Director of Radiography
& Medical Imaging
Shelli Weddum, MHA, RT (R)(ARRT)
PH 402.552.6204
[email protected]
Radiography Mission
The Radiography program at Clarkson College is designed to provide a high quality, diverse educational experience rich in both professional and general coursework. Students of the program will be prepared to enter the radiography profession and to demonstrate good ethical judgment and compassion in the delivery of patient care. Radiography students are expected to adhere to all professional and ethical standards set forth by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
The Radiography program meets its mission by providing an optimal environment for students learning the delivery of quality health care in a variety of clinical settings. The program offers a broad educational experience that enables students to apply theoretical learning to clinical practice. Students develop the necessary critical thinking and communication skills for becoming an integral member of the health care team. The program prepares students who are concerned with the improvement of the quality of life, which is consistent with the College Mission.
Radiologic Technologist Professionals
Radiologic technologists (RT's) provide diagnostic services for patients using high-tech medical imaging equipment. Medical images produced by radiographers are then sent to physicians for diagnostic interpretation. RTs are employed by hospitals, imaging facilities, urgent care clinics, private physician offices and other health care facilities. There are also opportunities in industry, civil service, public health care services and international health care organizations. Opportunities abound in management and in education at the collegiate level for those appropriately prepared.
Graduates of the program will be able to sit for the national certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). After successful completion of this examination, the individual will be a Certified Radiologic Technologist, R.T.(R). In addition, some states may require licensure to practice.
Medical Imaging Mission
The Medical Imaging program is designed to prepare graduates for additional career opportunities and advancement within the medical imaging profession.
Graduation from the Medical Imaging program prepare RTs for additional career opportunities and advancement within the profession. These include computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography/interventional procedures (CI & VI), mammography (M), bone densitometry (BD), medical imaging informatics, management and leadership, and medical 3D printing. Upon completion of the program, graduates may be eligible for advanced registry certifications by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Undergraduate Radiography & Medical Imaging Courses
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to correlate anatomy and physiology and relate normal body functioning to the physiologic changes that occur as a result of illness, as well as the body’s remarkable ability to compensate for these changes. The course will be organized into three areas of focus based on the health-illness continuum: (1) control of normal body functions; (2) pathophysiology or alterations in body function; and (3) system or organ failure.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This externship course will allow the student to perform hands-on experience in a pediatric setting. This externship course will focus on basic procedures/imaging for pediatrics. The externship will emphasize the unique approach of caring for the pediatric patient in radiology. The externship for diagnostic pediatric imaging will include patient care, principles of ALARA, immobilization techniques, causes and correction measures for artifacts, image archival, operation of imaging equipment for diagnostic, portable, c-arm, and fluoroscopic studies.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of computed tomography examinations. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency examinations are requirements of the course.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency examinations are requirements of the course.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of mammographic examinations. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency examinations are requirements of the course.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of bone densitometry procedures. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency procedures are requirements of the course.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of vascular interventional examinations. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency examinations are requirements of the course.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to the performance of vascular interventional examinations. Case studies, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency examinations are requirements of the course.
(Three hours theory per week) Anatomical cross-sections of the head, neck, thorax and spine are presented to students using images of human anatomy. Physiological considerations of major structures will also be addressed. Students practice and assess their identification skills through review exercises.
(Three hours theory per week) Anatomical cross-sections of the abdomen, pelvis, and upper and lower extremities are presented to students using images of human anatomy. Physiological considerations of major structures will also be addressed. Students practice and assess their identification skills through review exercises.
(Three hours theory per week) The course will focus on advanced topics in pediatric imaging. It will begin with a review of pediatric patient care, principles of ALARA, basic immobilization techniques, operation of imaging equipment for diagnostic, portable, c-arm and fluoroscopic studies. The course will center on advanced concepts in pediatric imaging including but not limited to pediatric pathology, pediatric radiation biology and pediatric pharmacology, including drug administration and sedation medications. Further pediatric imaging in advanced modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, diagnostic medical ultrasound, cardiac interventional and vascular interventional will be investigated.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to assist students in gaining an understanding of health care delivery systems and how to recognize trends in the healthcare environment. This course will promote the attitude of lifelong learning by assisting the medical imaging professional to stay in step with the current health care environment and be prepared to help foster the future and increase awareness of the profession in the global community. This course emphasizes student engagement using a required service experience.
(Three hours theory per week) This course focuses on the theories, physics, application and instrumentation of computed tomography (CT) equipment. The student will examine and critique image analysis as a means in learning to evaluate images for correct technique, imaging protocols and identification of proper anatomy. The course will also examine and explore means of correcting poor images and artifact identification.
(Three hours theory per week) This course focuses on basic computed tomography (CT) protocol information in addition to adapting common protocols based on patient needs and radiation dose reduction. This course will include indications, pathology, positioning, patient preparation and contrast administration for CT examinations.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to provide participants the requisite theories, concepts and praxis in performing vascular-interventional radiography. Equipment operation and instrumentation, patient care and procedural specifics for both vascular and non-vascular procedures will be the foci of this course. Procedures encompass neurologic, thoracic, abdominal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and peripheral imaging and intervention. Dialysis management and venous access will also be addressed.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to provide participants the requisite theories, concepts and praxis in performing cardiac-interventional radiography. Equipment operation and instrumentation, patient care, and procedural specifics, including but not limited to anatomy, pathophysiology, indications, and contraindications, will be the foci of this course. Procedures encompass diagnostic studies, percutaneous intervention, hemodynamics and calculations, and conduction system studies.
(Three hours theory per week) This course focuses on angiographic and interventional procedures. The students will be exposed to the basics of sterile technique, recording systems, automatic injectors, contrast media, catheters and accessories. The principles of angiography (arteriography, venography and lymphography) are presented, along with critiques of radiographic images. A wide range of vascular and nonvascular interventional procedures are examined in detail.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to provide participants the requisite theories, concepts and praxis in performing mammographic procedures. Patient positioning, quality control and necessary patient education, along with the critique of radiographic images, serve as the foci of this course. The course also introduces the process of mammography image analysis where the participants will evaluate various images for correct positioning, proper technique and undesired artifacts.
(Three hours theory per week) This course provides students with a basic understanding of the physics of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the instrumentation used to acquire images in MRI. A historical perspective leading to the development of MRI, the basic principles of electricity and magnetism, the characteristics of radio frequencies and the phenomenon of resonance are addressed. Application of these principles to MRI pulse sequences and data acquisition are discussed. Hazards associated with strong magnetic fields and radio frequencies are imparted, as are the actual components of the MRI equipment.
(Three hours theory per week) This course addresses advanced imaging techniques, including MR angiography, cardiac imaging and spectroscopy. The nature and use of contrast agents are discussed. Factors related to image quality and artifacts are considered. Imaging of the central nervous system, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and extremities will be discussed in detail along with specific protocols that correlate to the MRI ARRT registry. Attention is given to the biological effects of MRI, patient education, screening and care. In addition, specific MRI safety regulations will be addressed in great detail.
(Three hours theory per week) This course focuses on the anatomy, physiology and pathology of the human structural support system. The course will focus on the history of bone densitometry, tracing the early roots of the modality all the way through its advancements in today’s scanners. The course will cover bone anatomy in detail, down to its cellular components. Bone pathologies that are significant to bone densitometry will also be covered in detail with an emphasis on osteoporosis.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed for the student going into department supervision and management. The student will learn the basics of budgets, personnel scheduling, counseling, and administrative and leadership duties.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experience in a supervised clinical setting. Working closely with a designated liaison, the student will apply concepts learned in their coursework to performance of digital imaging and PACS related procedures. The student will be exposed to a variety of issues and problems that will require them to contribute successful solutions. Projects, writing assignments and demonstration of prescribed competency procedures are requirements of the course. This externship will be followed by the advanced level externship course DMI 450.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester) The externship is the evidence-based practice research project to the PACS curriculum. This field experience will be under the supervision of designated administrators and Clarkson College faculty. This is an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world use of a PACS system. During this course, the student will perform clinical hands-on practice in a supervised clinical setting and will put into practice the knowledge acquired in the PACS coursework. The student will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous procedures within the specialty area, focusing on both the routine and advanced including a wide variety of troubleshooting tasks that PACS administrators and managers experience.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to cover the basics of information technology, clinical image management applications and the unique components of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems.) Special focus is placed on the imaging modalities, networking, imaging chain functionalities and IT standards, which include HL7, IHE and DICOM.
(Three hours theory per week) This course focuses on the daily operations and tasks for an Imaging Informatics Professional (IIP.) Emphasis on the continued support, training, downtime policies/procedures and the importance of compliance is covered for the IIP and all end users of PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems.)
(Three hours theory per week) This course concentrates on the vision for a successful PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication Systems) implementation. The essential components, such as vendors, facility preparedness, system testing, project members and strategic planning are discussed for a positive experience and overall integration of PACS.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is the culmination and integration of the medical imaging informatics foci: technology utilization, operational strategies, and organizational planning and vision. Participants will apply these concepts, as outlined by the American Board of Imaging Informatics, for certification as a Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP).
(Three hours theory per week) This course will introduce students to the process of curriculum design, accreditation requirements and programmatic assessment specific to the radiologic sciences. Students will explore instructional technologies that create an effective classroom and develop practical teaching skills to assist in the learning process. These experiences will lead to a culminating project in which students will work collaboratively with a faculty member.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is designed to provide participants the theories and models to become an effective leader in the medical imaging field. Students will take part in self-reflection, develop leadership behaviors, as well as formulate a leadership philosophy. Students will apply their philosophy to concepts such as the development and importance of teams, emotional intelligence, and employee motivation and turnover. Issues related to licensure, certification, professional advocacy and professional service will also be explored. Students obtain first-hand knowledge of leadership via a practical experience with a leader in the medical imaging field.
(Three hours theory per week) This course will introduce the student to the fundamentals of creating a 3D medical print. The course will encompass selection of the correct image acquisition parameters, optimal segmentation of the anatomy, choosing the appropriate material for the model for the final 3D medical print, as well as utilization of CAD software and quality assurance/control processes. Students will participate in hands-on activities for the basic steps of the 3D medical printing process.
This course will provide the student the opportunity to apply various advanced theories and concepts in creating a 3D medical print. Students will utilize learned concepts to hone their knowledge and advance their abilities in producing a complex 3D medical print.
This course is designed to provide students with hands-on experiences in a supervised clinical setting. The student will apply concepts learned in the Medical 3D Printing Specialist certificate curriculum. Pre-requisite: Completion of Medical 3D Printing Specialist Certificate
This course will complement the student’s prior knowledge of medical 3D printing while introducing the student to emerging advanced visualization techniques. The topics covered include virtual reality anatomic modeling, silicon molding and creating patient-specific cutting guides. The student will make use of interactive and virtual reality software to participate in hands-on activities to prepare virtual medical 3D models. Additionally, the student will prepare a silicon mold for anatomic modeling.
The symposium course will showcase the student’s knowledge of medical 3D printing. The students will be given a case to 3D print. The students will collaborate with an interprofessional medical team to print a medical 3D print and a virtual reality file. This course will educate health care providers to improve diagnoses, enhancing treatment plans and improving patient outcomes.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform hands-on practice in vascular interventional procedures. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform hands-on practice in cardiac-interventional procedures. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) This advanced externship course will allow the student to perform hands-on experience in a pediatric setting. This advanced externship course will focus on the advanced procedures/imaging for pediatrics. The externship will emphasize the unique approach for caring for the pediatric patient in radiology. The advanced externship for diagnostic pediatric imaging will include patient care, principles of ALARA, immobilization techniques, causes and correction measures for artifacts, image archival, operation of imaging equipment for diagnostic, portable, c-arm, and fluoroscopic studies. Additional focus will be on fluoroscopic imaging and surgical procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform hands-on practice in computed tomography. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform hands-on practice in magnetic resonance imaging. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform hands-on practice in mammography. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
(Minimum of 180 hours of clinical experience per semester. Some clinical sites require more than the minimum 180 hours. Students will comply with all the clinical site requirements.) The student will perform clinical hands-on practice in bone densitometry. The student will obtain advanced clinical experience and will be required to demonstrate competency for numerous examinations within the specialty area, focusing on both routine and advanced procedures.
Study is directed by a faculty member on a topic of the student’s interest and the faculty member’s expertise.
This is a zero-credit hour course offered twice per month to first year Radiography Program students in the fall and spring semesters. The course is designed to provide the students with pertinent program information and prepare them for clinical rotations and the imaging profession.
(One hour theory per week) This course is designed to provide the student with information regarding the radiography profession. Cognitive information related to ethics, law, radiation protection and basic departmental procedures are presented to ensure safe clinical practice. Professional development and lifelong learning will be emphasized by introducing the students to various organizations and agencies.
(Two hours theory and one hour laboratory per week) This course presents the theoretical base for patient care skills and techniques unique to professional radiographers. This course acquaints students with essential patient care topics such as diversity and ethical considerations, effective communication with various patient types, safe transport of patients, assessment of vital signs, current information on infection control, pharmacology, and contrast media as they pertain to radiography, venipuncture, medical emergencies and CPR standards. Laboratory experiences will expand these theoretical foundations by incorporating psychomotor skills in a simulated and/or actual clinical setting. Student engagement will be emphasized using a required service experience.
(Three hours theory and two hours laboratory per week) This course is the first part of a three-fold radiographic procedures course. Part I of this course is designed to provide the students with the necessary theory, concepts and psychomotor experiences needed to perform specific diagnostic procedures. Patient positioning, equipment manipulation, appropriate patient care techniques and critique of radiographic images are presented in this course. The body areas to be addressed in Part I include upper extremities, shoulder girdle, lower extremities, pelvis, chest, bony thorax, and spine.
(Three hours theory and one hour laboratory per week) This two-fold course focuses on the theory, application and evaluation of the instrumentation and operation of radiographic equipment. Part I emphasizes the factors that produce and control radiographic images. Digital technology will be covered.
(Three hours theory and one hour laboratory per week) Radiographic Exposures is a two-fold course. Part II is a continuation of RAD 120 and emphasizes the various equipment and electronics involved in the production, use, control, and evaluation of radiographic images. Equipment quality control will be explored.
(Three hours theory and four hours laboratory per week)This course is the second part of a three-fold radiographic procedures course. Part II continues with headwork, abdomen, and the student will also be introduced to contrast and/or fluoroscopic procedures that evaluate the biliary system, upper and lower gastrointestinal system, and urinary system. Various contrast and other pharmacological agents utilized in the above exams will also be discussed.
(Two hours theory and up to five hours laboratory per week) This course is the third part of a three-fold radiographic procedures course. Part III provides the student with an understanding of the more advanced and complex diagnostic procedures associated with a diverse patient population, pediatrics, trauma and surgical exams that include the use of a portable x-ray unit and c-arm. Clinical preparation will also be included in this course.
(Two hours theory per week) This course presents principles of pathology and the radiographic appearances of specific diseases. An understanding of disease processes can aid the technologist in selecting proper techniques and in determining the need for repeating a radiograph that might be acceptable under different circumstances. This knowledge will aid the radiologic technologist in becoming a more competent professional and a contributing member to the diagnostic imaging team.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is an in-depth study of the physics and electronics involved in the production, use and control of the various electromagnetic energies used in medical and diagnostic applications. The students will benefit from studying, examining and manipulating actual equipment components that facilitate comprehension of difficult concepts and applications.
(Average of 16 hours clinical or equivalent experience per week for 15 weeks) This course provides the student the opportunity to apply concepts learned in their first year of coursework in the performance of radiologic activities in the clinical setting. The student will be required to prove competency in prescribed examinations.
(Three hours theory per week) This course is a study and analysis of the effects of various types of electromagnetic radiations and their effects on living tissues. The students will learn why they should and how they can protect themselves, their patients and others from various forms of ionizing radiation used in diagnostic and therapeutic medical applications.
(Average of 30 hours clinical or equivalent experience per week for 15 weeks) This course is a continuation of RT 265. The students will begin to refine skills learned in the previous clinical course, while expanding their expertise with additional procedures. The student will be expected to become more independent in performing imaging procedures. Additional competencies and re-checks will be required in prescribed examinations.
(Average of 30 hours clinical or equivalent experience per week for 12 weeks.) This course is a continuation of RAD 275 and provides the student the opportunity to exercise independent judgment and discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures. Students are expected to complete all required competencies in this rotation. The final section of clinical education ensures that the student is ready for employment. At the end of the clinical experience, all students are required to attend on-campus review sessions that will prepare them for the ARRT examination. The required review sessions will be utilized in calculating the cognitive portion of the student’s grade for RAD 285.