RAD 121 Syllabus

Course Description:

This course will provide instruction in the radiographic positioning of the structures and organs of the body.  Students will learn and begin to apply terminology specific to positioning procedures, body landmarks, and patient instruction and application in the radiographic room.  The student will spend approximately eight hours per week in assigned Radiology Departments for Clinical Orientation ( See attached Clinical Orientation Objectives).

Important Dates & Times:

Radiographic Positioning I, RAD 121 – 3 credit hours,
Tuesday, 8:00 – 10:50 a.m., Health Sciences Building, Room 114.
Required Positioning Lab (RAD 121W, X, Y or Z) Tuesday, 11:00 – 11:55 a.m., 1:00 – 1:55 p.m., 2:00 – 2:55 p.m. or 3:00 – 3:55 p.m.

MAKE UP TESTS/LABS: Will be Arranged With Instructor Promptly After Missing a Test or Lab – To Be Completed Within Two Weeks of Absence

FINAL EXAM: Tuesday, December 12, 2006, 8:00 a.m.
 

Course Objectives:

On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
A.  Identify on drawings and radiographs all anatomy relative to units covered.
B.  List the correct central ray locations as well as the standard positioning routines, angles and rotations for radiography of the anatomy of all covered units.
C.  Locate prominent bony landmarks used in radiography of the anatomy studied.
D.  List and define all joint classifications and movement types for the joints of human body studied.
E.  Examine radiographs of all covered anatomy and critique for accuracy in positioning and exposure factors.
F.  Assess patient condition and make necessary modifications in standard positioning when routine positions are not appropriate.
G.  Calculate changes necessary in exposure factors and list limited positions used for radiography of anatomy after a cast has been applied.

 The student will be evaluated on these objectives on the basis of grades received on tests, laboratory score, and final examination.
 

Prerequisites:

 SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL FIRST SEMESTER RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY COURSES.
 

Method Of Instruction:

The method of instruction for RAD 121 will be an interactive Web enhanced approach.  WebCT will be utilized by each student  to master course content. This will require that the student be responsible for completing ALL requirements by the assigned completion date. Students will be expected to participate in regular classroom activities that are pertinent to RAD 121. Students are not permitted to use RAD 121 class time to do other assignments or other activities unrelated to RAD 121. It is the instructors prerogative to decide which activities are deemed acceptable to RAD 121.
 

Technical Requirements

Student must have Internet Explorer version 5 or better, to use WebCT.    Students must have Microsoft Word 97 or better in order to submit assignments.  An E-Pack will be utilized for this course.  Students will find an access code in the textbook that will allow students to go to the website for this e-pack.  The student will be responsible for completing learning activities found in this e-pack for each chapter.  Refer to the calendar on WebCT for due dates for each activity.  The student should back up every piece of work you do and make a hard copy.  If you experience technical computer difficulties you are responsible for solving your own technical problems.  WebCT does provide a Help option.  You can also go to the WebCT start page and check out the "Troubleshooting and Technical Help" option.  Every student is required to go through the WebCT orientation.

The appearance of external hyperlinks do not constitute endorsement by the Columbia State Community College web site or the information, products or services contained therein. The external links will let you leave the course site. The linked sites are not under the control of Columbia State Community College. Columbia State Community College is not responsible for the contents of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site, or any changes or updates to such sites. Columbia State Community College is not responsible for web casting or any other form of transmission received from any linked site. Columbia State Community College is providing these links to you only as a convenience, and the inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Columbia State Community College.

There are labs here on campus that contain production software (i.e.. Microsoft Office) and Internet Access to all currently enrolled students.

Specific Course Requirements:

A. Students will be divided into three groups during class time. Two groups will practice positioning; one will review radiographs. During practice, one student will act as radiographer, one as patient and the others as coaches until each person has been in each role. Each person will position a classmate for each projection in the unit. Students will be given a list of required projections for each unit. Students reviewing radiographs will be identifying anatomy as well as determining acceptability of radiographs based on
evaluation criteria.
B. Laboratory time will be utilized for additional practice including making exposures on the phantom and lab evaluations. One laboratory evaluation on proper darkroom procedures will be completed for each student during the semester.
C. The student must take all tests and the final exam to receive a passing grade.
D. The student must demonstrate assigned positioning procedures in the laboratory during the course in order to avoid an “Incomplete.” All labs missed will be made up within two weeks of the absence.
E. Each student will be required to submit a 1-2-paragraph journal entry detailing their experience for each day in clinical orientation. This should be a reflection on the days events not just a list of these events. Failure to submit a journal entry will result in a grade of zero for that day.
F. A final grade of “C” or better is required to continue in the Radiologic Technology Program. Readmission policies are clearly outlined in the Rad Tech Student Policy Manual issued to and reviewed with each student.
G. Students must complete learning activities using the Mosby e-pack in WebCT before taking the chapter tests.
H. Any student scoring below 75% on any unit test will be required to document to the instructor proof that he/she has reviewed the series for the unit prior to the end of the semester in order to avoid an “Incomplete”.
I. It is important to remember that this is a self-directed learning experience.  The student must exhibit a strong initiative to complete requirements.  Faculty will be available during all class and lab periods to assist you with completing objectives and developing your skills.
J. The student shall complete the Learning Center program entitled “Introduction to Radiologic Technology Part I” on or before October 10, 2006 and Basic Radiographic Procedures on or before November 28, 2006. The students final grade will be reduced two points for each day these assignments are late.  A minimum score of 75% must be obtained for the assignment to be complete.  The student will submit the printout after completion of the assignment. 
Textbooks

Required Textbooks:

A. Steven G. Hayes, Sr. Radiographic Anatomy, Positioning and Procedures Workbook, Third Edition, Mosby-Year Book, Inc. St. Louis, Missouri, Copyright 2003.

B. Phillip W. Ballinger, M.S., R.T. (R), Merrill’s Atlas of Radiographic Positions and Radiologic Procedures, Tenth Edition, C.V. Mosby Company, St. Louis, Toronto, Copyright 2003.

C. Radiologic Technology Clinical Record and Evaluation Book
 
Assessment and Grading

Method of Evaluation:

A. Chapter tests will be given when all assignments for each Chapter have been completed.
B. Each student will be required to complete laboratory evaluations. These evaluations will be averaged together for 75% of the laboratory grade.  The student may earn 100 points for successful completion of a laboratory
exercise. The absence of a mark in any applicable category will result in points being deducted from that particular laboratory grade. The remaining 25% of the lab grade will come from a lab practical administered at the end of the semester. Each position will be worth 50 points for a total of 100 points. This grade will be averaged with the laboratory exercise grade for the total laboratory grade. The laboratory grade will represent 25% of the final course grade.
C. Chapter test scores will be averaged together to comprise 50% of the final course grade.
D. Journal entries are the equivalent of one chapter test.
E. A comprehensive final exam will represent 25% of the final course grade.
 

Grading Scale:

A = 93 – 100
B = 84 – 92
C = 75 – 83
D = 65 – 74
F = Below 65
I = Incomplete
 
Policies

Assignments and Projects:

Journal entries should be submitted using WebCT by 11:55 p.m. on the Sunday after the clinical experience.  Refer to the calendar tool in WebCT for exact due dates.  Students who do not submit journal entries by the deadline will receive a grade of zero for that entry.  To submit journal entries go to "Discussion" on the course menu.  Each student will have their own discussion page for this purpose.  It will be a private entry.  The instructor will make comments on the journal.  The student should print a copy of the journal with comments to place behind the "Journal" tab in the logbook.

E-Mail Policy

1. When sending an e-mail you can expect a reply within 48 hours.  Exceptions to this would include holidays and weekends.  Students are expected to extend the same courtesy. 
2. When using email the following guidelines should be followed:
The subject line of any email sent to the instructor should include the student's name and the assignment title (if applicable).  Remember without facial expressions some comments may be taken the wrong way. Be careful in wording your emails.  Use standard fonts.  Do not send large attachments without permission.  Special formatting such as centering, audio messages, tables, html, etc .should be avoided unless necessary to complete an assignment or other communication.  Respect the privacy of other class members.

Student Responsibilities

1. Attendance is required. It is impossible to participate in learning experiences if you are not present. If you are unable to attend class, lab or clinic you should notify the instructor in advance. In the case of a clinical
absence you should notify a faculty member and the clinical facility in advance. If a student misses all or a substantial portion of a class, lab or clinical assignment the student will be considered absent.
2. More than one absence is considered excessive; however, sometimes an absence seems unavoidable. The instructor may consider excusing an absence with advance notice and documentation of the reason (i.e. doctor's note).
3. The final course grade will be reduced by five (5) points for each absence AND/OR every 2 incidents of partial attendance. This includes an absence from class or the clinical assignment.
4. In calculating grade penalties for absence, tardiness, or leaving early -- 2 incidents of partial attendance (tardiness or leaving class early) will equate to one absence.
5. For each laboratory absence the student's final lab grade will be reduced by five (5) points.
6. For every two (2) partial lab absences (tardiness or leaving early), the student's final lab grade will be reduced by five (5) points.
7. Students with a contagious illness may be denied admission to the classroom by the instructor.
8. Instructor help is available on request. If grade error is suspected, please notify the instructor. Corrections will be made if needed.
9. The last day to drop a class is November 9, 2006. (This course is required for the Radiologic Technology Program and may not be dropped without dismissal from the program.)
10. It is the student’s responsibility to keep up with reading assignments and class notes by obtaining them from a fellow classmate or the instructor.
11. Students who miss several classes due to extended illness should discuss the individual case with the instructor.
12. Columbia State Community College welcomes students into all the college's educational programs.  If anyone in this course has a disability, please contact Kasee Story in Disability Services in JSC 160 or call 931-540-2857.

Student Conduct:

1. Cheating will not be tolerated and will result in a score of zero for that exam and may not be made up. Cheating may be considered grounds for dismissal from the program.
2. The student is encouraged to ask questions as well as answer the instructor’s questions.
3. Students are discouraged from engaging in conversation among classmates laboratory exercises.  Students engaged in personal conservation will be asked to leave and required to make up the missed laboratory exercises as soon as possible.
4. Students shall not study material for other courses. Students studying other material will be asked to leave and required to make up missed work.
5. Discussion Groups:
Review the discussion threads thoroughly before entering the discussion. Be a lurker then a discussant.  Try to maintain threads by using the "Reply" button rather starting a new topic.  Do not make insulting or inflammatory statements to other members of the discussion group. Be respectful of other’s ideas.  Be patient and read the comments of other group members thoroughly before entering your remarks.  Be cooperative with group leaders in completing assigned tasks.  Be positive and constructive in group discussions.  Respond in a thoughtful and timely manner.

Web Resources:
Columbia Guide to Online Style by Janice R. Walker and Todd Taylor
Citation Styles Online http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/online/cite6.html
6.  IMPORTANT NOTE:  Calculators on cell phones will not be allowed for use on tests.  Cell phones must be turned off or on vibrate mode during class.
7. In the event of any type of emergency please follow my instructions. In the case of a fire or building evacuation we will all exit the building as quickly as possible and congregate around the trees across from the Health Science Building. DO NOT stop to gather personal belongings.  In the event of a tornado we will all move to a central location in the building.

Make Up Policy:

A. A student may make up one laboratory evaluation missed due to absence without grade penalty. Successive missed evaluations must be made up with the instructor to insure mastery of the required skills but a score of zero will be entered for the unit(s) evaluation. Make arrangements with the instructor to make up the laboratory missed promptly.
B. Each student may make up one chapter test missed due to absence without grade penalty. Additional tests missed will be made up with a ten (10) point deduction from that test grade. The student must contact the
instructor to set a date for any test missed as soon as possible after the absence.
C. Failure to attend the scheduled make up test(s) and/or lab(s) will result in a grade of zero for the test(s) and/or lab(s).

Obtaining Grades:

1. You may access individual test and laboratory scores on the My Grades tool using WebCT.  Students will be given the opportunity to review the test or laboratory evaluation before grades are posted. 
2. Grades will not be mailed to students. You must access grades through Web for Students (http://www.columbiastate.edu). Grades will be available to students on December 22, 2006. Students needing official copies of grades must request it in writing from the Office of Admissions and Records. Call the transcript information line at 931-540-2550 for detailed instructions. Students may print a copy of their grades from Web for Students.

Laboratory Objectives:

These objectives encompass all positioning courses involved in the Radiologic Technology Program at Columbia State and relate specifically to the anatomy covered in each unit of each course. Some of the objectives relate more to one phase of positioning exercises than to others and evaluation of these objectives shall reflect only those specifically related to a particular unit.

Upon completion of each positioning course the student shall be able to:

1. Participate in tube warm-up for preservation of the tube.

2. Demonstrate appropriate radiation monitoring by wearing film badges in the laboratory.

3. Practice personnel safety techniques by leaving the room during exposures and assuring that all other students are within the protected area.

4. Practice radiation protection through the use of adequate collimation and shielding techniques.

5. Position a phantom or model for all basic projections of the anatomical parts included in the course.

6. Convert from routine procedures to alternative methods based on patient condition.

7. Use tube and table controls efficiently.

8. Select appropriate exposure factors.

9. Select appropriate film size(s) for routine projections.

10. Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate target-film distance.

11. Use the proper central ray location for all projections.

12. Use appropriate tube angulation and/or rotation when necessary.

13. Properly center the desired anatomy to the film.

14. Recognize topographic landmarks used to assist in positioning anatomy correctly and demonstrate their use.

15. Place lead identification markers on films correctly without obscuring the anatomy of interest.

16. Demonstrate the proper use of positioning aides (sponges, sandbags, restraints).

17. Maintain proper patient relationship.

18. Use time efficiently through adequate knowledge of positioning routines.

The student will be evaluated on these objectives by the faculty member observing each laboratory exercise. Students are assigned projections from the completed unit to demonstrate.
 

Clinical Orientation Objectives:

This orientation phase of the clinical experience follows introductory didactic requirements and participation in laboratory practice and evaluation. The educational experience will gradually progress from observation of a qualified radiographer executing assigned duties to a more active mode of the student assisting the radiographer in performing procedures, to the student performing procedures under the supervision of a qualified radiographer. This orientation phase will include student competency attempts. Students are reminded that they must have DIRECT supervision until competency in an exam is achieved. Once this is achieved they may perform exams under INDIRECT supervision.

STUDENT OBJECTIVES

During the clinical assignments for this semester, the student should:

1. Complete hospital and radiology department orientation.
a. Description of the type of hospital.
b. Introduction to co workers, radiologists, ancillary personnel
c. Description of physical structure of the department (radiographic rooms and equipment)
d. Location of policy and procedure manuals.

2. Assist the radiographer and observe each detail of the radiographic procedure.

3. Become familiar with patient requisition procedure; locate exam requested, patient information, patient location/transportation mode, clinical information, etc.

4. Progress from an observe/assist mode to active participation in general patient care duties such as introductions, questionnaire completion (if applicable), explanation of exam, maintenance of patient dignity and modesty, and application of Standard Precautions.

5. Begin competency attempts for exams which have been completed in class and in the energized laboratory. These exams must be done under direct supervision before competency is completed and indirect supervision
upon completion of the competency.

6. Assist with transporting patients, if applicable, for examinations the student will be involved with.

7. Become familiar with radiographic processing duties expected of students/ radiographers and begin to perform processing tasks for procedures actively involved in.

8. Assist with physical facilities readiness such as cleaning of table/equipment, fresh linens and stocking appropriate supplies.

9. Become familiar with patient flow procedures such as location of dressing rooms, waiting rooms, check-in and check-out procedures, and placement of films for reading by the radiologist.

METHOD OF EVALUATION

Students will evaluate their progress in clinical orientation by completing the orientation worksheet for each facility. A minimum of three worksheets must be completed by the end of the semester to avoid an “Incomplete”. These worksheets are attached to the end of this syllabus.

Students will also be required to complete a journal entry for each clinical rotation. One journal entry per week will be expected of each student.

Students will also begin using Clinical Record and Evaluation Book to become accustomed to logging and evaluating all procedures. Log books will be reviewed throughout the Fall and Spring semesters to check on progress.  These log books must be turned in by the end of the Spring 2007 Semester.
 

E-Mail Address:

nhopper@columbiastate.edu

nchopper1@yahoo.com

Library

 

http://www.columbiastate.edu/library

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