RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 1
EL CAMINO COLLEGE
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY #124
RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING 1b
SPRING 2011 COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor – Dawn Charman, M.Ed, RT
Email: xrayteacher.dcharman @yahoo.com
WEB PAGE:
Office
- PHYS 116
Telephone - (310) 660 3593 x3247
www.elcamino.edu/faculty/dcharman - SPRING COURSES – RT 124
Office hours are posted on Web Page
TEXT :
MERRILLS RADIOGRAPHIC POSITIONING & PROCEDURES (VOL 1, 2 & 3)
By: Ballinger & Frank 11th Edition Mosby 2007
Workbook:
Workbook for Radiographic Positioning & Procedures Vol 1 & 2 (11th Ed)
By Frank, Long, Smith & Rollins , Mosby /Elsevier 2007
Additional Text: RTEC A – Introduction to Radiologic Sciences and Patient Care; Adler & Carlton, 3rd Edition
Also See Supplemental Resources at the end of the syllabus
This is a 4 unit course that meets for 16 weeks. This class will meet in MCS -10.
Tuesday class lecture is scheduled from 2:00 – 5:45 (5:15 – 5:45 meeting time for clinical information)
Two sections for lab demonstration meets on Thursdays, 9:00 – 12:10 or 2:00 – 5:10
COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the completion of this course, students will be able to :
 Successfully demonstrate through written evaluations and practical application, various
positions of each procedure discussed in class with a minimum grade of 73%.
 Demonstrate the proper use of radiographic equipment and perform radiographic procedures using
the energized laboratory and phantoms.
 Demonstrate acceptable safety precautions appropriate to each procedure.
 Recognize and locate appropriate topographical landmarks (anatomy) related to routine
procedures and positions.
 Use and explain radiographic terminology applicable to the course.
 Identify standard radiographic positions and anatomical structures on a radiographic image.
 Demonstrate the use of accessories, protective devices, and technical competence to perform
diagnostic imaging procedures and meet acceptable patient care standards.
 Evaluate, analyze and critique radiographic images.
 Formulate special technical considerations and demonstrate positioning skills necessary when
performing radiographic procedures on an infant, elderly, or surgical patient.
 Identify specific types of tubes, lines and catheters and describe the special problems faced in
performing procedures on the acutely ill patient with these devices in place.
 Explain the types of immobilization devices and positioning considerations required for patients with
fractures, wounds, head injuries and other types of trauma.
 Demonstrate the proper use of fixed and mobile radiographic equipment.
 Explain the appropriate radiation protection required when performing mobile and surgical
radiography
 Describe the patient preparation for barium and iodinated contrast studies.
 Characterize the nature, safe use, and hazards associated with use of contrast media in
radiographic procedures.
 Describe the contraindications, symptoms and medical interventions for a patient with a contrast
media reaction.
 Compare and contrast the benefits and risks of a fluoroscopy procedure.
Student Learning Objective : Students will apply radiation safety by assessing patient risk to radiation
exposure during a radiographic exam, and shield the patient with an appropriate lead apron during an on
campus simulated lab evaluation.
RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 2
RTEC 124 COURSE POLICIES:
Attendance & Participation : Your attendance and punctuality are mandatory for success and are
essential component of the course. Lack of attendance, arriving late and/or leaving early will affect
your grade. If you are absent during a lab practice, you may also affect your lab partner’s ability to
practice the positioning skills effectively.
If you are absent, you are still responsible for the
material covered. As outlined in the El Camino College catalog if, during a semester your hours
absent exceed the number of units for the course, (4) you may be dropped. Participation is an
important element of the course, as well as familiarity with reading assignments and completion of
written assignments, sharing materials relevant to the class (ex: images relating to the covered
topics) and cooperation in creating a supportive learning environment. Sharing, cooperation, and
working with others as a team player are a vital component of active learning and an essential skill
for a Radiology Technologist.
Absences: - All class/lab absences must be made up;
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Students are requested to notify instructor of any absence for lecture or lab prior to class
Students must arrange with the instructor for makeup requirements.
All makeup work / missed exams must be completed within one week.
Students may not perform examinations covered during an absence at the clinical site until all
makeup work is completed
With permission, students may attended another lab to avoid an absence
It is the student’s responsibility to obtain handouts and other pertinent class information
missed.
Student Illness:
Per the R.T. Program Handbook and ECC policies – A student who is absent due to an illness or injury
may be asked to provide documented proof, such as a doctor’s note. For the health and safety of the
students, instructors, clinical staff and patients, if the student has a fever or other communicable disease,
the student should not attend the clinical assignment , classroom or lab course. See attendance policy
above for make-up work. In the case of illness due to a communicable disease, the student must report to
the student health center for clearance before returning to class.
Make Up Examinations Policy:
Make up exams (lab or lecture) are allowed only if proper steps are followed. The instructor must receive a phone call
or e-mail from the student the day of the examination and the exam must be made up prior to the next class session
(unless other arrangements are made and approved in advance). Make up exams are subject to a 10% penalty.
Missed quizzes cannot be made up. If you arrive late, and a quiz is in progress, you may not be allowed into class
until the quiz is completed.
Repeat Tests: - All unsuccessful tests must be retaken and passed;
 Any test* receiving a score below 73% must be retaken and passed within one week of
the original test date. (Original test score will be the recorded grade.)
 Students may not perform examinations covered on the “unsuccessful” test until a passing
grade has been obtained.
 If the repeated exam is not passed, a score of 0 will be recorded as the original grade
* This APPLIES TO BOTH WRITTEN & LAB EXAMINIATONS
YOU MAY ONLY REPEAT ONE Written EXAM DURING THE COURSE !
Please review the detailed description of this policy at the end of this syllabus
FINAL EXAMINATION:
A passing grade of +73% must be earned on the final exam. If a student passes the course but
earns less than 73%, a retake of the final will be permitted. A successful retaking of the final exam must
be completed prior to the start of the next school session (summer session). The Final Exam in a cumulative
exam that will cover material from both RT 123 & 124 Anatomy & Radiographic Positioning courses.
RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 3
A overall score of 73% or above must be obtained on the lab & lecture exams to successfully pass the
course. (Lab competencies and workbook scores will be averaged in with exams for course grade). A 73%
(C) or higher is REQUIRED for continuance in the program.
GRADING SYSTEM: A= 91%
B= 82 – 90%
C= 73 – 81%
D= 64 – 72%
 Exams: 4 written exams are weighted as worth 100 pts each
Note quizzes given as part of a section exam will
be included in the exam score
 Quizzes – Varies from 25 –65 points
 Lecture FINAL EXAM (Cumulative)
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Lab Simulated Practicals (90 pt x 3 + 45 pt x1)
LAB FINAL Simulated EXAM
Points & (Approx % value)
Exams ~
500 pt
+ 250 pt
Exam Total = 750
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(53%)
Lab Exams
315 pt
+ 120 points
Exam Total = 435
(37%)
Students must have an overall score of 73% or better on lecture and lab exams to pass this course
Other course points will be factored in after the “academic grade is calculated”
 Lab/workbook assignments approx 10 points each
60 - 80
 Participation/Attendance
25 - 50
 Series Notes/ Clinical Protocols
5 – 10 points each
TOTAL POINTS POSSIBLE = Approximately 1450
LATE WORK: There will be a 50% deduction in points for every day your work is late. This is done to assure
fairness to those students who complete their assignments on time.
No late Series Notes will be accepted for points - since they will be reviewed in class.
ACADEMIC HONESTY: Cheating of any kind is a serious breach of personal morality and an offense
against your fellow students, your instructors, and the college. Any student found to be academically
dishonest will receive 0 points for the assignment and may be dismissed from the course.
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No copying* of exam material is allowed unless given permission by the instructor –
*copying includes: written, taking photographs, video or voice recording of material
Exam material may never be removed from the classroom.
NO Photographs, or OTHER ELECTRONIC MEDIA may be used without express permission from the instructor
– this includes voice recording, video recording or any other forms of copying.
You may be allowed to record the lab demonstrations – but you must provided a DVD copy of the recording
when requested by the instructor.
Failure to follow the policies above may result in immediate dismissal from the course, which will result in
dismissal from the program.
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You may not leave the room during the examination without Instructor’s Permission.
Only 1 student may leave at one time.
Leaving for longer than 5 minutes during an exam may result in an incomplete grade for the exam.
Disruptive Behavior will not be tolerated. The instructor has the right to remove you from class if your behavior
becomes disruptive to others and affects the teaching learning process.
 Talking to others during lectures, demonstrations, quizzes or exams
 Sleeping or laying head down during class
 Swearing and rude or disrespectful behavior
 Leaving excessively during lecture or lab.
 Laptop computers are allowed to view course material only. Checking
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e-mail, and
other non related activities is not permitted
Viewing websites on classroom computers must be COURSE related!
Checking cell phone messages, text messaging, or answering phone calls
Wearing headphones and/or listening to music
RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 4
RT 123 – LAB
Lab Instructors: Dawn Charman & Mina Colunga
Lab Assistants: Ms. Patty Hernandez and Mr. Jose Velasquez, 2nd yr R.T. students
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Students may not perform radiographic examinations at the clinical site until after the particular
exam has been covered in class (lecture & lab practice).
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Students may not perform radiographic examinations unassisted or without the DIRECT
supervision of a technologist unless, they have been evaluated and deemed to be competent.
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All repeat exposures performed by students must be done under the direct supervision of a
technologist. Students failing to comply with this policy shall receive a two day clinical
suspension. No exceptions
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ALL LAB SAFETY RULES MUST BE FOLLOWED.
No open toe shoes are allowed.
Students are expected to dress appropriately for all class and lab sessions
Students are expected to clean up the lab, and store supplies properly after each use.
Open lab time will be made available by reservation. If you consistently sign up to attend an open
lab, and fail to attend, you may lose your right to attend future open labs.
Mishandling or improper use of equipment may result in suspension from the lab
NO radiographic exposure may be made without direct supervision of an RT Instructor
See Lab RULES for additional safety and procedures in the lab
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STUDENT SUCCESS: As your instructors, our primary goal is your success. If you feel you may require
special accommodations please meet with us by the 3rd week of the semester.
 Study at least 4 – 6 hours outside of class every week. You need to have a consistent daily routine that
includes studying positioning. Some open lab time on campus will also be available
 Study groups are proven to be beneficial to fully grasp the radiographic positioning applications. Effective
study groups usually consist of a maximum of four students. Each member of the group must be
prepared with ideas &/or materials to contribute to the group’s success.
 Doing the assigned readings and reviewing the power point lectures prior to the class & lab sessions will
enhance your success.
 Copies of the Text positioning CD’s are available for loan from your instructor.
 Use your On-line Elsevier and Evolve Learning Modules to enhance your study sessions.
CHILDREN: are not permitted in the classroom while class is in session.
FOOD/BEVERAGES: are not permitted in the classroom or lab. The only exception is bottled
water with a cap in the classroom.
NO Food or Liquids allowed in the LAB at any time.
DROP POLICY: It is the student’s responsibility to formally withdraw from the class if they are no
longer in attendance. If a formal withdrawal is not completed the student will receive a letter grade of
“F” for the course. Do not assume that you were dropped by the instructor. If you drop from the
course, you will also be dismissed from the Radiologic Technology Program
RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 5
Other supporting Resources
There are many additional radiographic positioning resources available to you.
With your textbooks, you have the on-line access to Elsevier and Evolve.
Your password is included with your textbook materials at time of purchase.
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Introduction to Radiologic Sciences &Patient Care; Adler&Carlton, 3rdor 4th Ed.
Radiologic Science for Technologists, Bushong, 8th Edition
Other radiographic positioning textbooks may be useful as supplemental information
Additional radiographic positioning texts are available on reserve at the El Camino College
library
o Bontrager: Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy
o Greathouse: Radiographic Positioning and Procedures
o Cornell: - Radiographic Anatomy and Positioning
o McQuillen: - Martensen Radiographic Critique
o Carlton - Principles of Radiographic Imaging. Delmar Publishers, Inc., 4th edition
Web sites are available which cover radiographic anatomy; so surf the net and share some
of your web sites with the class. Here are some to get you started:
www.Amazon.com- to search for radiographic references
www.goolge.com - images
www.asrt.org
http://netanatomy.com/RA/ra_frame.htm
www.innerbody.com/htm/animation.html , www.medmedia.com/med.htm
www.bartleby.com , www.netlaughter.com/hillbilly.htm, www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides
http://www.rad.washington.edu/RadAnatomy.html , www.vh.org
Learning/Physically Disabled Students:
Any needs should be discussed with the instructor.
An appointment should be made by the 3 rd week of the semester.
You must provide proof of testing from the SRC to make accommodations.
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*The course schedule and syllabus is subject to change and/ or revision to best meet the needs of the
students - with prior notice from the instructor
Check the instructor’s webpage for updates –
ALWAYS hit refresh when opening the webpage
Please review last page – sign and return to your instructor
RAD TECH 124 (2011) - CHARMAN COURSE SYLLABUS PG # 6
Affirmation of Review of Course Policies
SIMULATED EVALUATION, REPEATS AND COMPETENCY POLICY:
The RTEC 124 syllabus states
REPEAT TESTS: - All unsuccessful tests must be retaken and passed;
 Any test receiving a score below 73% must be retaken and passed within one
week of the original test date. (Original test score will be the recorded grade.)
 Students may not perform examinations covered on the “unsuccessful” test in the
clinical setting, until a passing grade has been obtained*.
 If the repeated exam is not passed, a score of 0 will be recorded as the original grade
- *NOTE: Students MAY NOT perform ANY EXAM (in the clinical setting – with either direct OR
in direct supervision) in the category that a Simulated Evaluation score of “0” has been
received. Competency must be demonstrated in the ECC RT Lab before that exam can be
performed on a real patient with direct supervision.
- Students with a “0” may not log this exam as “assisted or performed” at the clinical. Students
may not attempt to position a patient for the exams in the failed category.
Example: A student is performing a simulated evaluation of the Rt humerus. The wrong
position is demonstrated. The student receives a failed grade (45%) for that position. The next
week in lab, the student is given a re-evaluation of the Rt humerus. For this attempt, the student
again did the incorrect position and did not align the bucky with the cassette. Now the student’s
grade will change to a “0” for that evaluation, and the student will not be allowed to attempt, assist
or perform any exams in that category (upper extremity) at the clinical site.
This will affect the student’s grade in both the Positioning class and in the clinical class.
If the student’s lab or lecture grade drops below a 73%, they will not be meeting the
objectives outlined in the positioning classes (RTEC 123, 124, & 233) or the Clinical
courses (RTEC 106, 107, 108 or 217). In the interest of patient safety, a student may be
restricted from attending the Clinical Education site if they demonstrate a lack of
competency and progress with the simulated lab competency or clinical competency
evaluations. The student will be placed on probation and/or receive a dismissal notice
from the Radiologic Technology Program
This APPLIES TO BOTH WRITTEN & LAB EXAMINIATONS
YOU MAY ONLY REPEAT ONE UNIT EXAM DURING THE COURSE !
FINAL EXAMINATION:
A passing grade of +73% must be earned on the final exam. If a student passes the course
but earns less than 73%, a retake of the final will be permitted. A successful retaking of the final
exam must be completed prior to the start of the next school session (summer session).
A overall score of 73% or above must be obtained each section (lecture and lab tests) to
successfully pass the course. (Lab competencies and workbook scores will be averaged in with
exams for the course grade). A 73% (C) or higher is REQUIRED for completion of the course,
and remain in good standing in the program.
If a student receives a “0” score in lab, they must arrange to “simulate practice lab exams” with an
educator at the clinical site. When the student successfully passes the practice test, then they may
schedule a final re-evaluation with the course instructor. All exams must be completed before the
end of the semester to receive a passing grade for the course. As above, no procedure may be
performed on a patient until permission is given by the Program Director and/or course instructor.
I have read and reviewed the above policy on repeat exams in the RTEC 123, 124, &
233 positioning classes. I understand if the policies and procedures not followed, I
can be dismissed from the ECC Radiologic Technology program.
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