RPS 104 – Radiology Imaging Basics for the PACS Professional

Summer 2010

David Raulerson,BSHCA, RDMS,RVT,RT, ( R ) (CT) ARRT

Full Time

Office Location 338

Phone Number: 912-688-6021

Office Hours: By appointment

Hybrid CRN 17454

CLASS/LAB MEETS: Tuesday & Thursday 13:15 to 15:15 Hybrid

Room: 335

Course Description:

This course is designed to prepare the non-radiographers who are interested in incorporating a limited radiography background into their professional development for success in a healthcare environment. This course introduces knowledge of the factors that govern and influence the production of the radiographic image on radiographic film or digital image receptor. An introduction to positioning, viewing techniques, and common terminology related to radiologic procedures will be included. Emphasis will be placed on the production of quality radiographs, and laboratory experience will demonstrate the application of theoretical principles and concepts. Topic include radiographic density, radiographic contrast, recorded detail, distortion, exposure latitude, quality assurance concepts, automatic exposure control concepts, position in considerations and positioning terminology.

REQUIRED TEXT:

RADIOGRAPHIC IMAGE PRODUCTION AND MANIPULATION by Craig T Shephard, MS, RT (R) , RDMS

PACS A GUIDE TO THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION 2ND EDITION by Keith J. Dreyer, DO, PHD

TEACHING METHODS:

Methods of instruction will include lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, and discussion board topics, and written learning activities.

SUPPLIES:

3 ring binder, notebook paper, pens (black ink only), and pencils.

Other Requirements:

Course Document Section.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

Following the completion of this course the participant will:

1.  Define density and brightness

2.  Describe the effects of density changes on the image appearance

3.  Describe the process of evaluating image density

4.  Explain why mA and time are the controlling factors of film density

5.  Assess density on various images.

6.  Explain the various terms used to describe contrast

7.  Describe the factors that affect image receptor contrast

8.  Describe the effect of on contrast.

9.  Describe the effects of contrast changes on the image appearance

10. Assess contrast on various radiographic images

11. Define recorded detail

12. Describe the factors that affect penumbra

13. Explain the digital image receptor factors that control recorded detail

14. Describe the effects of patient motion on recorded detail.

15. Define shape and size distortion

16. Explain why elongation and foreshortening are relational definitions

17. Explain the terminology used to describe angulation and its relationship to the plane of anatomy

18. Describe the relationship of the central ray, the anatomical part, and the image receptor in terms of elongation and foreshortening.

19. Define quality assurance (QA) and quality management (QM)

20. Describe the purpose of monitoring equipment and software performance

21. Describe a basic troubleshooting procedure.

22. Define automatic exposure control (AEC)

23. Describe the components of an automatic exposure control system.

24. Explain the differences between using an automatic exposure control system and using a manually selected technique.

25. Describe the two types of automatic exposure control systems.

26. Define the orthogonal planes of the body

27. Define and describe basic positioning terminology

28. Describe the relationship of terms and their location on or within the body

29. Describe the anatomical position

30. Describe the difference between the terms position and projection and their relation to the image formation.

31. Explain the positioning protocols for common routine radiographic procedures.

32. Identify patient positions and projections when viewing radiographic images.

33. Recognize anatomical landmarks when presented on a radiographic image.

PREREQUISITE: AHS 101; RAD 101; PRS 101

COREQUISITE: RPS 132 (Clinical Education I)

CONTACT HOURS: 11 Class

CREDIT HOURS: 7 Credits

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

Evaluation of the student’s achievement of the course objectives will be based on satisfactory completion of all required activities. Grading to be computed as follows:

Weekly Assignments 30%

Unit Exams 35%

Comprehensive final exam 35%

GRADING SYSTEM:

A = 90-100 B = 80-89 C= 70-79 D = 60-69 F= 0-59

Academic honesty is expected in this class.

Books are NOT to be used during tests.

Tests are timed. You will be informed regarding the length of time you have for each test.

Points will be deducted for extended time as follows:

5 minutes or less 5 point deduction from grade

5 – 10 minutes 10 point deduction from grade

10 – 15 minutes 25 point deduction

15 minutes or more 35 point deduction

CLASS PROCEDURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

®  Complete assignments on time. A schedule for the quarter is provided on the course (see Course Document Section).

®  All assignments are to be on-time.

®  The final exam will cover all material from the beginning of the course not just since mid-term.

ATTENDANCE:

According to the OTC Student Handbook and Catalog, a student must be dropped for absences greater that 10% of the required number of days; any missed time exceeding this 10% will result in the student being dropped from the course. This equates to the student being dropped from the course if he/she misses more than two days. Your work ethics grade will also reflect the missed time.

WORK ETHICS

Students will receive a work ethics grade each quarter for each fundamental and specific course in which they enroll. The work ethics grade of 3, 2, 1, or 0 will not affect the student’s academic grade point average (GPA). Work ethics grades will appear on the student’s quarterly Student Grade Reports and Transcripts. Performance factors and indicators include, but are not limited to, quality of work, ability to follow instructions, productivity, dependability, honesty, reliability, attendance and punctuality, attitude, integrity, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, and initiative. The work ethics grade descriptions are:

Exceeds expectations: 3

Meets expectations: 2

Needs improvement: 1

Unacceptable: 0

(See the Ogeechee Technical College Catalog and Student Handbook)

DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL and ADULT EDUCATION GUARANTEE/WARRANTY

The State Board of Technical and Adult Education warrants every graduate of a technical certificate of credit, diploma, or associate degree for two consecutive years following the date of graduation, and the warranty will be honored by any unit of the Department of Technical and Adult Education. A claim against the warranty, which should be directed by employees or employers to the Vice President of Instructional Services, can be filed if the graduate cannot perform one or more of the competencies found in the industry-validated Standard or Program Guide, including failure to pass a State of Georgia required licensing examination. Any program graduate who is determined to lack such competence shall be retrained at no cost to the employer or graduate for tuition or instruction fees (see the Ogeechee Technical College Catalog & Student Handbook).

SAFETY

OTC safety plan can be found on the website (www.ogeecheetech.edu) and scroll down to Campus Safety and you will find a link to the Safety Plan.

Revised 06/2010