The Valley Hospital School of Radiography certificate program consists of 19 core radiography courses arranged in four quarters spread over a 24-month period. Each quarter is 22 or 24 weeks in length. The total hours completed at the end of the 24 months are: 594 lecture hours, 176 lab hours, and 1840 clinical hours.
Radiography Program Clinical Education Courses
RADT 1110 - Clinical Practicum I
Hours: 352; 16 hours per week for 22 weeks
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 four 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 quarter. 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 352 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 1120 - Clinical Practicum II
Hours: 384; 16 hours per week for 24 weeks
Prerequisites: RADT 1110
Co-Requisites: Radiographic Ethics and Legal, Medical Terminology, Radiographic Procedures II, Advanced Principles of Exposure
RADT 1120, Clinical Practicum II, is the second course in a series of four 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 384 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 2250 - Clinical Practicum III
Hours: 528; 24 hours per week for 22 weeks
Prerequisites: RADT 1120
Co-Requisites: Advanced Digital Imaging and AI, Physics for Radiography, Radiographic Procedures III, Radiation Biology and Safety
RADT 2250, Clinical Practicum III is the third course in a series of four 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 528 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
RADT 2280 - Clinical Practicum IV
Hours: 576; 24 hours per week for 24 weeks
Prerequisites: RADT 2250
Co-Requisites: Radiographic Pathology, Radiographic Procedures IV, Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Quality Management
RADT 2280, Clinical Practicum IV is the last course in a series of four 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 576 hours of experience to meet course objectives and requirements.
Didactic Radiography Courses
RADT 1101 - Introduction to Radiography and Protection
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: RADT 1105, RADT 1131, RADT 1110, RADT 1150
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
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 44
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: RADT 1101, RADT 1131, RADT 1101, RADT 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 1111- Medical Terminology
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0
Prerequisites: RADT 1131
Co-requisites: RADT 1145, RADT 1135, RADT 1120
Medical Terminology focuses on the medical terms and definitions used in a patient care setting. Understanding a wide range of medical terms is a necessity as a radiologic technologist and enhances communication with other medical professionals. In this course, the student will memorize and learn these terms in a variety of learning techniques that will assist them throughout the program and in their careers.
RADT 1131 - Principles of Radiographic Exposure I
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-requisites: RADT 1101, RADT 1105, RADT 1110, RADT 1150
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
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: None
Co-Requisites: RADT 1131, RADT 1105, RADT 1101, RADT 1105
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
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 44
Prerequisites: RADT 1105
Co-Requisites: RADT 1120
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 1145- Radiographic Ethics and Legal
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0
Prerequisites: RADT 1150
Co-requisites: RADT 2251, RADT 1135, RADT 1120
This course expands on the topics of ethics and law in medical imaging and patient care. It takes an in-depth look at legal terminology and ethical dilemmas that the radiographer may face in the field. Other topics covered include: moral reasoning, cultural and economic considerations, HIPPA, criminal law, privacy, living will, and patient consent.
RADT 2222- Physics for Radiography
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0
Prerequisites: RADT 2251
Corequisites: RADT 2270, RADT 2255, RADT 2252
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.
RADT 2251 - Advanced Principles of Radiographic Exposure
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: RADT 1131
Co-Requisites: RADT 1135, RADT 1120
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
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: RADT 1101
Co-Requisites: RADT 2222, 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
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: RADT 1135
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
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 44
Prerequisites: RADT 1135
Co-Requisites: RADT 2222, 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 2270-Advanced Digital Imaging and AI
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0
Prerequisites: RADT 2251
Co-Requisites: RADT 2222, RADT 2252, RADT 2255
This course expands on the components of digital imaging and introduces the innovative topic of artificial intelligence, and its use in medical imaging. The student will learn about new technology in digital imaging and advances that have taken place. The student will also explore the future of medical imaging.
RADT 2275 - Radiographic Procedures IV
Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 44
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
Lecture Hours: 33
Lab Hours: 0.0
Prerequisites: RADT 2255
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.
Radiography Educational Curriculum
First Year
| Fall Quarter | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RADT 1101 | Introduction to Radiography and Protection | 44 lecture hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1105 | Radiographic Procedures I | 44 lecture hours / 44 lab hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1131 | Principles of Radiographic Exposure I | 44 lecture hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1110 | Clinical Practicum I | 352 clinical hours/22-week quarter | 16 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1150 | Fundamentals of Patient Care | 44 lecture hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| Spring Quarter | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RADT 1145 | Radiographic Ethics and Legal | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1111 | Medical Terminology | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1135 | Radiographic Procedures II | 44 lecture hours / 44 lab hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2251 | Advanced Principles of Radiographic Exposure | 44 lecture hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 1120 | Clinical Practicum II | 384 clinical hours/24-week quarter | 16 hours/week / 22 weeks |
Second Year
| Fall Quarter | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RADT 2270 | Advanced Digital Imaging and AI | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2222 | Physics for Radiography | 44 lecture hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2255 | Radiographic Procedures III | 44 lecture hours / 44 lab hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2252 | Radiation Biology and Advanced Safety Practices | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2250 | Clinical Practicum III | 528 clinical hours/22-week quarter | 24 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| Spring Quarter | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| RADT 2271 | Radiographic Pathology | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2275 | Radiographic Procedures IV | 44 lecture hours / 44 lab hours | 2 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2254 | Radiographic Imaging Equipment and Quality Management | 33 lecture hours | 1.5 hours/week / 22 weeks |
| RADT 2280 | Clinical Practicum IV | 576 clinical hours/24-week quarter | 24 hours/week / 24 weeks |
Based on 22/24-Week Quarters:
- Lecture: 594 hours
- Lab: 176 hours
- Clinical: 1840 hours