Radiologic Technology

SCHOOL OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND NURSING
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B.S. in Radiologic Technology (Medical Imaging)

 

The Medical Imaging Program at LIU Post has been a provider of education in diagnostic imaging since 1973 and is one of only a few programs in New York State to offer the entry-level baccalaureate degree in Radiologic Technology. Radiologic technologists operate x-ray and digital imaging machines, digital mammography equipment, computed tomography (CT scan) machines and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide physicians with images of the skeletal system, organs, tissues and other vessels of the body—important diagnostic tests that help doctors detect and treat illness and injury.

Radiographers utilize ionizing radiation to provide physicians images of the skeletal system, organs, tissues and other vessels of the body; important diagnostic tests that help physicians detect and treat illness and injury. Radiographers are professionals skilled in the use digital x-ray and mammography equipment, computed tomography (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Students in the Medical Imaging program benefit from being part of a small cohort, progressing through their courses as a group, receiving individualized attention from faculty. The B.S. in Radiologic Technology Medical Imaging program provides a strong educational foundation in science and the liberal arts and comprehensive coursework in radiologic technology. Students receive the core knowledge for entry into professional practice as well as tools for lifelong learning. Through the synthesis of clinical and didactic experiences, students develop clinical competence, conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills for effective problem-solving. We seek to prepare graduates who will have essential literacies including written and oral communication skills and be clinically competent professionals able to provide quality care to the community and other groups of interest. 

Accreditation Information: The B.S. in Radiologic Technology is professionally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and was awarded the maximum length of accreditation of 8 years in 2015 and licensed by the New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Radiologic Technology.

Contact information for Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182
Phone 312-704-5300
Fax 312-704-5304
E-mail: mail@jrcert.org
Website: www.jrcert.org

Admissions & Prerequisites

There are a few things that are important to know:

  • Entry term for this program is fall only. 
  • Applications are reviewed for general admission to the university and satisfaction of Medical Imaging Program prerequisites. There is a secondary departmental application needed for acceptance into the program.
  • Upon admission to the university and satisfaction of prerequisites, you may request the secondary application by calling the Medical Imaging Program at 516-299-2743.
  • The secondary application asks for: letters of recommendation from current/ former science professors and current/former employers; personal statement; Medical Imaging entrance exam; six hours of observation at any radiologic technology facility with supporting documentation on letterhead signed by supervisor confirming hours completed.
  • Admissions decisions are made beginning the January prior to the start of the fall semester.
  • Prerequisites for the Medical Imaging program are as follows:
               *Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
               *Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
               *Algebra and Trigonometry (3 credits)
                                                                                                                                                                                  
  • At least 56 credits should be completed prior to application in order to complete the degree in the prescribed two-year period. Of these credits, 32-33 must satisfy the core requirement of the university. The remainder of credits must be liberal arts designated courses. 
  • It is recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to ensure they have the appropriate courses as indicated above.

Program Requirements

Course # Course Name   Credits

Summer I
RDT 100 Intro to Medical Imaging   2 Credits
                                                                                                          2 credits

Fall I

RDT 103 Methods of Patient Care   3 Credits
RDT 103L Venipuncture/Patient Care Lab   0 Credits
RDT 105 Principles of Radiation Protection   3 Credits
RDT 147 Principles of Medical Imaging I   4 Credits    Pass/Fail
RDT 147L Calculation Recitation (Pass/Fail)   0 Credits
RDT 155 Medical Imaging Procedures I   4 Credits
RDT 155L Medical Imaging Procedures I Lab   0 Credits
RDT 200 Introduction to Clinical Practice   1 Credits    Pass/Fail 
                                                                                                         15 credits

Spring I

RDT 118

Breast Imaging

  1 Credit

RDT 120

Medical Language

  3 Credits

RDT 125

Radiation Physics                        WAC

   3 Credits
RDT 156 Medical Imaging Procedures II   4 Credits
RDT 156L Medical Imaging Procedures II Lab   0 Credits
RDT 201 Medical Imaging Practicum I   1 Credits
                                                                                                         12 credits

Summer II

RDT 202 Medical Imaging Practicum II   2 Credits
                                                                                                         2 credits

Fall II

RDT 144 Computed Tomography   3 Credits
RDT 157 Medical Imaging Procedures III   4 Credits
RDT 180 Digital Medical Imaging   3 Credits
RDT 203 Medical Imaging Practicum III   3 Credits
RDT 128 Radiographic Cross Sectional Anatomy   3 Credits
                                                                                                         16 credits

Spring II

RDT 116 Radiographic Pathology   3 Credits
RDT 121 Quality Assurance and Quality Control   2 Credits
RDT 145 Magnetic Resonance Imaging   3 Credits
RDT 170 Medical Imaging Capstone Seminar  WAC   3 Credits
RDT 204 Medical Imaging Practicum IV   3 Credits
HPA 11 Intro to Healthcare Management   3 Credits
 All grades Must be C or Higher (C minus is NOT Acceptable)                    17 Credits
                                                                       Total Major                    64 credits

Course Description

RDT 100        Introduction to Medical Imaging       2  cr.                         Summer I

An introduction to the field of radiologic technology explains the guidelines of the program, history of the field, and an overview of current technology. This course also includes basic radiation protection, medical terminology, the value of patient rights and the role of the radiographer. Introductory law and the radiographer’s responsibility to deliver healthcare that is free from bias will also be discussed. Students will be oriented to the radiography lab where they will be introduced to basic radiographic principles. Accreditation and professional societies will be covered.

RDT 103        Methods of Patient Care                     3 cr.                          Fall I

Designed to provide the basic concepts of the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Describes routine and emergency procedures, insertion and maintenance of an intravenous line, as well as infection control utilizing universal precautions and recognition and treatment of reactions to contrast media. The course educates students in obtaining vital signs and contrast media injection; identifies the importance of patient education; and includes medical ethics, law and cultural differences.

RDT 103L      Venipuncture/Patient Care Lab         0 cr.                          Pass/Fail
This lab is designed to educate the medical imaging student on how to obtain an accurate assessment of the patient including proper patient identification.  The students will be educated in obtaining patient vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, pulse oximetry, and respirations. The students will also learn the proper methods for transferring a patient and taught the basics of venipuncture in order to perform contrast injections. The students will learn how to properly don (put on) and doff (take off) personal protective equipment (PPE). The student will also learn both sterile and medical aseptic technique and will be fit tested for a respirator n95 mask.

RDT 105        Principles of Radiation Protection      3 cr.                         Fall I
This course provides knowledge of radiation protection and radiation biology as related to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the radiographer.  Review of Regulatory Agencies and their requirements. Cell radiosensitivity will be explored in great detail. Biological effects and response to radiation at the patient, personnel, and the public levels will be discussed.

RDT 116        Radiographic Pathology                      3 cr.                         Spring II
During this course, the student will be introduced to various pathological conditions occurring in the human body along with the radiographic findings associated with each condition. Each system of the human body will be examined, and topics will also include hereditary diseases, immune reactions, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

RDT 118        Breast Imaging                                     1 cr.                          Spring I
This class is designed to provide the medical imaging student with an introduction to the field of Mammography. The class will be presented in a series of lectures. Breast cancer statistics, anatomy and physiology of the breast, mammographic positioning, interventional procedures, advanced technology and quality control of equipment will all be discussed.

RDT 120        Medical Language                                3 cr.                          Spring I
An introduction to the origins of medical terminology, including word building, abbreviations and symbols.  Orientation to the understanding of medical orders and interpretation of diagnostic reports related to the respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal systems. Cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, sensory, nervous and endocrine systems.

RDT 121        Quality Assurance & Quality Control  2 cr.                          Spring II
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the evaluation of radiographic systems to assure quality and consistency in the delivery of all aspects of radiological services, quality control of equipment, and image quality.  State, federal, and professional impacts are discussed as well as identify agencies involved in in regulating, inspecting, and enforcing guidelines.
Prerequisite RDT 147

RDT 125        Radiation Physics   (WAC)                  3 cr.                          Spring I
An in-depth view of the characteristics and physical laws that apply to the production and use of radiation. This course provides the student with knowledge of fundamental principles of radiographic physics, basic physics, mechanics, structure of matter, basic electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, electrical physics, radiation physics, and basic x-ray circuitry. Radiographic equipment including the x-ray tube, and the imaging system as a whole will be discussed. Fundamentals of the circuitry which comprise medical imaging units will also be presented. 
Prerequisite RDT 105

RDT 128         Radiographic Cross Sectional Anatomy        3 cr.                    Fall II

This course introduces students to cross sectional anatomy using a state of the art Anatomage 3D anatomy visualization table. Students will study transaxial, sagittal and coronal images of the head, neck, extremities, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and spine. Both normal and cross sectional images with pathologies will be explored to give first hand insight into what to look for on these images in the clinical setting.

Co-requisite: RDT 144

RDT 144        Computed Tomography                   3 cr.                               Fall II
An in-depth study of the physical principles and practical application of Computerized Axial Tomography. A presentation of protocol, positioning and the elements of room design and construction.
Co-requisite: RDT 128

RDT 145        Magnetic Resonance Imaging          3 cr.                            Spring II
The purpose of this class is to provide you with the knowledge to become an MRI specialist. The basic principles of MRI physics, scanning techniques, safety, and anatomy will give the tools to become an integral part of the MRI department. This class also gives students the concepts to pass the MRI registry. Each class will cover MRI safety, MRI physics, reviewing MRI scans with pertinent anatomy, and scanning techniques.


Prerequisite:    RDT 128

RDT 147        Principles of Medical Imaging I          4 cr.                          Fall I

Provides an introduction to the factors that govern and influence the production of a medical image. The principles of medical imaging to be discussed include: latent image, factors governing image quality, beam limiting devices, beam filtration, and technique formation. An in-depth study of medical imaging exposure factors will be covered. Laboratory materials will be utilized to demonstrate the clinical applications of the theoretical principles and concepts.  Special emphasis will be placed on radiation protection, equipment, and accessories. Article 35 of the New York State Public Health Law relating to medical imaging will also be covered.

RDT 147L      Calculation Recitation Lab                 0 cr.  (Pass/Fail)     Fall I

The intent of this course is to review basic math skills including fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents, etc. these skills will be applied to various radiographic calculations. By the end of this course the student will be able to perform the following as applied to the Inverse Square Law, Grid Ratios, mAs conversions, Ohm,s & Transformer Laws, Power Rule.

RDT 155        Medical Imaging Procedures I              4 cr.                       Fall I. Designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform standard medical imaging procedures of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities.  The production of images of optimal diagnostic quality will be stressed.  Laboratory experience utilizing a phantom patient will be used to complement the classroom portion of the course.  The student will produce a portfolio of medical images.

RDT 155L      Medical Imaging Procedures I Lab     0 cr. (Pass/Fail)      Fall I
Students will simulate radiographic procedures and produce radiographic images using anatomically correct radiographic phantoms.  Using state of the art digital equipment, information presented in RDT-155, Radiographic Procedures I, will be demonstrated in the laboratory setting.
Prerequisites: BIO 7, BIO 8              

RDT 156        Medical Imaging Procedures II           4 cr.                         Spring I       A continuation of Medical Imaging Procedures I with an emphasis on standard imaging of the vertebral column, bony thorax and the digestive system. The student will also be introduced to more advanced studies which involve the use of contrast material.  Laboratory experience using a phantom patient will allow the student to apply the concepts acquired in the classroom environment.

RDT 156L      Medical Imaging Procedures II Lab    0 cr. (Pass/Fail)     Spring I
Laboratory experience utilizing an anatomically correct radiographic phantom patient used to complement the classroom portion of the course A portfolio of medical images will be produced and evaluated for diagnostic value.  This laboratory course is taken in conjunction with lecture course 156. 
Prerequisite: RDT 155           

RDT 157        Medical Imaging Procedures III         4 cr.                        Fall II
A continuation of Medical Imaging Procedures II. Contrast studies of the Gastrointestinal, urinary, and biliary tracts will be covered. The skull will be presented in great detail to include facial, nasal, optic structures. Laboratory practice will be given to practice exams that are not frequently performed in the clinical setting.
Prerequisite: RDT 156

RDT 170        Medical Imaging Capstone Seminar  3 cr.   (WAC)           Spring II
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to review the fundamental and advanced principles of medical imaging.  The application of clinical imaging theory will be reinforced.
Prerequisites: RDT 125, RDT 121  (WAC Course)

RDT 180        Digital Medical Imaging                      3 cr.                          Fall II
During this course, the student will be introduced to the components, principles and operation of the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS), Digital Imaging including; Digital Radiography (DR), Computed Radiography (CR), Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS). 
Prerequisite: RDT 147

RDT 200        Introduction to Clinical Practice         1 cr.  (Pass/Fail)      Fall I
During this practicum, the student begins to increase proficiency and skills through demonstration of core competencies. The student will become familiarized with the clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to apply theories and knowledge acquired in the classroom and laboratory in a clinical setting. The student also assumes a more active role in performing procedures.
Co-requisites: RDT 103, RDT 105

RDT 201        Medical Imaging Practicum I             1 cr.                         Spring I          
An introduction to the clinical environment at an affiliated hospital.  Students will be assigned to various work areas in the Department of Radiology to observe operations of the entire department.  Students will assist in routine imaging and under close supervision of a registered licensed technologist, begin to acquire medical imaging skills with the emphasis on chest, abdomen, and extremities.
Prerequisites: RDT 103, RDT 105, RDT 200

RDT 202        Medical Imaging Practicum II         2 cr.                            Summer I
Students continue to improve their medical imaging skills in the areas of chest, abdomen, and extremities under the quality control of a registered licensed technologist.  Students are introduced to principles of medical imaging of the vertebral column and procedures involving the use of contrast material. 
(Ends Last Friday in July)
Prerequisites: RDT 201, RDT 118

RDT 203        Medical Imaging Practicum III        3 cr.                            Fall II
A continuation of the two previous practica where students continue to improve skills in all routine and contrast medical imaging procedures under the supervision of a registered licensed technologist.  The student will be introduced to more advanced projections as well as principles of skull imaging.
Prerequisite: RDT 202

RDT 204        Medical Imaging Practicum IV        3 cr.                             Spring II
An opportunity for the student to improve skills in the areas of general, contrast, advanced and skull imaging at the assigned medical center under close supervision, An introduction to specialty areas such as Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Advanced Special and Angiographic Imaging
Prerequisites: RDT 203, RDT 144



Mission Statement

In congruence with the stated mission of LIU Post Campus, the Medical Imaging Program is dedicated to providing a strong educational base of science and the liberal arts in combination with radiologic technology coursework. Students receive the core knowledge for entry into professional practice as well as tools for lifelong learning. Through the synthesis of clinical and didactic experiences, students develop clinical competence, conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills for effective problem solving.

We seek to prepare graduates who will have essential literacy including written and oral communication skills and be clinically competent professionals able to provide quality care to the community and other groups of interest.

Faculty & Staff

Carl Figliola
Chairperson, Diagnostic Health Professions
Humanities Hall, Room 103
516-299-2691
carl.figliola@liu.edu

Melissa Labos 
Program Director 
Faculty, Assistant Professor

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Building, Room 154-A

516-299-3251
melissa.labos@liu.edu


Suzanne Thomas

Faculty, Associate Professor

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Building, Room 154-E
516-299-2022
suzanne.thomas@liu.edu

Kaitlin Kurklen

Clinical Coordinator

Life Science Building, Room 154-B

516 299-3076

kaitlin.kurklen@liu.edu

                                

CONTACT

School of Health Professions and Nursing
Winifred Mack, Executive Dean
Margaret Stroehlein, Associate Dean

(516) 299-2485
post-shpn@liu.edu

EXPLORE

LIU Post Campus Life
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Bursar & Enrollment Services

ADMISSIONS

516-299-2900
post-enroll@liu.edu