The Valley Hospital School of Radiography certificate and Associate of Science curriculum consists of 77 total credits. Fifty credits are core radiography certificate courses. The remaining 27 credits of liberal arts and science courses are offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University for completion of their associate degree in radiology.
Radiography Program Clinical Education Courses
RADT 1110 - Clinical Practicum I
Credits: 1.0
Hours: 120
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: Introduction to Radiography, Exposure I, Fundaments of Patient Care
RADT 1110, Clinical Practicum I, is the first course in a series of eight clinical education courses that is designed to enable the student to develop those skills that are necessary to perform in the capacity of an entry-level radiographer upon completion of this program. This course serves as an introduction to the medical imaging career and department. CPR requirements are met this semester. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students will have an opportunity to acquire competency in radiography of the thorax, abdomen, and upper limb. Students are afforded 120 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 1120 - Clinical Practicum II
Credits: 1.0
Hours: 120
Prerequisites: 1110
Co-Requisites: None
RADT 1120, Clinical Practicum II, is the second course in a series of eight clinical education courses and is a continuation of Clinical Practicum I. This course will enable students to continue to develop professional and technical skills. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students will have opportunity to acquire competency in all previously covered, imaging studies. Students are required to complete objectives in mobile, surgical, venipuncture and vital signs. Students are afforded 120 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 1130 - Clinical Practicum III
Credits: 2.0
Hours: 240
Prerequisites: RADT 1120
Co-Requisites: Radiographic Procedures II, Advanced Principles of Radiographic Imaging
RADT 1130, Clinical Practicum III, is the third course in a series of eight clinical education courses designed to enable progression in the development of entry- level skills as a radiographer. There will be an introduction to contrast media and urographic procedures. Using the Competency-Based Clinical education model, students have opportunity to acquire competency in all areas previously covered, lower limb radiography, femora, pelvis and the spine. Students are afforded 240 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 1140 - Clinical Practicum IV
Credits: 4.0
Hours: 480
Prerequisites: RADT 1130
Co-Requisites: None
RADT 1140, Clinical Practicum IV is the fourth course in a series of eight clinical education courses that are designed to enable a continued progression towards the development of entry-level skills as a radiographer. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students will have an opportunity to acquire competency in those area previously covered in Radiographic Procedures I and II, in addition to contrast media studies. Students are afforded 480 hours of experience to meet course objectives, requirements and quality assurance objectives.
RADT 2250 - Clinical Practicum V
Credits: 2.0
Hours: 240
Prerequisites: RADT 1140
Co-Requisites: Physics for Radiographers, Radiographic Procedures III
RADT 2250, Clinical Practicum V is the fifth course in a series of eight clinical education courses designed to prepare the student radiographer for entry-level skills development. During this phase in the education process, students will perfect all clinical skills acquired over the course of one year. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students may acquire competency in all previously covered areas, in addition to advanced contrast media examinations, skull radiography, geriatric and pediatric populations. Students are afforded 240 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 2270 - Clinical Practicum VII
Credits: 2.0
Hours: 240
Prerequisites: RADT 2260
Co-Requisites: Radiographic Procedures IV, Radiation Biology and Advanced Safety Practices, Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Quality Assurance, Radiographic Pathology
RADT 2270, Clinical Practicum VII is the seventh course in a series of eight clinical education courses that are designed for the purpose of the development of entry-level clinical skills that are needed to enter the profession. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students may acquire competency in all previously covered studies, in addition to cases such as “grams.” Students are afforded 240 of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 2280 - Clinical Practicum VIII
Credits: 4.0
Hours: 480
Prerequisites: RADT 2270
Co-Requisites: None
RADT 2280, Clinical Practicum VIII is the last course in a series of eight clinical education courses designed to prepare the graduates for entrance into the field of medical imaging. During the final phase of education, students are expected to master all technical and clinical skills. Using the Competency-Based Clinical Education model, students must complete all mandatory, elective, continual and terminal competency evaluations to meet the program’s graduation requirements. Students will complete all sub-specialty imaging objectives. Students are afforded 480 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
Didactic Radiography Courses
RADT 1101 - Introduction to Radiography and Protection
Credits: 3.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: 1105, 1131
This course introduces the student to the diagnostic imaging department and to the healthcare environment, radiation safety and protection, medical law and ethical practice. Diverse issues related to these topics will be explored.
RADT 1105 - Radiographic Procedures I
Credits: 4.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 45
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: 1110, 1135, 1150
This is the first course in a series of four courses that are designed to orient the student radiographer to anatomy, positioning, physiology, terminology and imaging procedures of the thorax, abdomen and upper limb. Acceptable practices and principles that are introduced in lecture are reinforced in structured laboratory and clinical practice.
RADT 1131 - Principles of Radiographic Exposure I
Credits: 3.0
Lecture Hours: 45 - Online Course
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: 1105, 1110
This course introduces the student to those principles related to image production and evaluation, as it relates to materials used and physical processes. Topics of this course include: film, cassettes, grids, intensifying screens, imaging plates, processing chemistry, radiographic film processing and artifact formation. Students will study the multitude of factors that impact the creation of image creation.
RADT 1150 - Fundamentals of Patient Care
Credits: 3.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: 1105, 1131
This course introduces the student the skills needed for the management and care of all patient populations, while in the clinical environment. Topics of this course include: communication, pharmacology, infection control, sterile technique, isolation, body mechanics, vital signs, venipuncture, contrast media administration and management of emergency situations.
RADT 1135 - Radiographic Procedures II
Credits: 4.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 45
Prerequisites: RADT 1105
Co-Requisites: 2251
This is the second course in a series of four positioning/ procedures designed to introduce the student to basic anatomy, physiology, terminology and imaging procedures of the lower limb and the spinal column. In addition, students will be introduced to basic studies that involved the use of opaque contrast agents. Acceptable practices and principles that are introduced in lecture are reinforced in structured laboratory and clinical practice.
RADT 2251 - Advanced Principles of Radiographic Exposure
Credits: 3.0
Lecture Hours: 45 - Online Course
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: 1131
Co-Requisites: 1135
The focus of this course is the photographic and geometric creation of a radiographic image. The content of this course includes density, contrast, recorded detail and distortion. Mathematical manipulations, technical compensations and application of theory as it relates to clinical practice will be explored.
RADT 2252 - Radiation Biology & Advanced Safety Practices
Credits: 2.0
Lecture Hours: 30
Prerequisites: RADT 1101
Co-Requisites: PHYS 1114, RADT 2250, RADT 2255
This course is designed to orient the student radiographer about the effect(s) that is produced by ionizing radiation in living cells and matter. Cell survival, genetic effects, somatic effects and radiation syndromes are discussed in detail. Correlation of such effects is made to radiation safety practices and protection standards that are stipulated at the national and state levels.
RADT 2254 - Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Quality Management
Credits: 2.0
Lecture Hours: 30
Prerequisites: PHYS 1114
Co-Requisites: RADT 2270, RADT 2271, RADT 2275
This course is a study of diagnostic imaging equipment and quality control practices. Topics of this course include: diagnostic circuitry, imaging tubes, image intensification, body section radiography, mobile units and automatic exposure control. Students will perform calculations and modules related to the previously indicated content.
RADT 2255 - Radiographic Procedures III
Credits: 4.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 45
Prerequisites: RADT 1135
Co-Requisites: PHYS 1114, RADT 2250, RADT 2252
This is the third course in a series of four imaging procedures-related courses that is designed to introduce students to complex imaging procedures of the skull, facial and para-nasal sinuses. There will be an intensive reinforcement of anatomy, physiology and terminology as it relates to the content covered in this course. Acceptable practices and principles that are introduced in this course are reinforced in structured laboratory and clinical practice.
RADT 2275 - Radiographic Procedures IV
Credits: 4.0
Lecture Hours: 45
Lab Hours: 45
Prerequisites: RADT 2255
Co-Requisites: RADT 2254, RADT 2270, RADT 2271
This is the last course in a series of four radiographic procedures-related courses that focuses on complex-imaging studies, modalities and therapy. In addition, students will have the opportunity to experience relevant radiography computer programs as a part of the final laboratory experience.
RADT 2271 - Radiographic Pathology
Credits: 2.0
Co-Requisites: RADT 2254, RADT 2270, RADT 2275
The emphasis of this course is the identification of pathologic diseases and conditions that require procedural modification and / or technical compensation that have an effect on patient care and the outcome of radiographic quality.
PHYS 1114 - Physics for Radiography
Credits: 3.0
Concepts from mechanics and thermodynamics needed in radiography will be presented. The course will then focus on electro-magnetism, atomic structure, ionizing radiation, electric circuits, the X-ray tube, etc.
Radiography Educational Curriculum
The radiography program’s educational curriculum consists of didactic core courses and clinical education. Students who elect the certificate and degree option must complete the liberal arts and sciences courses that are indicated below.
Fall Semester, 1st Year
UNIV 1001 - Transitioning to University Life (1 credit)
RADT 1101 - Introduction to Radiography and Protection (3 credits, 45 lecture hours)
RADT 1105 - Radiographic Procedures I (4 credits, 45 lecture hours, 45 lab)
RADT 1131 - Principles of Radiographic Exposure I (3 credits, 45 lecture hours)
RADT 1110 - Clinical Practicum I (1 credit, 120 clinical hours)
RADT 1150 - Fundamentals of Patient Care (3 credits, 45 lecture hours)
Winter Semester
RADT 1120 - Clinical Practicum II (1 credit, 120 clinical hours)
Spring Semester
ENGL 1101 - English Composition I (3 credits)
MATH 1105 - College Algebra (4 credits)
RADT 1135 - Radiographic Procedures II (4 credits, 45 lecture hours, 45 lab)
RADT 2251 - Advanced Principles of Radiographic Exposure (3 credits, 45 lecture hours)
RADT 1130 - Clinical Practicum III (2 credits, 240 clinical hours)
UNIV 1002 - Preparing for Professional Life (1 credit)
Summer Session
RADT 1140 - Clinical Practicum IV (4 credits, 480 clinical hours)
ENGL1102 - English Composition II (3 credits)
Fall Semester, 2nd Year
CSCI 1105 - Computers and Computer Software (3 credits)
PHYS 1114 - Physics for Radiographers (3 credits)
UNIV 2001 - Cross-Cultural Perspectives (3 credits)
PSYC 1201 - General Psychology I (3 credits)
RADT 2255 - Radiographic Procedures III (4 credits, 45 lecture hours, 45 lab)
RADT 2252 - Radiation Biology and Advanced Safety Practices (2 credits, 30 lecture hours)
RADT 2250 - Clinical Practicum V (2 credits, 240 clinical hours)
Spring Semester
UNIV 2002 - Global Issues (3 credits)
RADT 2271 - Radiographic Pathology (2 credits, 30 lecture hours)
RADT 2275 - Radiographic Procedures IV (4 credits, 45 lecture hours, 45 lab)
RADT 2254 - Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Quality Management (2 credits, 30 lecture hours)
RADT 2270 - Clinical Practicum VII (2 credits, 240 clinical hours)
Summer Session
RADT 2280 - Clinical Practicum VIII (4 credits, 480 clinical hours)