Our radiography program consists of five semesters. Below is the timeline and coursework for each semester and detailed descriptions of the courses you’ll take.
You’ll take your final exams at the end of each semester.
Semesters and coursework
Fall: First semester (20 weeks)
- Radiography Practicum I
- Introduction to Radiography
- Radiographic Anatomy I
- Radiographic Procedures I
- Patient Care, Pharmacology, Human Diversity and Ethics
- Radiologic Physics I (Radiation Production and Characteristics)
Spring: Second semester (21 weeks)
- Radiography Practicum II
- Radiographic Procedures II
- Radiographic Anatomy II
- Radiologic Physics II (Radiation Production and Characteristics)
- Basic Principles of Computed Tomography
- Image Analysis I
Summer: Third semester (11 weeks)
- Radiography Practicum III
- Image Analysis II
- Pathological Report and Presentation
Fall: Fourth semester (20 weeks)
- Radiography Practicum IV (to include evening rotations)
- Advanced Radiographic Procedures I
- Radiobiology and Radiation Protection I
- Principles of Exposure and Image Production
Spring: Fifth semester (21 weeks)
- Radiography Practicum V (to include evening rotations)
- Advanced Radiographic Procedures II
- Radiobiology and Radiation Protection II
- Imaging Equipment
- Digital Image Acquisition
- Registry Review
Course descriptions
Introduction to Radiography
The course is designed to provide an overview of the radiographer’s role within a health care system. You’ll review radiography equipment and become familiar with the radiographer’s roles and responsibilities within a health care organization.
Prerequisite: hospital orientation
Patient Care and Pharmacology
The course is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. Components include routine and emergency patient care procedures, basic pharmacology, venipuncture and administration of intravenous medications. Emphasis will be on appropriate techniques pertaining to the delivery of patient care. This course will also provide basic human diversity and fundamental medical ethics to better understand patients, patients’ families and professional peers.
Prerequisite: hospital orientation
Radiographic Anatomy
This course is designed to establish thorough knowledge pertaining to anatomical structures and systems most often evaluated through general radiography. Components include skeletal system and structures, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system and vascular system. This course is also designed to introduce concepts related to disease, etiology considerations and the pathophysiologic disorders that compromise healthy systems.
Prerequisite: Preceding Radiographic Anatomy
Radiographic Procedures
This course is designed to provide a knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging procedures. Emphasis will be on the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality. You’ll have laboratory experience to complement the didactic portion. This course will provide an in-depth study of all radiographic procedures.
Prerequisite: Preceding Radiographic Procedures
Radiographic Physics (Radiation Production and Characteristics)
This course is designed to establish a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Components include the nature and characteristics of radiation, X-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in radiographic equipment requirements and design.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Radiography, preceding Physics
Basic Principles of Computed Tomography
Content is designed to provide entry-level radiography students with principles related to computed tomography (CT) imaging.
Prerequisite: none
Image Analysis
This course is designed to provide a basis for analyzing radiographic images. The course will include the importance of minimum imaging standards, a discussion of problem-solving techniques for image evaluation and the factors that can affect image quality. You’ll evaluate images for quality throughout the course.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Radiography, Radiographic Procedure I
Pathological Report and Presentation
The course is a self-directed project designed to enhance your knowledge of pathological conditions diagnosed and monitored through general radiography exams. In addition, you’ll demonstrate effective research analysis skills and effective written and oral communication skills.
Prerequisite: Radiographic Procedures and Radiographic Anatomy
Advanced Radiographic Procedures
This course is designed to provide a knowledge base necessary to perform standard imaging procedures, including basic computed tomography (CT) and special studies. Emphasis will be on the production of images of optimal diagnostic quality. You’ll have laboratory experience to complement the didactic portion. This course will provide an in-depth study of all radiographic procedures.
Prerequisites: Radiographic Anatomy, Radiographic Procedures, preceding Advanced Radiographic Procedures
Radiobiology and Radiation Protection
This course is designed to provide the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Components include radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues and the body as a whole. The course also presents factors affecting biological response, including acute and chronic effects of radiation. You’ll review radiation protection, including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel and the public, which includes federal and state safety requirements.
Prerequisite: Radiographic Physics
Imaging Equipment
This course is designed to establish knowledge in radiographic, fluoroscopic, mobile and tomographic equipment requirements and design. The content will also provide a basic knowledge of quality control.
Prerequisites: Radiographic Physics, Radiobiology and Radiation Protection, Basic Principles of Computed Tomography
Principles of Exposure and Image Production
This course is designed to establish a knowledge base in factors that govern the image production process. Emphasis will be on film imaging with related accessories. The course will include class demonstrations/labs to demonstrate application theory.
Prerequisite: Radiographic Physics
Digital Image Acquisition
This course is designed to impart an understanding of the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. We’ll discuss factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval. Components include principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance.
Prerequisite: Film-Screen Image Acquisition, Radiography Practicum
Registry Review
This course is designed to prepare the student for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Registry Exam in Radiography. Simulated registry exams and primary assessment series are available on computers and in booklets so you can practice the ARRT examination.
Prerequisites: all previous courses
Radiography Practicum
Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, you’ll learn concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development. Clinical practice is designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and quality management. Clinical rotations are designed to provide you with the tools and experience necessary to achieve competency in performing radiologic examinations using a variety of different equipment.
Prerequisites: each preceding clinical practice course, hospital orientation, Introduction to Radiography
