Academic Calendar & Course Descriptions

Academic Calendar

Course Descriptions - Radiologic Technology

Orientation
This includes registration, brief introduction to diagnostic radiography and administrative personnel, tour of the hospital, student handbook content coverage, ID badge issuance, parking arrangements, and required inservice education for safety procedures and blood borne pathogens. Also included is an overview of radiography principles and practices, function of radiologic technologists and their relationship with the medical health care team, and the hospital's responsibility to the community.

Introduction to Imaging and Radiation Safety
This course includes an introduction to the profession of radiologic technology, professional organizations, and critical thinking/problem solving skills. An introduction to basic equipment utilized in radiography is also taught.Radiation protection, personnel monitoring, radiation shielding, patient protection and emergency procedures are included.Emphasis is on the use of X-rays in diagnostic radiography.

Patient Care I - IV
The student will learn concepts, principles and techniques of patient care during radiographic procedures. Emphasis is on basic patient needs; empathy for the patient, interpersonal relationships, communication skills, and problem-solving techniques associated with patients, peers, physicians, and other health team personnel. Confidentiality and medicolegal considerations, professional liability, patient records, radiographic interpretations and professional guidelines are also discussed. Emphasis is also placed on standard precautions, isolation techniques, medical and surgical aseptic technique, vital signs, medications, venipuncture, emergency procedures, CPR, and contrast media. Participation in patient care laboratory demonstrations is included.

Medical Terminology
Students are taught an introduction to essential medical root words, medical vocabulary and abbreviations, as well as specialized radiologic technology terms.

Radiographic Procedures I - V
These courses cover routine procedures normally used in diagnostic radiography. The study includes the various positions used in radiography of all parts of the body such as the chest, abdomen, extremities, spine and skull. Also included in the course are special types of patients such as pediatrics, geriatrics, trauma, and special considerations such as mobile radiography and routine contrast studies. The course includes a study of specialized and highly technical procedures such as angiography, myelography, and tomography as well as the equipment and techniques used. Also included in the course is patient preparation for radiographic procedures that employ contrast media such as cholegraphy, gastrointestinal radiography and urinary tract studies. The correct administration of different types of contrast media, with emphasis on contraindications and adverse reactions, is also discussed. The course includes an introduction to various interventional imaging procedures.

Anatomy and Physiology I - II
These courses include anatomy for the paramedical scientist with no previous education in the field. Human anatomy and physiology emphasizing body tissues, skeleton, joints, and all body systems and their function will be discussed.

Radiographic Pathology
The course consists of an overview of common pathology that can be demonstrated by imaging methods.

Imaging and Processing I - III
The courses consist of an overview of radiographic imaging methods examining the imaging process as a sequence of events from X-ray production through hard copy processing. The imaging equipment is discussed in terms of function, influence on the image, the impact of alteration on image characteristics and compensation techniques for changes in the sequence. Technical factors regulating correct density, recorded detail, distortion and contrast are discussed. Students will learn the factors affecting the quality of radiographs. Emphasis is also placed on measurement of beam quality, control of automatic processors, film and screen evaluations and methods to correct and/or improve the quality of resultant radiographs. Current trends in automatic processing, including routine and preventive maintenance are discussed. Film characteristics (contrast, speed, latitude and resolution) and evaluation testing are taught to provide the student with a working knowledge of film handling.

Directed Studies
To promote educational growth and professional diversity, students are assigned journal articles and/or videos of current topics in the imaging field.

Imaging Physics I - II
The courses cover fundamentals of X-ray physics and its application to radiology.Included are the rudiments of basic physics, atomic theory, magnetism, elementary principles of electricity, X-ray circuitry, X-rays and their production, characteristics, energy, quantity distribution, interactions and use.Differentiation between different modes of imaging systems, principles of new types of image detectors, fluoroscopy, quality control, video recorders, CT scanning, MRI, PET, and digital radiography are taught.This course deals with the technical aspects of the profession on a more advanced level than the basic technology and includes an introduction to the fundamental principles of computed imaging. Computer concepts, terminology, and applications in radiography will be identified.

Radiobiology and Radiation Protection I - II
Students will learn the effects of radiation on living tissue.This course covers the types of radiation, interaction with molecules and cells, biological effects on tissues and organs, latent effects and applications, concentrating on the human organism. Students are also taught the physical aspects of radiation protection. Oriented toward medical diagnostic and therapeutic situations, discussions include the theoretical basis, supporting data, and practical problems of protection. Radiation dose to living tissue and protection practices needed to reduce exposure to radiation are included. Radiation regulations and maximum permissible dose limits for the X-ray profession are also covered.

Case Studies
To foster critical thinking and strengthen problem-solving skills, students are assigned clinical case study topics for discussion according to their level of training. Students are assigned case studies for which they will describe how they would handle patient care situations. Students will also present image case studies to the class for open discussion, including image evaluation and diagnoses, while using proper medical and imaging equipment.

Sectional Anatomy
The course consists of the study of sectional anatomy as related to computer enhanced imaging. The course covers all parts of the body in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. Emphasis is placed on anatomy and pathology as they relate to CT and MRI. A complete understanding of basic human anatomy is necessary.

Image Analysis
Recognition and differentiation between diagnostic and poor quality radiographs are discussed. An image evaluation procedure is used to teach the student how to improve the diagnostic quality of a radiograph, with emphasis on exposure factors, image artifacts, collimation, shielding, image identification, proper centering, accurate positioning, and processing problems. Emphasis is placed on the characteristics of a good radiograph. Image analysis is performed with the use of teaching file radiographs. Students will also present studies for class discussion.

Registry Review I - II
These courses will provide a comprehensive review of all topics previously presented. The student will be given comprehensive examinations designed to prepare for the national certification examination.

Clinical Education I - VIII
Through direct patient care with instruction, demonstration, and supervision by appropriately certified radiographers, the student will progressively develop the clinical skills and behaviors necessary to complete specific competencies as required to become an entry level radiographer. The clinical portion of the curriculum consists of rotations in assigned areas in the Imaging Departments within the Grady Health System. Laboratory instruction and competency testing are conducted in the hospital setting. Actual radiographs that the student has performed during the quarter are critiqued.

Course Descriptions - Radiation Therapy

Prerequisite
The School of Radiation Therapy is an advanced level program. An applicant must be a graduate of a nationally accredited Radiologic Technology program and must be certified in good standing by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Graduates who are eligible for the ARRT exam may be provisionally accepted if he/she is ARRT certified by the end of the first quarter.

Orientation
This course introduces the student to the Grady Health System and the School of Radiation Therapy. This includes a brief introduction to key personnel, course registration, ID badge issuance, parking arrangements, a complete review of the Student Handbook policies and procedures, and required in-service education for radiation protection, general safety procedures, blood borne pathogens, and HIPAA compliance.

Introduction to Radiation Therapy
This course introduces the student to the radiation therapy profession. Emphasis is placed on the multi-disciplinary approach to cancer management and the role of a Radiation Therapist. Topics include organization of the hospital, the cancer care team, medical ethics, introductory law, communication and cultural diversity, death and dying, the history of radiation therapy, simulation and imaging technology, treatment technology, dosimetry and treatment planning, radiation protection, record management and operational issues, quality control, and computer utilization.

Patient Care I-II
These courses progressively provide an in-depth study of basic nursing skills and oncology nursing procedures. Emphasis is placed on assessment and management of patients for general medical conditions and patients with cancer. Topics include medical terminology, acquisition and evaluation of vital signs and laboratory test results, body mechanics, infection control and Standard Precautions, medical equipment handling, specimen/biopsy collection, pharmacology, common medical/oncology emergencies, cancer screening and prevention, patient and community education, quality management, general and site-specific radiation induced side effects, pain management, myelosuppression, chemotherapy, care for patients receiving brachytherapy, and protocols/clinical trials.

Principles & Practice of Radiation Therapy I-III
These courses progressively provide an in-depth study of the principles of equipment operation and the practice of radiation therapy procedures. Emphasis is placed on block fabrication, patient immobilization, medical imaging and processing, nomenclature, simulator operation, tumor localization and treatment planning data acquisition, linear accelerator operation, treatment delivery and documentation, and interpretation of treatment plans. Topics include simulation and/or treatment of the Spine, Lung, Whole Brain, Extremities, Oblique Lung, Abdomen, Pelvis, Inguinal, Head & Neck, Single and Abutting Electron Fields, Breast, Total Body Irradiation (TBI), and Central Nervous System (CNS) Thyroid, Mantle, and other unusual or rare set-ups.

Patho-Oncology I-III
These courses progressively provide an in-depth study of the principles of pathophysiology, carcinogenesis, and neoplasia. Emphasis is placed on cancer development in relation to specific anatomical sites; including nomenclature, etiologic factors, epidemiology, pathology, diagnostic work-up, tumor grading and staging, patterns of spread, treatment options, and prognosis. Relevant anatomy and physiology as well as an overview of sectional anatomy (CT, MRI, PET, and US imaging) will be included. Topics include malignancies of the Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Central Nervous, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive (Male/Female), Endocrine, Lymphatic, Integumentary, and Circulatory Systems, as well as Head & Neck, Breast, and Ocular malignancies.

Patho-Oncology Labs I - III
These lab components progressively provide an in-depth study of principles of patient simulation and treatment techniques for the topics included in Patho-Oncology I - III.

Radiobiology
This course provides an in-depth study of the biological effects of ionizing radiation on living cells/tissues. Emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of data from cell survival and dose response curves. Topics include cell biology, structure and function of DNA and chromosomes, the cell cycle, cell/tissue sensitivity and response to radiation, tolerance doses, modification of cell/tissue response to radiation, acute and chronic effects of radiation on various organs and systems, radiation syndromes, somatic and genetic effects of radiation, risks to the embryo and fetus, federal radiation protection standards, and new radiation modalities and treatment techniques.

Physics I-III
These courses progressively provide an in-depth study of mathematics and the principles of physics as they relate to diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy. Emphasis is placed on applications involving equations and inequalities, polynomials, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and analytic trigonometry functions; graphing and data analysis/modeling, selection and application of appropriate charts, isodose curves, and formulas necessary for dose determination and calculations for external photon, electron, and other particle beams, as well as consideration, evaluation, and implementation of optimal treatment planning. Topics include units of measurement, principles of mass, force, and energy, structure of atoms and matter, the nature of radiation, electromagnetic radiation, electricity and magnetism, rectification, X-ray tubes and circuits, radiation interactions with matter, the production, properties, and characteristics of radiation, qualities of radiation beams, measurement of absorbed dose, radiation therapy treatment units, isodose curves, treatment planning data acquisition, dosimetric considerations, methods of dosimetry calculations, stereotactic radiosurgery, 3-D conformal therapy, IMRT, and other emerging technologies, dose distribution and scatter analysis, detection and measurement of ionizing radiation, radioactivity, brachytherapy, radiation protection, equipment calibration, and quality management.

Treatment Planning I - II
These courses progressively provide an in-depth study of clinical dosimetry and treatment planning procedures. Emphasis is placed on selection and application of appropriate charts, isodose curves, and formulas necessary for dose determination and calculations for external photon and electron beams, field arrangements, determination of treatment planning options relative to the tumor site and modality selected, beam manipulation, brachytherapy procedures, and quality management.

Sectional Anatomy
This course consists of the study of sectional anatomy as related to computer enhanced imaging. The course covers all parts of the body in sagittal, coronal, and axial planes. Emphasis is placed on anatomy and pathology as demonstrated in CT, MRI, Ultrasound, and PET/CT images. A complete understanding of basic anatomy is necessary.

Case Study I-III
These courses encourage life-long learning through independent investigation and development of research techniques and documentation styles. It includes development of professional communication skills in oral presentations and classroom discussion. Emphasis is placed on research, listening, critical reading, thinking, analysis, interpretation of scholarly writings, analyzing data, interpreting and synthesizing information, summarizing, paraphrasing, and incorporating research findings into a case study. Topics include case studies of malignancies of the Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Central Nervous, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive (Male/Female), Endocrine, Lymphatic, Integumentary, and Circulatory Systems, as well as Head & Neck, Breast, and Ocular malignancies.

Registry Review I-II
These courses provide a comprehensive review of course material in preparation for the ARRT Examination in Radiation Therapy. Topics include material from all courses previously completed.

Clinical Education I-IV
These courses progressively provide the student with practical clinical experience with direct supervision, while encouraging a level of independent performance expected of an entry-level Radiation Therapist. Emphasis placed on the development and refinement of professional ethics, medical-legal issues, communication skills, patient care and assessment, professional development, block fabrication, patient immobilization, radiation protection, technical competence in simulation, treatment, and treatment planning procedures, and quality management. Students will progressively develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and clinical skills and behaviors necessary to demonstrate successful completion of clinical objectives and competencies.

Course Descriptions - Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Prerequisite
The School of Diagnostic Medical Sonography is an advanced level Program. An applicant must be a Graduate of a nationally or regionally accredited Radiologic Technology or other programmatic, nationally or regionally accredited two-year allied health education program that is patient care related (clinical education component is predominantly supervised direct patient care in a hospital environment), or graduate of a regionally accredited U.S. postsecondary institution with a minimum of an associate degree and documentation of health-related experience. The two-year allied health education program graduate must be certified and in good standing with the appropriate U.S. certification board or eligible to write, and subsequently pass, the appropriate U.S. certification examination by the end of the first quarter. (See Admissions Requirements for other score and course prerequisites.)

Orientation
This includes a brief introduction to key personnel, student registration, identification badge issuance, parking arrangements, tour of the clinical sites, student handbook content coverage, and required in-service education for safety procedures, HIPAA, and blood borne pathogens.

Introduction To Sonography And Patient Care I & II
These courses present skills for appropriate patient care in sonography including patient transport and transfer; vital signs; communication and cultural diversity skills; legal, medical ethics and professionalism issues; introduction of basic laboratory values and other imaging studies that correlate with sonographic exams; policies, procedure, and protocols for sonographic exams; basic instrumentation operation and care; routine scan planes and general sonographic terminology.

OB/Gyn Sonography I - V
These courses detail gynecological, maternal and fetal anatomy, physiology, anomalies, pathology, and pathophysiology as demonstrated by sonographic examination. Standard protocols and procedures, as well as the sonographic appearance of both normal and abnormal anatomy are presented.

Abdominal Sonography I - V
These courses provide studies of structure, function, relational anatomy, pathology and pathophysiology as well as both the normal and abnormal sonographic appearances of the abdominal organs and superficial structures that are typically examined with sonography.

Sonographic Physics I - III
The study of acoustic physics and instrumentation includes topics of physical principles of sound generation and propagation, sound interaction with tissue, the instrumentation utilized to produce and detect diagnostic medical ultrasound, bioeffects, safety and quality assurance of the use of ultrasound.

Directed Study I - III
This course is intended to encourage independent study and research in sonography. The student will be assigned a project each quarter.

Case Review I - VI
Each quarter, the student will present sonographic studies to the class for open discussion, including image evaluation and differential diagnoses. The student will use proper medical and sonographic terminology. Participation and discussion of case reviews offered by fellow students is a part of case presentations.

Lab Simulation I - V
In order to gain practical experience in a controlled, supervised environment, the student will participate in simulated exercises, practicing sonographic procedures in preparation for clinical competency testing. Some competency testing will be included during this time. Topics for simulated exams will correlate with the abdominal, gynecological or superficial structures being studied in other didactic courses. Physics and Instrumentation principles will be practiced and demonstrated throughout the courses with emphasis in the third quarter.

Registry Review (Physics, Abdomen & OB/Gyn)
These courses will provide a comprehensive overview and review of all topics previously presented. The student will practice and/or be tested on computer and in written format in preparation for the national certifying examinations.

Clinical Education I - VI
Through direct patient care, with instruction, demonstration and supervision by appropriately certified Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, the student will progressively develop the clinical skills and behaviors necessary to complete specific competencies required to become an entry level sonographer. The student will rotate through clinical sites within Grady Health System and other affiliates in the greater Atlanta area.

Grading System

The following system of grading is used:

Students receive an academic and clinical grade report at the end of each quarter. Academic and clinical grades are listed separately, are weighted by credit hours, and are averaged for a quarterly GPA. The student is individually counseled concerning his/her academic and clinical training on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis as needed.

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