Course Descriptions

The list below is NOT a complete list of program courses and shows courses taught in the previous, current, and two future terms. View complete degree/certificate requirements and course offerings by clicking the links below.


RATE 160 - Fundamentals of Radiologic Technology - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: Admission to the Radiologic Technology Program. This course provides an overview of the foundations of radiography and the practitioner’s role in health care delivery. Principles, practices and policies of health care organizations will be examined and discussed in addition to the professional responsibilities of the radiographer.

RATE 165 - Patient Care - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 160 with a grade of C or better or concurrent enrollment in RATE 160. This course provides the concepts of optimal patient care, including consideration for the physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. Routine and emergency patient care procedures are described, as well as infection control procedures using standard precautions. The role of the radiographer in patient education is identified.

RATE 171 - Principles of Radiographic Imaging - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 172, RATE 186 and RATE 187 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. Content establishes a knowledge base in technical factors that govern the image production process.

RATE 172 - Radiographic Procedures I - 5.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 160 with a C or better and concurrent enrollment in RATE 187 & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform imaging procedures of the chest, abdomen, upper limb, shoulder girdle, lower limb, pelvic girdle, vertebral column, and bony thorax. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images.

RATE 176 - Radiographic Procedures II - 5.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 172 with a C or better and concurrent enrollment in RATE 188 & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course provides the knowledge base necessary to perform imaging procedures of the chest, abdomen, upper limb, shoulder girdle, lower limb, pelvic girdle, vertebral column, and bony thorax. Consideration is given to the evaluation of optimal diagnostic images.

RATE 186 - Radiation Physics - 2.50 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 160 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. Content in this course establishes a basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology, thenature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photoninteractions with matter. The course content also establishes a knowledge base in radiographic,fluoroscopic and mobile equipment requirements and design. A basic knowledge of qualitycontrol is also introduced in this course.

RATE 187 - Clinical I - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 160 with a grade of C or better and concurrent enrollment in RATE 172 & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course is designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize andevaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured,sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centeredclinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. The clinicalpractice experiences in this course are designed to provide patient care and assessment,competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels ofcompetency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during andfollowing the radiologic procedure. This course is the first of five total clinical courses.

RATE 188 - Clinical II - 4.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 165, RATE 186, RATE 172, and RATE 187 with a grade of C or better and concurrent enrollment in RATE 176 & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course is designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

RATE 189 - Clinical III - 4.00 credits

Prerequisites: RATE 171, RATE 176, and RATE 188 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course is designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

RATE 270 - Radiation Biology and Protection - 2.50 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 271, RATE 273 and RATE 274 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course provides an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues, and the body are presented. Factors affecting biologic response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation. The course also presents an overview of the principles of radiation protection, including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel, and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies and health care organizations are incorporated.

RATE 271 - Clinical IV - 6.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 189 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course is designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

RATE 272 - Clinical V - 6.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 271, RATE 273, and RATE 274 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course is designed to sequentially develop, apply, critically analyze, integrate, synthesize and evaluate concepts and theories in the performance of radiologic procedures. Through structured, sequential, competency-based clinical assignments, concepts of team practice, patient-centered clinical practice and professional development are discussed, examined and evaluated. Clinical practice experiences are designed to provide patient care and assessment, competent performance of radiologic imaging and total quality management. Levels of competency and outcomes measurement ensure the well-being of the patient prior to, during and following the radiologic procedure.

RATE 273 - Digital Image Acquisition - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 171, RATE 186 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. Content imparts and understanding of the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impart image acquisition, display, archiving, and retrieval are discussed. Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.

RATE 274 - Cross Sectional Anatomy for RATE - 1.50 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 189 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program.With respect to the radiologic technology student, the course content begins with a review ofgross anatomy of the entire body. Detailed study of gross anatomical structures will be conductedsystematically for location, function, and relationship to other structures. Gross anatomicalstructures are located and identified in axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique planes. Illustrations andanatomy images will be compared with MR and CT images in the same imaging planes and at thesame level, when applicable.

RATE 278 - Pathology - 1.50 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 271, RATE 273 and RATE 274 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. This course introduces concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection.

RATE 283 - Final Seminar - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: RATE 271 and RATE 274 with a grade of C or better & Admission to the Radiologic Technology program. Preparation for the National Registry examination. Simulation of American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination.

Computed Tomography (CT) Certificate


RTCT 200 - Cross Sectional Anatomy - 3.00 credits

Prerequisite: Admission to the Radiologic Technology program or Computed Tomography certificate program, or credentials in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB). This course content begins with a review of gross anatomy of the entire body. Detailed study of gross anatomical structures will be conducted systematically for location, relationship to other structures and function. Gross anatomical structures are located and identified in axial (transverse), sagittal, coronal and orthogonal (oblique) planes. Illustrations and anatomy images will be compared with MR and CT images in the same imaging planes and at the same level when applicable. The characteristic appearance of each anatomical structure as it appears on a CT, MR and ultrasound image, when applicable, will be stressed

RTCT 201 - CT Patient Care - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: Credentials in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB). This course introduces the student to Computed Tomography (CT) and patient care in the CT suite. This course focuses on patient care and radiation safety issues as they relate to CT. Classes cover topics in patient assessment, venipuncture, contrast agents, radiation safety and others.

RTCT 202 - CT Procedures - 5.00 credits

Prerequisites: Credentials in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB). Provides the student knowledge of cross sectional anatomy in different anatomical body planes. It also covers common pathologies that are imaged using cross section technique. Routine imaging procedures are discussed for the following body parts: head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and musculoskeletal.

RTCT 203 - CT Radiation Safety - 2.00 credits

Prerequisite: Current radiology students as well as Technologists who hold credentials in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB). The certificate testing requirements have changed requiring a structured educational component. Area hospitals have reached out to both locations about a need for this educational component.

RTCT 204 - CT Image Production - 4.00 credits

Prerequisite: Credentials in Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and/or Radiation Therapy who are registered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and/or the Nuclear Medicine Technologists Certification Board (NMTCB). Imparts an understanding of the physical principles and instrumentation involved in computed tomography (CT). The historical development and evolution of computed tomography is also reviewed.