College Catalog

Radiologic Technology (RT23) Degree

Program Description:

The Radiologic Technology associate degree program is a sequence of courses that prepares students for positions in radiology departments in hospitals, physician offices or clinics which utilize radiographic equipment for the purpose of providing imaging services to patients. Learning opportunities develop academic, technical and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of classroom and clinical instruction necessary for successful employment. Program graduates will receive an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology, have the qualifications of a radiographer and will be eligible to sit for a national certification examination for radiographers given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Admission Requirements:

Submit a completed application and fee
Be at least 18 years of age
Submit an official high school transcript or High School Equivalency transcript
Submit official college transcripts, if applicable
Completing entrance examination requirements for Albany Technical College.
Minimum Test Scores:

ACCUPLACER –	Sentence Skills	70	COMPASS –	Writing	62
	Reading Comp.	64		Reading	79
	Elem. Algebra	57		Algebra	37

Radiology Program Competitive Admission Requirements:

Admission to the college does not guarantee admission to the Radiologic Technology program. The Radiologic Technology program begins its occupational courses every Spring semester. Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program is competitive. The competitive admissions process begins each year and is opened to all applicants who have completed the applications process which includes:

Completing entrance examination requirements of Albany Technical College and the program.
PSB test completion and a score of 50 or higher
Entire completion of 25 semester hours of the program core course requirements (listed below)
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age prior to starting the clinical component of the program.

The student will be required to attend a mandatory Program orientation the summer semester.

The student must successfully complete all core course requirements with a 2.75 GPA average or higher by no later than the end of the Fall semester prior to Spring program admission. No occupational courses may be taken prior to program acceptance, including completion of core requirements.

During mandatory orientation, held in the Summer semester the student will be given information on the required items below to complete by a date announced during the mandatory program orientation in order to begin clinical rotations.. These requirements include, but are not limited to:

Completion of a physical examination with the results recorded on the college forms.
Obtain a PPD skin test or chest x-ray if the skin test is positive.
Obtain their immunization record.
Obtain an 10-panel drug screening test
Obtain a Hepatitis B vaccination or declination of the series with form
Obtain a 2 year CPR certification (BLS-AED) through the American Heart Association
Arrange with PreCheck to get a criminal background check.
Complete 8 hours of volunteer service in a Radiology department approved and scheduled by the Program Director.

All of these requirements will need to be completed and submitted to the Program Director by the deadline set during the program orientation. After completion of all requirements, 15 students with the highest scores on the entrance tests, minimum 2.75 GPA in core courses, PSB test scores 50 or greater, and all completed required documentation will be accepted for that year. For more detailed information, please contact S. LeAnn Watson, Program Chair at (229) 430-6049 or email at swatson@albanytech.edu.

Clinical Obligations

The Radiologic Technology Program is affiliated with clinical education settings that are hospital, orthopedic, and clinical based which will prepare graduates with the skills needed to seek employment as a radiographer.

During the orientation, the student will receive an overview of the student clinical obligations in addition the above orientation items. Students will be required to attend clinical night rotations (12p-9p). Each student will have approximately the same number of night rotations throughout the length of the program. The night shifts will be done at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Crisp Regional Hospital and possibly Phoebe North Hospital. Students will be scheduled to attend clinical practicum located up to 50 miles away from Albany Technical College. Students will also be required to purchase malpractice insurance which is offered by the college.

Clinical Affiliates

Albany Internal Medicine
Phoebe Orthopaedic Specialty Group
Albany Urology Clinic and Surgery Center
Phoebe Diagnostic and Imaging Center
Crisp Regional Hospital
Phoebe North
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital
Phoebe Convenient Care
Phoebe Northwest Convenient Care
Phoebe East Convenient Care

Credits required for graduation: 77

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The contact information for the JRCERT is as follows:

JRCERT
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 Chicago,IL 60606-3182
Phone: 312.704.5300
Fax: 312.704.5304
Email: mail@jrcert.org

www.jrcert.org

The current accreditation status is Probation, pending further review February 2023
Albany Technical College is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate of Applied Science Degrees, Associate of Science in Nursing Degrees, Diplomas, and Technical Certificates of Credit. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Albany Technical College.

General Education Core Courses 15 credits
Area I - Language Arts/Communications
ENGL 1101Composition and Rhetoric Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.	3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences
PSYC 1101Introductory Psychology Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.	3
SOCI 1101Introduction to Sociology Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.	3
ECON 1101Principles of Economics Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price, competition, and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures, federal and local; fluctuations in production, employment, and income; and United States economy in perspective	3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics
MATH 1111College Algebra Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.	3
MATH 1101Mathematical Modeling Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.	3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts
HUMN 1101Introduction to Humanities Prerequisite: ENGL 1101 Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts, music, and literature. The humanities provide insight into people and society. Topics include historical and cultural developments, contributions of the humanities, and research.	3
Program-Specific Gen. Ed. Course Requirements (3)

Non-General Education Degree Courses 10 credits
BIOL 2113Anatomy and Physiology I Corequisite: BIOL 2113L Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.	3
BIOL 2113LAnatomy and Physiology Lab I Corequisites: BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems.	1
BIOL 2114Anatomy and Physiology II Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L Corequisite: BIOL 2114L Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.	3
BIOL 2114LAnatomy and Physiology Lab II Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L Corequisite: BIOL 2114 Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.	1
ALHS 1090Medical Terminology for Allied Health Sciences Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.	2

Occupational Courses 52 credits
RADT 1010Introduction to Radiology Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Provides the student with an overview of radiography and patient care. Students will be oriented to the radiographic profession as a whole. Emphasis will be placed on patient care with consideration of both physical and psychological conditions. Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: ethics, medical and legal considerations, Right to Know Law, professionalism, basic principles of radiation protection, basic principles of exposure, equipment introduction, health care delivery systems, hospital and departmental organization, hospital and technical college affiliation, medical emergencies, pharmacology/contrast agents, media, OR and mobile procedures patient preparation, death and dying, body mechanics/transportation, basic life support/CPR, and patient care in radiologic sciences.	4
RADT 1030Radiographic Procedures I Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L, RADT 1010 Introduces the knowledge required to perform radiologic procedures applicable to the human anatomy. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topics include: introduction to radiographic procedures; positioning terminology; positioning considerations; procedures, anatomy, and topographical anatomy related to body cavities, bony thorax, upper extremities, shoulder girdle; and lower extremities.	3
RADT 1065Radiologic Science Content of this course is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Other topics include the nature and characteristics of x-radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing radiation; x-ray production; the properties of x-rays and the fundamentals of x-ray photon interaction with matter.	2
RADT 1320Clinical Radiography I Corequisite: RADT 1030 Introduces students to the hospital clinical setting and provides an opportunity for students to participate in or observe radiographic procedures. Topics include: orientation to hospital areas and procedures; orientation to mobile/surgery; orientation to radiography and fluoroscopy; participation in and/or observation of procedures related to body cavities, the shoulder girdle, and upper extremities. Activities of students are under direct supervision.	4
RADT 1060Radiographic Procedures II Prerequisites: RADT 1010, RADT 1030, RADT 1065, RADT 1320 Corequisite: RADT 1330 Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of the pelvic girdle; anatomy and routine projections of the spine, gastrointestinal (GI) procedures; genitourinary (GU) procedures; biliary system procedures; and minor procedures.	3
RADT 1075Radiographic Imaging Prerequisites: RADT 1010, RADT 1030, RADT 1065, RADT 1320 The content of this course introduces factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image using analog and digital radiographic equipment found in diagnostic radiology. Emphasis will be placed on knowledge and techniques required to produce high quality diagnostic radiographic images. Topics include: Image quality (radiographic density; radiographic contrast; recorded detail; distortion; grids; image receptors and holders (analog and digital); processing considerations (analog and digital); image acquisition (analog, digital, and PACS); image analysis; image artifacts (analog and digital); Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system will assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.	4
RADT 1330Clinical Radiography II Prerequisites: RADT 1010, RADT 1030, RADT 1065, RADT 1320 Corequisite: RADT 1060 Continues introductory student learning experiences in the hospital setting. Topics include: equipment utilization; exposure techniques; attend to and/or observation of routine projections of the lower extremities, pelvic girdle, and spine; attend to and/or observation of procedures related to the gastrointestinal (GI), genitourinary (GU), and biliary systems; and attend to and/or observation of procedure related to minor radiologic procedures. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.	7
RADT 1085Radiologic Equipment Prerequisites: RADT 1060, RADT 1075, RADT 1330 Content establishes a knowledge base in radiographic, fluoroscopic and mobile equipment requirements and design. The content also provides a basic knowledge of Automatic Exposure Control (AEC) devices, beam restriction, filtration, quality control, and quality management principles of analog and digital systems. Laboratory experiences will demonstrate applications of theoretical principles and concepts.	3
RADT 2090Radiographic Procedures lll Prerequisites: RADT 1060, RADT 1075, RADT 1330 Corequisite: RADT 2340 Continues to develop the knowledge required to perform radiographic procedures. Topics include: anatomy and routine projections of cranium; anatomy and routine projections of the facial bones; anatomy and routine projections of the sinuses.	2
RADT 2340Clinical Radiography III Prerequisites: RADT 1060, RADT 1075, RADT 1330 Provides students with continued hospital setting work experience. Students continue to develop proficiency in executing procedures introduced in Radiographic Procedures. Topics include: patient care; behavioral and social competencies; performance and/or observation of minor special procedures, special equipment use, and participation in and/or observation of cranial and facial radiography. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.	6
RADT 1200Principles of Radiation Biology and Protection Prerequisites: RADT 1060, RADT 1075, RADT 1330 Provides instruction on the principles of cell radiation interaction. Radiation effects on cells and factors affecting cell response are presented. Acute and chronic effects of radiation are discussed. Topics include: radiation detection and measurement; patient protection; personnel protection; absorbed dose equivalencies; agencies and regulations; introduction to radiation biology; cell anatomy, radiation/cell interaction; and effects of radiation.	2
RADT 2260Radiologic Technology Review Prerequisites: RADT 1085, RADT 1200, RADT 2090, RADT 2340 Provides a review of basic knowledge from previous courses and helps the student prepare for national certification examinations for radiographers. Topics include: image production and evaluation; radiographic procedures; anatomy, physiology, pathology, and terminology; equipment operation and quality control; radiation protection; and patient care and education.	3
RADT 2360Clinical Radiography IV Prerequisites: RADT 1085, RADT 1200, RADT 2090, RADT 2340 Corequisite: RADT 2260 Provides students with continued hospital setting work experience. Students demonstrate increased proficiency levels in skills introduced in all of the radiographic procedures courses and practiced in previous clinical radiography courses. Topics include: patient care; behavioral and social competency; advanced radiographic anatomy; equipment utilization; exposure techniques; sterile techniques; integration of procedures and/or observation of angiographic, interventional, minor special procedures; integration of procedures and/or observation of special equipment use; integration of procedures and/or observation of routine and special radiographic procedures; and final completion of all required clinical competencies. Execution of radiographic procedures will be conducted under direct and indirect supervision.	9