroscopic examinations.

6.      Discuss digital fluoroscopy and compare and contrast  it to conventional fluoroscopy

Quality Assurance and Quality Control:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Define quality assurance and quality control for both conventional and digital radiography.

2.      List a quality assurance model used in hospitals.

3.      Name the three steps of quality control and outline the  quality control program schedule for radiographic systems in a diagnostic imaging department.

4.      Describe the ten quality control tests for radiographic systems.

5.      Discuss the three quality control processes for fluoroscopy.

6.      Explain and support (through simulation) ithe quality control processes for computed (digital) radiography.

Health Physics:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      Define health physics.

2.      List the cardinal principles of radiation protection and discuss the ALARA concept.

3.      Explain the meaning of NCRP and the concept of dose limits.

4.      Name the dose limits for occupational and non-occupational worker for whole-body, skin, and extremities.

5.      Discuss the radiosensitivity of the stages of pregnancy.

6.      Describe the recommended management procedures for the pregnant radiographer and for the pregnant patient.

7.      Evaluate the radiosensitivity of tissues and organs.

Designing Radiation Protection:

At the conclusion of this topic the student will be able to

1.      identify the leakage radiation limit for x-ray tubes.

2.      List the beam-on indicators on the control panel.

3.      Indicate the nine radiation protection aspects of radiographic equipment.

4.      List the nine radiation protection features of fluoroscopic equipment.

5.      Discuss the design of primary and secondary radiation barriers.

6.      Describe the design of the three types of radiation detection dosimeters used in diagnostic imaging.

Digital Radiography and PACS

1. Define TFT, PACS, CCD, PSP, matrix, FOV
2. Discuss image digital radiographic image acquisition and processing
3. Discuss the fundamentals of PACS and PACS archiving

Venipuncture/drawing up contrast

1. Demonstrate through simulation the appropriate venipuncture technique
2. Demonstrate appropriate sterile and safe techniques in drawing up contrast
3. List the appropriate materials needed for both venipuncture and drawing up contrast

Classroom Behavior:

Each and every student is expected to behave in ways, which promote a teaching and learning atmosphere. Students have the right to learn; however, they do not have the right to interfere with the freedom of the faculty to teach or the rights of other students to learn.  Students will be treated respectfully in return for respectful behavior.

All in-class discussions should be carried out in a way that keeps the classroom environment respectful of the rights of others.  This means that, for example, students should not interrupt someone else who is talking regardless of whether that person is the instructor or another student.  Students should not monopolize class time by repeatedly interrupting and asking questions in a manner in which hinders the learning process of others.  Students are also expected to conduct themselves in ways which created a safe learning and teaching environment that is free from such things as violence, intimidation, sexual harassment or any other form of harassment.  Should a student be disruptive in class, then he/she will be asked to leave.  The instructor reserves the right to have the student removed by Security if refusal occurs.  Please make sure that you obtain and read a copy of the current Montgomery College catalog.

Academic Dishonesty and Misconduct

Students are expected to maintain the integrity of the test-taking environment by doing their own work and not allowing others to copy one’s work.  Taking and referring to texts are strictly prohibited during an examination.  Non-compliance to these standards may result in a failing grade of the examination.

In addition, strict adherence to the student code of conduct under this heading in the Montgomery College “Student Code of Conduct” is maintained.

Please make sure that you obtain and read a copy of the current Montgomery College Student Handbook.  Please refer also to the Radiology Technology Student Handbook and Clinical Education Plan.

Student e-mail

Student e-mail (montgomerycollege.edu) is an official means of communication for the College. It is expected that you check your student e-mail regularly and frequently, as you are responsible for information and announcements that will be sent to you from the College. For this class, student e-mail will be used only for situations where timing is essential. Most information is discussed in class and all assignments will be turned in as hard copy during regular class times. If you contact me through e-mail, you must use your student e-mail account (rather than a yahoo account) so that I can recognize you as a student. If you e-mail me, please follow-up with a voice mail message using the following number: 240-567-5564

Parking

Parking is at a premium on this campus. Because Monday’s class begins at 10: 20 aml students who are not already taking RT 112 in the morning should park  in the Bonifant Dixon Street Public Parking garage on the designated levels and take the shuttle to campus. Please note that the shuttle from this garage begins running at 8:00 am and is going to run continuously until the 5:00.  Parking is also available at parking meters around the campus. Students have to pay at the meters, the student parking permit does not allow for parking at meters without paying. If a student chooses to park at a meter, student must put a sufficient enough of money on the meter so as not to leave class in order to feed the meter. If a student leaves the class or lab to do so (except during a break), the attendance grade will be reduced for that day’s attendance.  

Tobacco Free Policy at Montgomery College

On August 1, 2008, Montgomery College implemented a Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy which prohibits smoking or the use of other tobacco products on any of its campuses or other property.  Students who smoke or use tobacco products will be considered in violation of the student conduct code and their behavior will be reported to the Dean of Student Development’s office for the appropriate disciplinary action including probation, suspension, or dismissal.  If you have any questions about this new policy, please contact the Vice President and Provost’s Office, the Office of the Dean of Student Development or the Campus Security Office

Cell phones and pagers

Cell phones and pagers must be turned off or put on vibrate mode. Because use of these devices are a distraction to both the faculty and students alike using them during class hours is prohibited.

Calculator Usage

Calculators will be provided and students are to use these only. No personal calculators are allowed unless they are approved by instructor.  

GRADING

93  -  100         A         Any student receiving a grade

86  -  92           B         below a “C” in this course must

78  -  85           C         repeat the course satisfactorily

77 and below   F         before proceeding to the next course.

Grades will be determined by:

Attendance                                                     5%

Workbook                                                      2.5%

Critical thinking assignment                        5%

Journal Article                                              7.5%

Exams                                                             45%

Final Exam                                                    35%

                                                                        100%

Venipuncture Competency- Please note that while there is no percentage of the grade associated with this competency, this competency is an ARRT mandated one and all students must successfully complete this competency on the lab day they are registered in and as noted in the course schedule. Those students who miss this competency risk unsuccessful completion of this class.

Attendance (5%)

Students are expected to attend every class.  The attendance policy is the same as stated in the Montgomery College Catalog.  The student is urged to refer to the first paragraph concerning “Excessive Absences”.  If illness occurs, the student should call and inform the instructor prior to the starting time of class.

LATENESS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED.  4 points per late arrival will be deducted from final grade.

The attendance policy is the same as that stated in the Montgomery College Catalog..  The student is urged to review the last sentence concerning “Administrative Drop “for unexcused absences.  Unexcused absences will also be factored into determining the final grade.  This policy will be strictly enforced.  Frequent or habitual lateness, as well as lack of class participation will be factored into the final grade.

Workbooks (2.5%)

Workbook assignments will be assigned at the end of each lecture.  Workbooks are collected on the date of each unit exam.  All workbooks must be handed in on day of final.  At that time two to ten points per chapter assignment will be deducted for incomplete chapters.  No workbooks will be accepted after the day of the final examination and a zero will be entered in as the grade for the semester for any workbooks not handed in on the day of the final.

Critical thinking Assignment (5%)

A critical thinking assignment will be designed to assess student’s progress in analyzing, comparing, interpreting and usage of alternative solutions for every day technical and diagnostic dilemmas commonly seen in radiology settings.  This assignment is to be completed and assessed by instructor and returned to the student for personal reflection and analysis.

To this end, critical thinking assignments and assessment rubrics will be incorporated into the course.  Students will be required to file such assignments and assessment tools into their critical thinking portfolio.

Assignment information is attached to this syllabus. You will need the rubric on page one to complete the assignment.

Journal Assignment(7.5%)

One journal assignments related to the field radiology from the current Radiology periodicals found in the classroom, media center or other sources or from the Internet will be due this semester. Journal assignments may be on any topic as it relates to radiology.  Date for submission of this assignment is noted in the course outline.  Printed copies of article from periodicals and from the Internet must accompany the assignment.  Students are reminded that this is and individual project.  Review of the plagiarism policy signed by the student is suggested.

Guidelines for the assignment are as follows:

            Assignment must be typed with a 12 font only

            Assignments should be a minimum of 3 pages long

            A copy of the article must be attached.  If the publication date is not printed on the

            article, this should be submitted in bibliography style.

            Assignments should briefly review the article submitted and students are

            encouraged to submit their opinions or any other points of interest as part of the

            assignment.

Exams (45%)

A minimum of three examinations will be given to assess student comprehension of presented materials. The dates and objectives covered in examination form are noted in the class schedule in this syllabus.  Examinations will include multiple choice questions and may include matching, sequencing, true or false, fill in the blank and/or short essay questions.  The point value is indicated on the examination. Multiple choice, true or false, matching questions are worth one point.  Grades are calculated based on the number of points earned divided by greatest possible points. For example if the test has a total of 89 points and a student earns 79 possible points (79/89) the student’s score would be 88.7% which will be rounded up to an 89%.  All examinations are reviewed in class after graded and open for discussion of content only. Concerns about calculation of grade or possible misgrading may be addressed individually with the instructor after class.  Tests are kept in the student file.

NO EXAM MAKEUPS will be given without prior permission from instructor

Comprehensive Final Examination  (35%) 

The final examination is given on the date as dictated by the collegewide final schedule found in each semester’s Montgomery College Credit Course Schedule and noted in the class schedule. The examination covers all material reviewed in the semester.  Questions are primarily designed in multiple choice fashion although some other forms of questions may be designed

Voluntary and involuntary withdrawal.

Please refer to the 2008-2009 Montgomery College Catalog.  April 19, 2009 is the last day to drop a class with a grade of “W”.  It is the student’s responsibility to complete the necessary steps when withdrawing from a class.

Students With Disabilities

Any student who may need an accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me during my office hour. A letter from Disability Support Services

(R-CB122; G-SA175; or TP-ST120) authorizing your accommodations will be needed. Any student who may need assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation must identify to the Disability Support Services Office; guidelines for emergency evacuations for individuals with disabilities are

 found at:   www.montgomerycollege.edu/dss/evacprocedures.htm.   .  

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COURSE OUTLINE (TENTATIVE) LAB:  Reinforcement of Lecture material

MONTGOMERY COLLEGE

Takoma Park Campus

Radiologic Technology

RT 102

Critical Thinking Assignment and Rubric

INSTRUCTIONS:  You will be directed to a group of films that have not been separated by anatomy, technical/positioning factors or potential pathology.  You are to choose 4 films. The films must have demonstrable (though not necessarily quality) images on them. The films DO NOT have to be of the same study.  Once you pick the four films you must indicate the following: (Your observations will be shared in class during lab time.)  ASSIGNMENT DUE AND PRESENTED IN LAB ON MARCH 23/27, 2009

*Please make note in the chart above as to if the film was HIPAA compliant. Please remove the name from the film so as to make the film HIPAA compliant. PLEASE PLACE FILMS IN A JACKET IDENTIFYING THE EXAM.  IF YOU HAPPEN TO TAKE FOUR FILMS OF THE SAME SERIES PLEASE PLACE THEM IN A JACKET INDICATING THE SERIES (EX:  PA, LAT, OBLIQUE VIEW OF THE HAND WOULD BE PLACE IN ONE JACKET IDENTIFYING THIS SERIES .