Radiography

School of Health Sciences

Breuder Advanced Technology & Health Sciences Center, Rm. W232 · (570) 320-8007

Mission, Goals & Objectives

Mission

The Radiography Program is a comprehensive two-year degree program, which provides its students a high quality, customer service, competency based didactic and clinical education. The education provided prepares the students for the entry-level job market in diagnostic radiology, allows them to transfer to other colleges, prepares advanced students for sub specialty areas, as well as instilling life long learning values, and assists them in achieving their professional and personal goals.

Role & Scope

The program implements its mission through a clearly defined set of objectives and outcomes that meet and exceed the "standards" for an accredited program set by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Didactic Instruction. The program follows the American Society of Radiologic Technologists curriculum guide in the presentation of Radiography content, as well as meeting the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools requirements for the associate's degree of applied science.

Clinical Education. The program prides itself on the professional behavior and clinical competency skills of its graduates. Clinical rotations through all phases of radiography are required to meet the job demands of the small office to the large hospital. Critical-thinking skills and problem-solving methods are emphasized.

Customer Service. The program teaches and evaluates students in the affective areas of patient care. Teamwork, professionalism, and patient management skills are assessed throughout the curriculum. Involvement in professional society functions are strongly encouraged.

Access Programs. The program provides students with counseling, tutoring, and job placement services. Program and student assessment strategies are constantly being performed to improve and enhance the program and the student.

Quality Outcome Assessment. All phases of the program are assessed to insure quality services are provided to the student, employer, and future patients. Areas such as admissions, instructor's teaching abilities, ARRT scores, post-graduate evaluations, student satisfaction surveys, etc. are assessed. The Radiography Advisory Committee is an active integral part of assessing the quality of the program and providing important input into the necessary clinical skills needed of the graduates.

Values & Beliefs

The program respects the diversity of its students and recognizes the worth, dignity, and potential of each student. Therefore, the program affirms the following values and beliefs:

Commitment to Students. Belief in the priority of providing the finest instruction, resources, and support services to enhance the growth and development of our students. The program supports students in clarifying their life-long goals, developing interpersonal skills, and becoming self-sufficient.

Commitment to Excellence in Education. Belief in providing and being accountable for the quality of medical and general education and student support services. Our associate's degree graduates are prepared to demonstrate their knowledge in written and oral communication, customer service areas, information technology, clinical procedures, equipment operation, quality assurance, and radiation safety.

Commitment to Faculty and Staff. Recognition of the importance and contributions of all individuals who collectively create a positive learning environment. All members of the radiology and College community should have the opportunity to enhance their potential for purposeful, gratifying, and productive lives.

Quality Clinical Environment. Recognition of the importance of providing a learning environment that is characterized by integrity, clear communications, open exchange of ideas, fairness in evaluations, and respect for all individuals.

Effective Use of Resources. Belief in the effective use of College and program resources to provide quality education and services to its student and community, and to be accountable to all of its clinical affiliates.

Goals

The Radiography program of Pennsylvania College of Technology serves its communities of interest and its students through meeting and maintaining the following goals:

Students will have the knowledge and practical skills to function as an entry level Radiographer.
The Program will provide employable technologists to meet the needs of the community.
Students will develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Objectives

Upon successful completion, the student should be able to:

practice radiation protection for the patient, self, and others.
use knowledge of anatomy, positioning, and radiographic techniques to accurately show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
determine exposure factors needed to produce the best radiographs possible with minimum radiation exposure to the patient.
recognize differences between diagnostic quality and inferior radiographs.
exercise discretion and good judgment in all aspects of work.
provide basic patient care and comfort, anticipate patient needs as well as provide appropriate patient education.
recognize patient emergencies and initiate lifesaving first aid.
apply knowledge of mathematics in determining exposure factors.
use effective communication skills.
use correct medical and anatomical terminology in radiography work.
apply the necessary knowledge of basic electronics and physics to radiographic work.
anticipate and provide basic patient care and comfort.
apply principles of body mechanics.
operate radiographic imaging equipment and accessory devices.
process radiographs.
adapt exposure factors for various patient conditions, equipment, accessories, and contrast media to maintain appropriate radiographic quality.
evaluate the performance of radiographic systems, know the safe limits of equipment operation and report malfunctions to proper authority.
demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to quality assurance.
apply the necessary knowledge of basic trauma and pediatric radiography positioning techniques to show anatomical structures on a radiograph.
use knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy to accurately show anatomical structures on an MRI or CT scanned image.
demonstrate knowledge of intervential radiographic techniques.
demonstrate an understanding of and support of the profession's code of ethics and comply with the profession's scope of practice.