Home » Courses of Instruction » A.S. in Radiologic Technology Course Descriptions

GE 011 – Anatomy & Physiology — 56 Clock Hours/5.5 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.

GE 110 – Critical Thinking — 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.

GE 112 – Algebra I — 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.

GE 201 – Introduction to Sociology — 45 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours/3 Semester Credit Hours
Prerequisites: None
This course includes the study of 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.

GE 222 – English Reading and Composition — 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.

GEH 020 – Medical Terminology, 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.

RT 110C – Clinical Practice I – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development is evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 111 – Radiologic Patient Care – 42 Clock Hours/4 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.

RT 112 – Radiation Physics and Exposure – 58 Clock Hours/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.

RT 113 – Radiographic Procedures I – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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.

RT 113L – Radiographic Procedures I Lab – 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.

RT 120C – Clinical Practice II – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development is evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 121 – Radiographic Protection and Biology – 50 Clock Hours/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 and the molecular and cellular level. 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.

RT 122 – Digital Imaging – 52 Clock Hours/4.5 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.

RT 123 – Radiologic Procedures II – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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 on basic imaging of the Lower Extremity, Pelvis and 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.

RT 123L – Radiographic Procedures II Lab – 30 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module I with a “C” or better.
The course provides a knowledge base necessary 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.

RT 130C – Clinical Practice II – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 131 – Radiographic Physics II and Fluoroscopy – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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.

RT 132 – Ethics and Law in Radiography – 24 Clock Hours/2 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.
The course provides a fundamental background in medical law, ethics, and human diversity. 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.

RT 133 – Radiographic Procedures III – 45 Clock Hours/4.5 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 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.

RT 133L – Radiographic Procedures III Lab – 33 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module II with a “C” or better.
The course provides a knowledge base necessary 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.

RT 140C – Clinical Practice IV – 192 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 142 – Radiographic Pathology – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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.

RT 143 – Radiologic Procedures IV – 45 Clock Hours/4.5 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 on basic imaging of the Cranium, 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.

RT 143L – Radiographic Procedures IV Lab – 33 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.

RT 250C – Clinical Practice V – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 251 – Radiation Pharmacology and Venipuncture – 36 Clock Hours/3 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module IV with a “C” or better.
The course provides basic concepts of pharmacology, venipuncture techniques, and the administration of diagnostic contrast agents and intravenous medications. The appropriate delivery of patient care during these procedures is emphasized. Students will perform venipuncture on IV training arms and fellow students.

RT 252 – Cross-Sectional Anatomy – 40 Clock Hours/4 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.

RT 260C – Clinical Practice VI – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 261 – Advanced Digital Imaging – 30 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.

RT 262 – Advanced Radiographic Procedures – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.
This course 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 diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear and molecular imaging, and radiation oncology principles.

RT 270C – Clinical Practice VII – 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. The concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice, and professional development are evaluated through structured, competency-based clinical assignments. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 271 – Patient Care and Procedures Seminar – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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.

RT 272 – Computed Tomography – 40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.
The course provides radiography students with computed tomography (CT) imaging principles. Special emphasis is on studying the head, 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 utilized with the course satisfies 16-credit Structured Education Requirements.

RT 273 – Mammography – 40 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module V with a “C” or better.
The 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.

RT 274 – Advanced Radiation Protection – 50 Clock Hours/4 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module VI with a “C” or better.
The course provides an overview of the principles of radiation protection, the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel, and the public, and the radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies, and medical organizations. An overview of the principles of interaction of radiation with molecules, cells, tissues, and the body as a whole and the factors affecting biological response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation.

RT 280C –Clinical Practice VIII – 280 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. Competency levels ensure the patient’s well-being before, during, and following the radiologic procedure.

RT 281 – Image Production and Safety Seminar – 48 Clock Hours/4.5 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 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.

RT 282 – Professional Development and Advancement – 18 Clock Hours/1.5 Quarter Credit Hours
Prerequisites: Completion of Module VII with a “C” or better.
The course prepares students for the post-education transition into the workforce. The course guides students in developing documents that include skills in resume writing, developing and practicing effective interviewing skills, and techniques for job search strategies. Students will prepare and apply for the registry certification examinations as a radiographer.

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