Mission, Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
About Radiologic Technologists
Source:
What Do Radiologic Technologists Do?
Radiologic technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. They may specialize in a specific imaging technique such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, quality management, sonography or general radiography. The radiologic technologists who specialize in radiation therapy, which is the delivery of high doses of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases, are radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists. Registered radiologic technologists — known as "R.T.s" — must complete at least two years of formal education in an accredited hospital-based program or a two- or four-year educational program at an academic institution and must pass a national certification examination. To remain registered, they must earn continuing education credits.
Radiologic Technologists on the Medical Imaging Team
Radiologic technologists who perform imaging examinations are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease or injury. For the images to be interpreted correctly by the radiologist, the imaging examination must be performed properly by a radiologic technologist.
Radiologic technologists often specialize in a particular diagnostic imaging area:
- Bone Densitometry Technologists use a special type of x-ray equipment to measure bone mineral density at a specific anatomical site (usually the wrist, heel, spine or hip) or to calculate total body bone mineral content. Results can be used by physicians to estimate the amount of bone loss due to osteoporosis, to track the rate of bone loss over a specific period of time, and to estimate the risk of fracture.
- Cardiovascular-Interventional Technologists use sophisticated imaging techniques such as biplane fluoroscopy to help guide catheters, vena cava filters, stents or other tools through the body. Using these techniques, disease can be treated without open surgery.
- Computed Tomography Technologists use a rotating x-ray unit to obtain "slices" of anatomy at different levels within the body. A computer then stacks and assembles the individual slices, creating a diagnostic image. With CT technology, physicians can view the inside of organs - a feat not possible with general radiography.
- Magnetic Resonance Technologists are specially trained to operate MR equipment. During an MRI scan, atoms in the patient's body are exposed to a strong magnetic field. The technologist applies a radiofrequency pulse to the field, which knocks the atoms out of alignment. When the technologist turns the pulse off, the atoms return to their original position. In the process, they give off signals that are measured by a computer and processed to create detailed images of the patient's anatomy.
- Mammographers produce diagnostic images of breast tissue using special x-ray equipment. Under a federal law known as the Mammography Quality Standards Act, mammographers must meet stringent educational and experience criteria in order to perform mammographic procedures.
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer trace amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to a patient to obtain functional information about organs, tissues and bone. The technologist then uses a special camera to detect gamma rays emitted by the radiopharmaceuticals and create an image of the body part under study. The information is recorded on a computer screen or on film.
- Quality Management Technologists use standardized data collection methods, information analysis tools and data analysis methods to monitor the quality of processes and systems in the radiology department. They perform processor quality control tests, assess film density, monitor timer accuracy and reproducibility and identify and solve problems associated with the production of medical images.
- Radiation Therapists are health care professionals who administer therapeutic doses of radiation to cancer patients by using specialized high energy treatment units. These treatments may be given either given externally or internally as temporary or permanent radioactive implants. Additionally, radiation therapists perform simulations where the tumor is mapped out or localized by obtaining specific types of images most commonly utilizing a CT unit. A radiation therapist also performs calculations and fabricates various devices to aid in the delivery of treatment. Radiation Therapists have close patient contact daily so the profession is quite people oriented as well as technically oriented due to the sophistication of the various types of treatment and simulation units. A radiation therapist may further their education and become a dosimetrist that performs computerized treatment planning to maximize the dose to the tumor while minimizing the dose to the normal structures.
- Radiographers use radiation (x-rays) to produce black-and-white images of anatomy. The images are captured on film, computer or videotape. X-rays may be used to detect bone fractures, find foreign objects in the body, and demonstrate the relationship between bone and soft tissue. The most common type of x-ray exam is chest radiography.
- Sonographers use sound waves to obtain images of organs and tissues in the body. During an ultrasound examination, the sonographer places a transducer in contact with the patient's body. It emits high-frequency sound waves that pass through the body, sending back "echoes" as they bounce off organs and tissues. Special computer equipment converts those echoes into visual data.
Accreditation
The Radiologic Technology Program at ºÚÁÏÍø at Ashtabula is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The JRCERT promotes excellence in education and elevates quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. The JRCERT is the only agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), for the accreditation of traditional and distance delivery educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry.
The public may visit the website at or contact them at:
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, Illinois 60606-3182
312-704- 5300
mail@jrcert.org
The Mission Statement
The mission of ºÚÁÏÍø Ashtabula Campus is to educate radiologic technology students in the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become qualified, professional practitioners who provide quality service and care to the community and to prepare students for the changing needs of the profession. ºÚÁÏÍø transforms lives and communities through the power of discovery learning and creative expression in an inclusive environment.
Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Goal: Students will successfully perform radiographic procedures consistent with entry level requirements of a registered radiologic
technologist.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will apply positioning skills accurately.
- Students will select appropriate technical factors.
- Students will accurately utilize radiation protection.
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in performing radiographic exams.
Goal: Students will communicate effectively in oral and written form with patients, families, and members of the health care team.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will demonstrate oral communication skills.
- Students will demonstrate written communication skills.
- Students will display interpersonal skills with patients & staff.
Goal: Students will effectively utilize critical thinking and problem solving skills in the practice of radiologic technology.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will critique images for radiographic quality.
- Students will identify the best method of treatment for a given case.
- Students will adapt positioning for trauma patients.
Goal: Students will determine the value of professional growth and development and conduct themselves in a professional
manner.
Learning Outcomes:
- Students will determine the importance of continued professional development.
- Students will analyze ethical dilemmas concerning professional behavior.
- Students will identify professional conduct as seen in the clinical setting.
Goal: Students will successfully complete all academic requirements for the Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
toward the practice of radiologic technology.
Learning Outcome:
- Students will successfully complete assessment exams on the first attempt.