Radiology Degrees Online

Established in 1997, the Residency Program in Diagnostic Radiology is a four year program that trains clinical specialists, with a combined program of classroom and clinical and diagnostic experience. Between November 2001 and October 2005, the program has trained 22 residents.

Main Subjects: anatomy, physiology, pathology, internal medicine, general and specialized surgery, forensic medicine, physics, radiobiology, radiation protection, contrast media, computer applications, imaging modalities (conventional radiology, digital radiology; ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, angiography), breast imaging, cardiac imaging, emergency radiology, gastro-intestinal imaging, genito-urinary imaging, head and neck imaging, molecular imaging, musculoskeletal imaging, neuroradiology, pediatric imaging, thoracic imaging, vascular imaging, interventional radiology (vascular and extra-vascular).

The two-year program in radiologic technology affords the individual knowledge and ability in the performance of medical imaging procedures. Students participate in structured clinical settings involving direct patient contact which encompasses varied imaging modalities.

The program has restricted enrollment and accepts one class per year with classes beginning in May. Students must obtain a grade of “C,” or better, in each radiologic technology course, in algebra and human anatomy and physiology/laboratory, as well as all required general education courses. On successful completion of the associate degree program in radiologic technology, the graduate is eligible to apply for admission to the certification examination in radiography administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Successful completion of the ARRT examination provides licensure for the graduate to practice as a registered radiographer.

Registered technologists who have graduated from certificate programs may obtain an associate of science degree by completing 26 semester hours of general education courses as required by the curriculum. The College grants 45 semester hours of block credit based upon post certification.

The curriculum in radiologic technology is offered in Bluefield on the main campus and some courses may be offered in Beckley at the Beckley Center located in Harper Industrial Park and/or the Higher Education Center. The radiologic technology courses at the Beckley Center are taught by Bluefield State College radiologic technology faculty. Students may elect to take the non-radiologic technology courses at Bluefield State College or other area colleges. Courses taken at other colleges must have prior approval. These courses must be equivalent to the program courses as judged by Bluefield State College (see transfer credit policy). The radiography program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Eligibility requirements for admission to the associate degree program include

1. Meet general admission requirements.

2. Complete the HESI Admission test with 75% or better overall average AND a 70% or better in each of the following sections: Math, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and General Knowledge, Grammar and Biology.

3. Completion of Health 100, with a “C” or better, prior to admission to the program.

4. Eligibility to enter MATH 109 by the fall semester of entrance year into the program. It is strongly recommended that students complete with a “C” or better BIOL 201/203 and MATH 109 prior to admission into the program.

5. An overall high school GPA of 2.5 or better on a 4.0 scale, OR a score of 40 on each of the GED exams with an average standard score or 45 or better.

6. (A) One unit each of high school algebra, biology, and chemistry or physics with a “C” or better. (ACT/SAT equivalent score of 19 in math will substitute for algebra.) OR (B) Enrollment at BSC or other accredited institution of higher learning prior to application with GPA of 2.5 or better with minimum of 12 completed credit hours and a “C” or better in math, biology and introductory chemistry. (Developmental/remedial courses will not be considered.)

7. Applicants exceeding these academic standards and course requirements will be given first priority.

Diagnostic radiology is that branch of clinical medicine that specializes in the interpretation of various imaging modalities in order to detect, to characterize, and (with increasing frequency) to treat a wide variety of diseases. Historically, x-rays were the first energy source utilized for these purposes, and they continue to be a mainstay of this discipline. More recently, the armamentarium has grown to include ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance, and positron-emission tomography. In nuclear medicine, one of radiology’s major subspecialties, radionuclides are employed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Another subspecialty is interventional radiology, wherein aspirations and biopsies, as well as therapeutic procedures such as abscess drainage, tumor embolization, and vascular stents are performed percutaneously.

The Department of Radiology consists of two clinical divisions: diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. Both divisions are ably supported by technologists and faculty members in the field of radiation physics. Instruction in radiology is provided for medical students, residents, and fellows as well as for other physicians. The faculty and its teaching and research activities are represented in each of the hospitals affiliated with the University.

In January 1896, Yale physicist Arthur W. Wright made the first X-ray in the United States, following Roentgen’s discovery in Germany several weeks earlier. More than a century later, diagnostic radiologists at Yale are pushing forward the outer edges of their discipline, using sophisticated techniques in MR, CT, SPECT, PET and ultrasound imaging to diagnose complex disorders and breaking new paths in the further development and application of advanced imaging modalities.

The Diagnostic Radiology faculty include some of the world’s most respected scholars in imaging, interventional radiology, and bioimaging sciences:
the Department ranks 11th nationally in NIH funding,
the residency program is rated among the best in the nation
historically, the Department has been a leader in the field of imaging.

Yale Diagnostic Radiology Grand Rounds tradition is unique to the medical profession with deep historical roots. Today, it provides an opportunity for all practitioners, from the most junior trainee to the most senior diagnostician, to learn and exchange ideas in a common forum. Please join us for our Grand Rounds series of lectures this season.

Our 2009 Winter/Spring Calendar gives updated information on speakers, titles and objectives, dates and times for each semi-monthly lecture.

I wish to welcome you to our Web site, dedicated to providing information about our core missions: Patient Care, Education, Research, and Community Service.

The radiologist assistant master’s degree program is the only program offered in Connecticut and in the Northeast and one of only four master’s programs in the country.

Graduates of the program earn a master of health science and are eligible to become registered radiologist assistants. The advantage of a master’s education, as opposed to a bachelor’s or certificate program, lies in the greater opportunities of autonomy and responsibility and participation in research and education.

Earning a master’s degree at Quinnipiac is also a wise investment: Nationally, salaries for radiologist assistants are double those of radiologic technologists. In addition, there is a dramatic gap in the demand for medical imaging procedures and available services — a gap that likely will continue to grow. Learn more about the need for radiologist assistants.

Quinnipiac’s faculty offers the highest level of education and experience in multiple disciplines. Among the faculty are medical doctors, including radiologists, as well as attorneys, pharmacologists, physicists and PhDs. Their expertise covers imaging modalities, procedures, patient care, management, pharmacology and anatomy.

The quality and level of instruction are sophisticated and rewarding. Students have access to cadaver labs for anatomy and physiology, PACS (picture archiving systems) imaging technologies and rotation through different clinical education settings.

Radiography prepares the student to become a registered medical radiographer (X-ray technician). Students receive their training on campus and in the radiology departments of affiliate hospitals. The departments of radiology are equipped with state-of-the-art radiographic equipment. On campus, students practice their newly acquired skills in a modern radiographic laboratory and learning center under the direct supervision of qualified staff. Course work prepares the student to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ (ARRT) examination.

As a registered radiographer, the graduate will join other allied health professionals educated and experienced in the latest technical procedures requiring the use of X-rays and other imaging modalities for the diagnosis of medical conditions. Radiographers serve a vitally important role as a “hands-on” technical assistant to the radiologist, a physician who specializes in applications of all forms of ionizing radiation.

Career Opportunities: Clinical radiographer in acute health care setting, physician/surgeon offices, specialty clinics, armed services.

Recommended High School Subjects: Two years of algebra. Physics and/or a general science survey course also are suggested.

Special Admissions Requirements: Acceptance into this competitive major is based on a selective admissions process. To view detailed information on acceptance criteria, testing requirements, performance expectations, and the admissions ranking system, consult the following Web site: http://www.pct.edu/catalog/specialadmission.htm

Due to federal guidelines, students under the age of 18 will not be allowed to begin clinical education.

Remediation Strategies: All developmental needs must be cleared before admission to this major will be considered. It is strongly recommended that students attempt to remediate math deficiencies in the summer session prior to the first semester in the major. This will allow for proper MTH 180 and PHS 112 sequencing in the fall and spring. Failure to remediate math will delay acceptance into the major.

Transfer Procedures: Graduates of this major may be eligible to enter the College’s Applied Health Studies (BAH) major. This major will subscribe to transfer standards established by the College. Refer to the Applied Health Studies major in the bachelor’s degree section for more details.

Program Goals: A graduate of this major 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.

Performance Standards: Students enrolled in this major must earn a minimum final grade of ‘C’ in each of their radiography courses. Failure to do so will result in termination from the major. Approximately 1,600 clinic practicum hours are included to qualify students for registry examinations.

Analog images in healthcare services are almost history. Today almost all diagnostic imaging modalities (CT, MR, Ultrasound, etc.), storage, distribution and viewing are digital based. A necessary condition for this development to benefit patients and society as a whole is, however, that the personnel operating the equipment have proper knowledge and skills to utilize it properly and in an optimal way, and also be able to control and audit its quality. This is particularly so for X-ray based modalities. The increasing use of X-ray based imaging (Computed Tomography, Computed radiography) has refocused attention also on the negative effects of ionizing radiation, as expressed by the radiographers mantra: ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). The important challenge for the radiographer is to provide diagnostic images which are good enough, and thus not necessarily as good as possible. To achieve this goal of image optimization demands competence within core areas such as the formation, processing, analysis, viewing and quality of digital images, 3D reconstruction, Computer Aided Radiology (CAR), etc, and also some knowledge of related areas such as scientific methods and statistics, evidence based radiography, etc
Contents of the study

The aim of the study program is for the radiographer and others with proper background, to develop further competence within digital imaging technology, image quality assessment and image optimization, and to stimulate him/her to acquire a critical attitude and a problem solving skills within the field. Emphasis will be placed on supplying the students with a technological and methodological knowledge which may form basis also for later skill developments.

After finalizing the students shall:
have developed their view on possibilities and limitations of digital imaging
be able to assess the usefulness of image processing tools
be able to assess clinical image quality criteria through electronic literature search and critical evaluation of findings, be able to acquire and properly use “evidence based knowledge”
be able to evaluate the quality of the whole imaging chain: acquisition, transfer, archiving, retrieving, viewing, and the impact of the human observer as a decision maker
enhanced ability to choose optimal exposure and image processing parameters, i.e. maximizing the image information extraction in combination with minimum dose
have basic knowledge as to execute research and development within medical x-ray imaging, including choice of methods, presentation and discussion and of results
have necessary competence for further gaining and assessment of new knowledge within medical imaging techniques
Some selected topics
basic introduction to the anatomy of digital images
image acquisition and formation (sampling and quantization)
detectors, preprocessing, compression and image formats
basis image statistics (statistical distributions and measures, photon statistics, noise, geometric resolution and contrast)
image enhancement and processing
image analysis (ROI measurements, texture, feature extraction)
image synthesis (image arithmetic, transforms, 3D imaging, image sequences)
histogram techniques (including LUTs), monitors
viewing conditions (particularly ambient lighting), perception and the human eye
technical quality parameters (signal-to-noise ratio, contrast-to-noise ratio, contrast-detail, MTF, NPS, DQE)
quality limitations as a result of the anatomical background signals
clinical image quality criteria, image optimization
diagnostic requirements in projection radiography
assessment of total image quality in relation to clinical, technical and operator conditions
procedures, references, recommendations and guidelines for digital radiography
methods for operator evaluation (ROC-analysis, ..)
basic principles of Computer Assisted Radiology
evidence based radiography

Group: Medicine and Hygiene
International Admission:

The Faculty of Medical Radiology was founded on August 1, 2001. It was originally as a division of radiological technology within the School of Technology for Medical Sciences from 1990 to 2001. Students graduated from the faculty will receive a B.S. degree. In addition, the master program was established in 2003 to promote advanced research on medical imaging and radiological sciences.
Research Focus:

At the present, our teaching and research activities focus on several areas : (1) Medical Imaging : principles and applications of diagnostic imaging modalities including ultrasonic imaging, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy, functional magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon and positron emission tomography, and digital imaging processing. (2) Medical Physics: principles and techniques of radiation physics used in treatment planning for radiation therapy. Other areas include radiation dosimetry, radiation measurements and radiation-induced biological effects as pertaining to radiation oncology and cancer research. (3) Nuclear Medicine : development of nuclear medicine techniques for diagnosis and treatments .

In 22 months (4 regular semesters plus 1 short summer session) we’ll prepare you for employment as an ARRT Registered Technologist in Radiography. Our graduates are passing the ARRT examination in radiography with flying colors and gaining employment throughout south central Idaho health care facilities earning between $35,000 and $40,000 plus benefits. They are continuing their education in other imaging modalities like CT, MRI, Mammography, Ultrasound, etc.

If you have questions, please call or email us. Or make an appointment and we’ll give you and your family a personal tour of our fantastic program facilities located in the Aspen building on the beautiful CSI campus.

First Year
First Semester:
ENG 111 - Critical Reading/Expository Writing I
RAD 110 - Introduction to Radiography
RAD 120 - Radiographic Procedures I
RAD 121 - Radiographic Procedures I Lab
RAD 130 - Radiographic Science I
SCI 220 - Anatomy & Physiology I
RAD 100 - Introduction to Allied Health
Second Semester:
ENG 112 - Critical Reading/Expository Writing II
RAD 150 - Radiographic Procedures II
RAD 151 - Radiographic Procedures II Lab
RAD 190 - Radiography Field Experience I
SCI 225 - Anatomy & Physiology II
MTH 120 - College Algebra
Summer Session:
RAD 195 - Summer Clinical Field Experience
Second Year
First Semester:
RAD 160 - Radiographic Science II
RAD 250 - Radiographic Procedures III
RAD 251 - Radiographic Procedures III Lab
RAD 360 - Radiographic Pathology
RAD 290 - Radiographic Field Experience II
Computing electives
Second Semester:
RAD 330 - Radiobiology
RAD 340 - Advanced Imaging Modalities
RAD 350 - Radiographic Seminar
RAD 295 - Radiographic Clinical Field Experience III
SOC 110 - Introduction to Sociology
or PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology