HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM
Coleman College for Health Science
Radiography Program
RADR- 1411- Basic Radiographic Procedures I
Fall 2014- Regular Term
Course Syllabus
CRN 26684
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to radiographic positioning terminology, the proper manipulation of equipment,
positioning and alignment of the anatomical structure and equipment, and evaluation of images for
proper demonstration of basic anatomy.
PREREQUISITE:
Admission to the Radiography Program
CREDIT:
3 semester hours
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Define radiographic positioning terms; manipulate equipment properly; position and align anatomical
structure and equipment; and evaluate images for proper demonstration of anatomy.
CLASS DAYS/TIMES/LOCATION:
Class lecture : Monday
Room: 581
Times: 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
LAB DAYS AND TIMES:
LABS MEET: Wednesday
Room: 548
Times: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Wed)
INSTRUCTOR: Christopher Daza RT(R)(CT)
Office Hours: 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Office #: 513
Telephone # 713-718-7649
e-mail: Christopher.daza1@hccs.edu
LAB INSTRUCTORS/COURSE:
Mr. Christopher Daza RT(R)(CT) CRN#26684
TEXTBOOKS:
Bontrager and Lampignano, 2010. Textbook of Radiographic Positioning &Related Anatomy.
7th ed. Mosby Co. St. Louis, MS.
WebCT
Evolve Online Course (e-pack) to accompany Textbook of Radiographic Positioning &Related
Anatomy.
Course Supplements (found on Internet)
ADA CONSIDERATIONS:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. physical, learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.)
who needs to arrange reasonable accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at
the respective College at the beginning of each semester. Faculty is authorized to provide only the
accommodations requested by the Disability Support Services Office.
If you have any questions, please contact Disability Counselor at your college.
ACADEMIC HONESTY:
Students are responsible for conducting themselves with honor and integrity in fulfilling course
requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary proceedings may be initiated by College System officials
against a student accused of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty” includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion.
For detailed definitions of these terms, refer to the HCCS Student Handbook.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of “0” or “F” on the particular
assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for probation or dismissal from the
College System. A recommendation for suspension or expulsion will be referred to the College
Dean of Students for disciplinary disposition.
REPEATING COURSES
Students who repeat a course three or more times will face significant tuition/fee increases at HCC
and other Texas public colleges and universities. In 2007, the Texas Legislature passed a law
limiting students to no more than six total course withdrawals throughout their academic career in
obtaining a baccalaureate degree. HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your
instructor will “alert” you and the HCC Student Services of the chance you might fail a class because
of excessive absences and/or poor academic performance. You should visit an HCC counselor or
HCC Online Student Services to learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be offered to
assist you – tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve your
academic performance. You must visit with a Faculty Advisor prior to withdrawing (dropping) a class
and this must be done prior to November 1, 2013 4:30pm. Faculty will not be able to assign a W
for classes dropped after this date.
The readmission policy is published in the HCCS Radiography Program Handbook.
PROGRAM POLICIES:
Students are expected to conduct themselves while in the classroom/lab, in the same professional
manner that they are expected to display in the clinic environment. Any exceptions to these policies
will be considered a major infraction. The policies listed below must be followed:

Students are expected to comply with all program regulations during this course, both in the
classroom and the lab.
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Weapons, cell phones and pagers that sound will not be tolerated.

Students may not leave the classroom while an exam is in progress or before the exam is
completed and turned in to the instructor. If a student leaves the classroom FOR ANY
REASON the exam must be turned in and will be graded as it is at the time the student
leaves.
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Students may not use abusive or foul language.
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Students may not fight, physically or verbally, on college property.
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Students may not falsify attendance.
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Students may not steal program or college property.
PRESENTATION OF COURSE MATERIAL:
The didactic portion of this course will consist of lectures, presentation of audiovisual materials,
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course supplements (internet downloads), handouts, demonstrations, class discussions, and
practice in the lab. Assignments may be given to facilitate the comprehension of the material. The
laboratory portion of the course will consist of demonstrations, laboratory practical skills checks and
written assignments.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
Students are required to read the assignments outlined in the syllabus PRIOR to coming to
lecture and laboratory and be able to discuss and answer questions concerning the material
during class.
It is expected that the student will identify the important points of each radiographic subject
and imaging position and will make time outside the assigned class and lab periods to
practice these positions in the x-ray room.
Practical exams are given throughout the semester to assure that the student is able to
perform the radiographic positioning. All students will have one opportunity to be successful
on a practical exam.
Examination questions will be taken from the reading material, lectures, handouts,
audiovisual presentations and film evaluations.
Assignments may be given by the instructor for writing activities to be carried out either in
the classroom or outside the classroom setting.
Pop quizzes (unannounced) may be given periodically during the course.
All assignments will have a specific due date. No assignment will be accepted after that
due date. If there is a documented catastrophic event, an extension may be granted. The
student contact must be communicated directly with the instructor.
Under no circumstances will the extension be granted for more than one (1) class day
following the student’s return to class.
No make-up exams will be given in this course. For any major exam missed, 15% will be
applied toward the weight of the final exam.
Any assignment or quiz, in either the lab or the lecture, which is missed, will be assigned a
"0". There will be no make up time assigned.
No test, quiz, paper or any other grade will be dropped from this course.
It is expected that the student meet with the instructor if his/her comprehensive course
grade falls below 75%.
There will be no curve applied to the grades of this course.
Tests will NOT be returned to the students for review at the end of the semester nor upon
completion of this program.
Turn around time for quizzes and test grades will be one week.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Students absent from this course for more than 12.5% of the total hours of instruction may be
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administratively dropped.
Any student who is absent from the class for more than 25% of a class or lab period will be counted
absent for the day.
Any student who is late to the class will forfeit any quizzes or extra credit given during missed class
time. (Students will not be allowed to makeup any missed quizzes due to tardiness)
Students who enter after the instructor has completed the roll will be considered late.
If a student is late more than 2 times, 1 point will be deducted from their final course percentage for
each late mark. The same penalty applies for leaving early. This applies for class and lab. A
break will usually be given during class. Students are not to enter and leave class, at will, while
instruction is going on. If this occurs, it will be marked as a tardy with the same penalty as being
late. It is not acceptable to leave early from class of lab to go to work. Work schedules must be
adjusted around class schedules. If a student needs to get up and move around to the back of the
room and stand that is acceptable.
Please do not be disruptive during this process.
LAB ATTENDANCE- A formal/scheduled break will usually be given during labs. Students who
habitually leave lab at times other than scheduled breaks will have their final grade reduced by one
letter grade for each infraction. Habitual is more than twice. Students who enter lab later then/leave
earlier than the official start/end time will have their final grade reduced by one letter grade for each
infraction after the first time/warning. Do not answer phones or pagers during lab time-use the
break for this.
Students are expected to be in lab and participating, not sitting on the periphery observing or doing
something else.
Individuals who fall asleep in class or have the appearance of sleeping will first be given the
opportunity to quietly get up and stand against the back wall-taking their writing materials with them.
If this is not helpful, the student will be asked to leave and this will be recorded as an absence. If it
continues, more than twice the students will be asked not to come back to class.
REMEDIATION PLAN:
Student/peer tutoring is available. The Department Chair will let the class know who is available and
their hours of availability.
CALCULATION OF GRADES:
Grade Policy:
All students are expected to take announced exams and film evaluations. There will be no make-up
exams, film evaluation or make-up quizzes. When an announced Major Exam is missed, the
percentage of that missed exam will be added to the Final Exam percentage for the grade.
(Example: if the Mid-term Exam is missed it normally would count 30%, then that 30% will be
added to the Final Exam making it worth 80% rather than 50%). Since there are only a few
announced exams, it is suggested that the student be here for each of them.
Students who are late or absent for an unannounced quiz, will receive a zero (0) for that quiz and
that will be counted in as the grade for the average of the course.
If you are late to an exam, quiz, film evaluation, or other graded activity, the following will be
enforced:
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
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You will only be allowed to participate if all tests, quizzes, etc., are still out. If a student
has finished and turned in the assignment, you will not be allowed to participate and will
have a grade of 0 assigned.
You will not be given additional time to complete the assignment.
It is the responsibility of the student to get any handouts, materials or course supplements that were
handed out/posted to the Internet during his/her absence.
Students will be assessed in the following manner:
Written exams/Film I.D.
Quizzes & Assignments
Practical exams/lab evaluations
Comprehensive Final Exam
Student Participation/Project
Grading Scale:
90-100%
A
80-89%
B
75-79%
C
Below 75% F
35%
10%
30%
20%
5%
100%
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



*There are no “Ds”
recorded
No exams will be given to the student to keep.
Quizzes may or may not be announced and will consist of fill in the blank, short answer,
True/False or multiple choice type questions.
Students absent for the final exam will have a zero recorded.
Students absent for a quiz will have a zero recorded.
Students may not leave the classroom and return while an exam is in progress or before the
exam is completed and turned in to the instructor. If a student leaves the classroom FOR ANY
REASON the exam, for that student, ends at the time the student leaves.
Students will be allowed to review test after all students have completed the exam. Time
allotted will be announced.
The instructor does not argue about tests. If a student believes something on the test to
be wrong they can respectfully show the instructor the documentation supporting their
belief.
After the matter is discussed that day it is not discussed anymore.
Quizzes will be returned to the student to review but must be returned at the end of the class.
Final exams are reviewed by appt. only.
Written assignments will be returned to the student.
Exams will be reviewed by the next class period. Exams will not be kept by the student.
Determine the class grade:
Written exam/film I.D.
Quizzes & Assignments
Practical exams/lab evaluations
Comprehensive final exam
Student Project
(average) X
(average) X
(average) X
(grade) X
(average) X
0.30
0.10
0.35
0.20
0.5
100%
It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of grades. The instructor does not give the students all
of their semester grades upon request or at the end of the semester because they will have been
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given out the week after the initial exam. The student is to record their own grades when they
receive their grades. Students will have access to grades on MyGradebook. Final grade in the
course can be viewed online a few days after the semester is over. Go to HCCS Home Page under
Student Services and follow the instructions.
PROCEDURES FOR PRACTICAL EXAMS:
A practical exam means the student must demonstrate a high level of proficiency (90% or above) in
order to pass the practical exam. These tests are scheduled for specific days and times; students
are expected to be present at their scheduled time for the exam.
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Each student must obtain a passing grade of 90% for the practical exam.
If the student does not obtain a grade of 90%, 25 points is deducted from their score.
This grade is recorded.
Students have 1 opportunity to pass a practicum exam.
If a student is absent/ill etc. on the day they are to test they forfeit the opportunity to take the
practicum.
LAB LEADERS:
In order to maintain efficiency and order in the laboratory, students will be assigned as lab leaders
each week. They will be responsible for maintaining the lab area as well as equipping the lab with
needed equipment. By the end of the semester, each student will have the opportunity to rotate and
assume equal responsibility for maintaining the lab and lab related surroundings. Responsibilities
for lab leaders include:
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Turning on radiographic equipment
Making sure the radiographic laboratory has lead markers, lead aprons, sponges, and other
accessory equipment
Assuring that the appropriate size cassettes are available
Warming up film processor for lab experiments
Warming up x-ray tube prior to exposure when conducting lab experiments
Assuring the lab door is closed when making exposure
Loading cassettes with film for lab experiments (refer to lab experiment handouts to
determine supplies)
Cleaning rooms and turning off equipment after lab
FILMING LAB:
Each student is responsible for making a radiographic exposure that will coincide with the material
covered in lecture that week.(Filming may not occur every lab) Each student will be responsible for
labeling primary anatomical structures, critiquing the film’s quality, and any other associated
activities assigned during lab.
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SCANS
RADR 1411
BASIC RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES
INFORMATION
C6
Organizes and Maintains Information
Description:
Organizes, processes, and maintains written or computerized records and other
forms of information in a systematic fashion. Competently performing the tasks of
organizing and maintaining information includes understanding and organizing
information from computer, visual, oral and physical sources in readily accessible
formats, such as computerized data bases, spreadsheets, microfiche, video disks,
paper files, etc.; when necessary, transforming data into different formats in order to
organize them by the application of various methods such as sorting, classifying, or
more formal methods.
Objective:
The student will demonstrate the ability to organize and maintain information by
demonstrating proper positioning for the upper extremities to include the shoulder
girdle; chest and the abdomen.
Cross Reference to Task Inventory:
Task(s) supported by this module: #59, 63, 98-107
THINKING SKILLS
F10
Seeing Things in the Mind’s Eye
Description:
Organizes and processes symbols, pictures, graphs, objects or other information;
for example, sees a building from a blueprint, a system’s operation from
schematics, the flow of work activities from narrative descriptions, or the taste of
food from reading a recipe.
Objective:
The student will demonstrate abstract thinking skills (seeing things in the mind’s
eye) by positioning patients for radiologic exams based on recognized standards of
positioning and conceptualize how the anatomy will look internally when
manipulated.
Description of Module:
The student will be given at least 2 narratives of how to position for an AP projection
hand and posterior oblique hand. Based on the description, the student will be able
to then select which of 3 images is the oblique based on their ability to
conceptualize how the body part should look on an image.
The module will come from a book reading assignment. It will take 10 - 15 minutes.
The assessment is a brief written assessment form. (See attached.)
Cross Reference to Task Inventory:
Task(s) supported by this module: #45.
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RADR 1411- RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING I
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will:
1. Identify the bones of the body and
state where they can be found in the
body.
EVALUATIVE MEASURES
Performance measured by:
Written Exam
SCAN COMPETENCIES
2. Identify radiographic/radiologic
anatomy.
Written Exam
C6-a
3. Properly use radiologic/radiographic
terminology.
Written Exam
C6-a
4. Demonstrate proper position for:
upper extremities to include
the shoulder girdle; chest and the
abdomen; lower extremities.
Practicum Test
F10-a
5. Position 3 positions in a lab setting
within 15 minute time frame in a
testing setting.
Written Exam
C6-a
6. Properly identify and use equipment
in an x-ray lab.
Practicum Test
C6-a
7. Use appropriate identification
markers and place it/them in the
proper location.
Practicum Test
C6-a
8. Practice radiation safety.
Practicum Test
C6-a
9. State and implement the 10-day rule.
Written Exam/Practicum Test
C6-a
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RADR 1411
BASIC RADIOGRAPHIC PROCEDURES
Course Objectives to Support ARRT Task Analysis
OBJECTIVE
TASK(S)
1. Give appropriate explanation to patients on dressing, examinations and check for
comprehension.
#2, 40, 43, 44
2. Demonstrate room readiness for radiologic procedures.
#40
3. Position patients for radiologic exams based on recognized standards of positioning and
conceptualize how the anatomy will look internally when manipulated.
4. Demonstrate proper position for: upper extremities to include the shoulder girdle; chest
and the abdomen.
#45
#59, 62–63;
98-107
5. Use appropriate identification markers and place it/them in the proper location.
#43
6. Identify and list bones of the skeletal system.
#59, 62–63;
98-107
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Course Objectives
Radiologic Terminology
1. Be able to identify the four planes of the body.
2. List the four types of body habitus.
3. Describe specific characteristics of the four types of body habitus and their
general shapes and variations.
4. Be able to define anatomic relationship terms.
5. Be able to describe and demonstrate primary x-ray projections and general body
positions.
6. Identify and perform Radiographic body positions.
7. Be able to define and demonstrate body movements
Course Objectives
Basic Radiographic Positioning –Abdomen
1. List the correct central ray placement, part position, and radiographic criteria for
specific abdomen positions.
2. Identify the correct quadrant or region of the abdomen where specific organs are
located.
3. Using radiographs, identify the major bony and soft tissue structures of the
abdomen.
4. List reasons why we study the abdomen.
5. List the systems that are housed in the abdomenopelvic cavity.
6. List the location of the muscles of the abdomen that are important in abdominal
radiography.
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Course Objectives
Basic Radiographic Positioning –Upper Limb
1. List all bones that make up the upper limb and shoulder girdle.
2. Identify all joints/articulations that make up the upper limb and shoulder girdle.
3. Identify on radiographs, all anatomy of the upper limb and shoulder girdle as
described in the textbook and/or audio-visuals.
4. Demonstrate proper position for upper extremities to include the shoulder girdle
5. List the basic and optional positions or projections, size and type of film holder,
central ray location, direction and angulation of the central ray, SID, if necessary,
and anatomy best demonstrated on the upper limb and shoulder girdle.
6. Given several radiographs of the upper limb to include the shoulder girdle
distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable radiographs, and describe
how any positioning or technical error could be corrected to give satisfactory
result.
7. Use appropriate identification markers and place it/them in the proper location.
8. Describe patient preparation and breathing maneuvers utilized in positioning of
the upper limb and shoulder girdle.
Course Objectives
Basic Radiographic Positioning –Chest
1. Be able to identify the apices of the lungs and the position that demonstrates this
area free from superimposition.
2. Be able to identify the clavicles and how one knows if the chest is positioned
correctly from looking at a PA radiograph.
3. Be able to count the number of ribs and how many need to be seen to qualify for a
good chest exam.
4. Be able to recognize the costophrenic angles and if they are clipped off the
radiograph laterally.
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5. List the patient dressing instructions and breathing instructions.
6. What is the suggested SID for the exam of the chest?
7. Be able to identify if there is rotation on the lateral chest.
8. Be able to list the body parts seen on a lateral image.
9. Be able to distinguish between a pneumothorax and fluid levels on a PA chest.
10. Be able to locate the clavicles and describe how one knows if the chest is position
correctly in a PA projection.
11. Be able to count the number of ribs and identify the number which denotes a full
inspiration on a PA chest image.
12. Be able to locate the costophrenic angles on both the PA and Lateral position.
13. Be able to identify the cardio phrenic angles and the importance of penetration of
the heart so that the thoracic vertebrae is faintly seen through it.
14. Be able to explain the rationale for the instructions on breathing.
15. Describe the reason for using an increased SID and taking chest radiographs with
the patient in the erect position whenever possible.
16. Be able to list and identify the body parts of the chest.
17. Be able to describe the positions for RAO, LAO, RPO and LPO of the chest.
18. Describe the difference between a supine chest and a PA erect chest image.
19. Be able to identify the techniques used for demonstrating fluid in the pleural cavity.
20. Describe the radiographic positions that would best demonstrate fluid in the pleural
cavity.
21. List the correct central ray placement, part position, and criteria for specific chest
positions.
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Course Objectives
Basic Radiographic Positioning –Lower Limb
1. Identify the bones and specific features of the toe, foot, ankle, calcaneus, lower leg,
knee and patella.
2. Identify all joints/articulations that make up the lower limb.
3. Demonstrate proper position for upper extremities to include the shoulder girdle
4. List the basic and optional positions or projections, size and type of film holder,
central ray location, direction and angulation of the central ray, SID, if necessary,
and anatomy best demonstrated on the lower limb.
5. Given several radiographs of the lower limb to distinguish between acceptable and
unacceptable radiographs, and describe how any positioning or technical error could
be corrected to give satisfactory result.
6. Use appropriate identification markers and place it/them in the proper location.
7. Describe patient preparation and breathing maneuvers utilized in positioning of the
upper limb and shoulder girdle.
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