KEISER UNIVERSITY
MEDICAL ASSISTING PROGRAM
ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE
Syllabus
COURSE TITLE:
COURSE NUMBER:
PRE-REQUISITES:
COURSE DATES:
CREDIT HOURS:
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Radiography
MEA 1290
None
3/28/11- 4/22/11
6 / Residential
TEXTBOOK TITLE:
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PUBLISHERS NAME:
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Radiographic Essentials for Limited Practice, 3rd Edition
Radiographic Essentials for Limited Practice Work Book, 3rd
edition
Elsevier/Saunders
AUTHOR’S NAME:
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Long/Frank/Ehrlich
ISBN NUMBER:
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1-4160-5763-5
1-4160-2502-2
Calculator for math calculations
OFFICE HOURS:
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Ms. Kimberly Kenski AS, AA, RMA, RT BMO
Email: kakenski@keiseruniversity.edu (Best contact)
Phone: 561-471-6000
Tues & Thurs 1:00 – 1:30 pm – By appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
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Provides instruction in handling patients, film and x-ray
equipment. Students work collaboratively learning proper
techniques in patient preparation and positioning, use of
equipment and its maintenance and techniques for
radiographic film processing and storage. The identification
of safety hazards involving patients and technicians and
relevant precautionary measures are addressed.
INSTRUCTOR
SUGGESTION:
INSTRUCTOR:
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COURSE TOPICS:
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Radiation Protection
Equipment Operation and Maintenance
Image Production and Evaluation
Radiographic Procedures & Positioning
Patient Care and Management in relationship to radiographic
procedures
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
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Upon completion of the course, students are able to
1. The student will identify parts of an x-ray machine
2. The student will identify quality photographic and
geometric properties of an x-ray
3. The student will identify safety hazards and precautionary
measures
4. The student will be able to discuss the steps in film
processing
5. The student will identify appropriate human anatomy and
physiology in relationship to the procedures performed
6. The student will demonstrate proper body mechanics and
appropriate patient care techniques.
Course Evaluation Strategies (Methodologies)
Student Performance will be evaluated through the following:
%  Exam Average
10 %  Practical
35 %  Final Written Exam
5 %  Assignments, Homework
10 %  Written Report/ Index Card Assignment
5 %  Professionalism and Appearance
5 %  Post Test
100 %  Final Grade
30
Grading Scale:
The grade will be determined using the following grade scale (which is also published in the
most current Keiser University Catalog)
90-100%
A
80-89.99%
B
70-79.99%
C
65-69.99%
D
up to 64.99%
F
*A passing grade for Radiography (MEA 1290) is a “D”.
The grades for this class will not be changed by moving up to the nearest whole number
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QUIZZES/EXAMINATIONS
There will be an exam given every Friday unless otherwise noted for Day Students and every
other Thursday for Night students. The Final Examination will be cumulative over the entire
course material covered. A practical examination (LOG) will be given on positioning.
Students missing a quiz, final or practical assessment will have the opportunity to complete
the assignment on the FIRST day back to class pending:
1. Student has medical/legal documentation for the absence
2. Student has made prior arrangements with instructor.
Make-up exams must be taken upon the students first day back to class unless prior arrangements
with the instructor have been made. It is the sole decision of the instructor as to whether a
student has sufficient documentation to make up the missed exam. It is the responsibility of the
student to provide appropriate documentation on first day back.
Students missing more than 20% of the class will not be allowed to take the final exam. This
includes arriving late and/or leaving early from class.
Lab Time and the Practical Exam
The practical exam is a hand on exam that will demonstrate the student’s skill level at the
completion of the class. This is a test and is weighted into the final grade. Competencies that the
student will be tested on are listed on, but not limited to, the attached syllabus. The practical
exam will is given on the last Thursday of class (see syllabus for exact date) unless otherwise
noted.
Class lab time will vary throughout the week. Attendance is not only strongly encouraged but is
mandatory for successful completion of this class. Please utilize your lab time wisely. Students
who are late will only be admitted at the instructor’s discretion. Tardiness, leaving early, and
absences will have a significant effect on the participation grade. Students who also chose to not
participate in the daily lab activity will be asked to leave and the proper grade deduction will be
given.
Positioning Index Card Assignment
Each student will be required to prepare approximately 45-50 X-ray positioning cards to contain
a set amount of information as will be instructed. This will be turned in on the Wednesday of
week 4 for a project grade. Be careful not to plagiarize. Plagiarism is unethical and illegal
and may result in a grade of 0 on this project and a note in your permanent record on the
first offense. Subsequent plagiarism will result in loss of credit for the course, and finally
expulsion from the university. Failure to pass project in on due date will result in a grade
of 0.
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Professionalism and Appearance Grade
Professionalism Component: Professionalism is a combination of many attributes. Attitude,
dependability, initiative, flexibility and a desire to learn are just to name a few. As a student of
the Medical Assistant program you should conduct yourself in a manner that reflects this as you
will be graded accordingly. You will be allotted five points a day for the Professionalism grade.
Examples of point deductions can be talking during lecture, passing notes, text messaging,
unnecessary interruptions, and unprofessional behaviors (rude remarks, comments for the
purpose of instigating arguments, etc...)
Appearance Component: Students must be in proper scrubs. Eggplant scrubs are provided at
the Keiser University book store. Student’s who wish to purchase scrubs outside of Keiser
University run the risk of improper color choice. Students must also wear proper shoes that are at
least 80% white. Minimal jewelry, make-up, cologne/perfume are expected. Nail length should
not exceed 1/2 inch from finger tip.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Plagiarism: The appropriating of ideas or writings of someone else and presenting them as your
own or not giving credit to the originator. Plagiarism is a violation of Keiser University student
code of conduct. Examples:
 Submitting a project, image, graphic, animation, sound file, or paper created by someone else
and representing it as one’s own.
 Failing to credit sources
 Allowing one’s work to be copied
 See attached sheet on plagiarism
Academic Integrity: In an effort to pursue the highest level of academic integrity, please insure
that the work you present as your own is original and your own creation. This pertains to
projects, images, graphics, animations, sound files, papers, exams, quizzes, and all required
course work. The consequences for academic dishonesty can be severe, including, but not
limited, to a failing grade and/or disciplinary measures determined by Keiser University, such as
dismissal.
Honor Code: Keiser University has adopted an honor code for its student. Career-oriented
individuals must function independently of direct supervision. Therefore, enrollment in Keiser
University and the completion of the enrollment agreement represents the student’s pledge to
respect the rights and property of the University and fellow student, and to adhere to general
principles of academic honesty.
Standards of Conduct: Commensurate with the academic atmosphere that prevails throughout
the University, all students are expected and required to conduct themselves keeping with the
highest standards. Any unseemly behavior which tends to distract other students and disrupt
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routine class procedure will not be tolerated. Such conduct will be considered just cause for
dismissal of a student from the University.
Specific behaviors that may cause dismissal from the University include:
 Willful destruction or defacement of University or student property
 Improper or illegal conduct, including hazing
 Use or possession of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs on campus
 Being under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs while on campus
 Cheating, plagiarism, and/or infractions of the honor code
 Theft of student or University property
 Disruptive or otherwise inappropriate behavior
Attendance: Attendance is considered a vital part of each student’s performance. Every day is
important, and the material covered will be reviewed but not repeated. Professionalism in any
medical environment is not only measured by technical skills, but also by attendance. Regular
attendance is encouraged. Absences are discouraged and there are penalties. Keiser University
policy mandates that missing class may result in attendance warning, probation, or dismissal
from class. Students are expected to attend every class meeting except in cases of extreme
emergency. Students will lose 1.25 points every complete absence (0.25 points per hour). These
points will be deducted from your final course grade.
A student missing more than 1 minute of any class hour without instructor permission will be
marked as missing a full class hour. Therefore, tardiness and leaving early can greatly affect your
final grade.
Penalties that may be assessed after 20% of class hours are missed may include but are not
limited to: a) ineligibility to take the final exam, b) a final grade of no higher than a numeric
grade of 80%, c) failure of the course.
Dress Code: Students in this class are expected to adhere to the Keiser University dress code for
the Medical Assisting Program. Students who come to class wearing inappropriate clothing
will be asked to go home and change. A clean uniform with minimal wrinkles is required.
Shoes should be at least 80% white. Professional makeup, if used and good hygiene is also
required. If it is cold, sweaters or jackets may be worn, but they cannot be sweatshirts. Please use
good judgment when choosing a sweater or jacket.
Eating and drinking in the classroom: No one is permitted to eat or drink in the classroom.
Please finish any food or beverages before you enter.
Attitude/Professionalism: Just as in any job, there are standards of conduct that are expected.
Projecting a positive attitude and working cooperatively with others are only two of many
important aspects of professionalism. Students are expected to be considerate of fellow
classmates, instructors and staff of Keiser University.
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Please turn off all cell phones and remove them from desks during class time.
If you must receive a call, please let instructor know ahead of time This
includes no text messaging.
Homework: Homework assignments will be given every week. Assignments are due Friday
mornings prior to examinations unless otherwise noted. Homework is to be worked on outside of
the classroom. Lab and/or Lecture time should not be used to complete homework unless
authorized to do so.
*Homework may be typed or handwritten. Please make sure it is legible.
* Please include the question when answering the homework assignment.
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Tentative Course Schedule MEA 1290
Week 1
03/28/11 – 04/1/11
Monday- 03/28/11
˙Introduction to Course -Review Syllabus, LOG, Project and take Pre-Test
˙Lecture -Chapter 1 (Pgs. 3-10) Role of the Limited X-ray Machine Operator
˙Identify the discoverer of x-rays and the date of the discovery
˙Determine legal requirements for the practice of radiography in your state
˙Duties of a Limited x-ray machine operator
˙Lecture -Chapter 2 (Pgs. 11-21) Introduction to Radiographic Equipment
˙Difference between primary, scatter, and remnant radiation
˙ ASSIGN VOCABULARY KEY TERMS
˙Class work –Workbook Chapters 1 & 2
Tuesday- 03/29/11
˙Review bones and characteristics on “Bony Tony”
˙*********Basic Math review********
˙Lecture-Chapter 3 (Pgs. 22-37) Basic Mathematics for Limited Operators
˙Student assignments issued
˙NO WORKBOOK
˙Homework -TBA
Wednesday- 03/30/11
˙Tour RT Lab –Identify equipment and its parts
˙QUIZ 1 – VOCABULARY KEY TERMS
˙Lecture-Chapter 11 (Pgs. 133-144) Scatter Radiation and Its Control
˙List and explain three types of interactions between radiation and matter that produce scatter
radiation
˙Define grid ratio, grid frequency, and grid radius. Criteria for using grid.
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 11
˙Issue study guide for Exam 1
Thursday- 03/31/11
˙Label equipment in RT Lab
˙Lecture-Chapter 13 (Pgs. 162-176) Radiobiology and Radiation Safety
˙Discuss the potential effects of radiation injury to cells
˙Significance of ALARA
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 13
˙REVIEW for Exam 1
Friday- 04/1/11
˙Homework due promptly at 8:00 am
˙EXAM 1 – CHAPTERS 1, 2,3,11, &13
˙Movie- “Children of Chernobyl”
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Week 2
04/04/11 – 04/08/11
Monday- 04/04/11
˙Lecture -Chapter 5 (Pgs. 54-63) X-ray Production
˙Describe both the composition and the function of the basic parts of the x-ray tube
˙Lecture -Chapter 6 (Pgs. 64-78) X-ray Circuit and Tube Heat Management
˙Identify principal parts of the x-ray circuit and state the function of each
˙POSITIONS NEEDED FOR THE FL STATE RT BMO EXAM
˙Utilize radiologytube.com
˙Class work –Workbook Chapters 5 & 6
Tuesday- 04/05/11
˙Lecture-Chapter 14 & 15 (Pgs. 179-248)
˙Bone structure and characteristics
˙Upper extremities and various positions
˙ISSUE TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Practice positioning upper extremities in class
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 14 ONLY
˙Homework -TBA
Wednesday- 04/06/11
˙ RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙QUIZ 3 Upper Extremities and Chest Chapters 14 & 15 & 18
˙Lecture-Chapter 18 (Pgs. 324-357) Bony thorax and Chest Only
˙Practice positioning in class
˙TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Issue study guide for Exam 2
Thursday- 04/07/11
˙ RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙Lecture-Chapter 7 (Pgs. 79-90) Principles of Exposure and Image Quality
˙Differentiate between contrast, density, and recorded detail; what influences them?
˙Lecture –Chapter 9 (Pgs. 100-109) Digital Image Receptor Systems
˙DR vs. CR systems
˙See handout for key terms used in digital imaging per ARRT Guidelines
˙Class work –Workbook Chapters 7 & 9
Friday-04/08/11
˙Homework due promptly at 8:00 am
˙EXAM 2 – CHAPTERS 5,6,7, &9
˙Utilize radiologytube.com to review positions
˙TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Computer Lab Assignment
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Week 3
04/11/11 – 04/15/11
Monday- 04/11/11
˙Lecture-Chapter 4 (Pgs. 41-53) Basic Physics for Radiography
˙Name the fundamental particles of the atom and list characteristics of each
˙Inverse Square Law
˙Lecture -Chapter 16 (Pgs. 249-280) Lower Extremities
˙Positioning of lower extremities
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 4 ONLY
Tuesday- 04/12/11
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙Lecture-Chapter 8 (Pgs. 91-99) Screen/Film Image Receptor Systems
˙Identify the components of a typical radiographic cassette and explain the purpose of each
˙Lecture -Chapter 10 (Pgs. 110-132) X-ray Darkroom and Film Processing
˙List the essential features and equipment found in an x-ray darkroom and state the purpose of
each
˙Class work –Workbook Chapters 8 & 10
˙TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Homework -TBA
Wednesday- 04/13/11
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙QUIZ – CHAPTERS 16 Lower Extremities
˙Lecture-Chapter 12 (Pgs. 145-161) Formulating X-ray Techniques
˙Utilizing technique charts
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 12
˙Issue study guide Exam 3
Thursday- 04/14/11
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙Lecture-Chapter 19 (Pgs. 358-388) Skull and Facial bones Basics
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 19
˙TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Review for Exam 3
Friday- 04/15/11
˙Homework due promptly at 8:00 am
˙Exam 3 – CHAPTERS 4,8,10, & 19
˙TIME FOR INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
˙Computer Lab Assignment
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Week 4
04/18/11 – 04/22/11
Monday- 04/18/11
˙Lecture-Chapter 20 (Pgs. 389-411) Radiography of Pediatric and Geriatric Patients
˙Demonstrate appropriate levels of communication with children of any age
˙Lecture –Chapter 21 (Pgs. 412-429) Image Critique
˙Describe optimum conditions for viewing and evaluating radiographs
˙Class work –Workbook Chapters 20 & 21
˙Continue INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT
Tuesday- 04/19/11
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
˙Lecture-Chapter 22 (Pgs. 433-456) Ethics, Legal Considerations, and Professionalism
˙Locate and describe the male and female reproductive organs
˙Demonstrate respect for patient rights that the limited operator is responsible for protecting
˙Lecture -Chapter 23 (Pgs. 457-486) Safety and Infection Control
˙Recognize potential hazards in health care settings
˙Class work –Workbook Chapter 22 & 23
˙Homework -TBA
Wednesday- 04/20/11
˙INDEX CARD ASSIGNMENT DUE
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG)
QUIZ
˙ Lecture –Chapter 24 (Pgs. 487-506) Assessing Patients and Managing Acute Situations
˙Recognize acute life-threatening conditions and respond appropriately
˙Lecture –Chapter 26 (Pgs. 529-537) Medical Laboratory Skills
˙Standard Precautions review
˙Class work -Workbook Chapters 24 & 26
˙Issue study guide FINAL EXAM
Thursday- 04/21/11
˙RT Lab 8-9 am (LOG) -COMPLETE
˙Take Post-Test
˙Review for Final Exam – (Cumulative)
˙MA Pinning Party 11:30-1 pm
Friday- 04/22/11
˙Homework due promptly at 8:00 am
˙FINAL EXAM – (Cumulative)
Thank you for all of your hard work. Good luck to our externs!
Have a great spring break!!
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ACCEPTANCE OF COURSE CONDITIONS
MEA 1290
Student Competency List
Upon conclusion of class you should have knowledge of all the competencies below
Competency
Skill and Performance
Competency
Skill and Performance
Tube
Identify the parts
Console Panel
Identify the exterior parts
X-ray room
Identify primary and
secondary barriers
Anode
Knowing the components
Cassettes
Cathode
Identify Size and Screen
Knowing its component
Direct Square
Law (a.k.a.
Density
Maintenance
Formula)
Identify the theory and when
and how it is applied
Inverse Square
Law
Demonstrate the theory
Darkroom
Layout and design
Film Bin
Safelight
Processing the film
Positioning
Position patients for all
extremity radiographs
and chest radiographs
Processor
Shields
Apply knowledge for both
manual and automatic
including times and
temperature
Placing the appropriate shields
on a patient
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater is required to go out on Externship
Note: Competencies listed with (*) will be performed as they are part of the learning process in
this particular course. Other competencies not listed will be discussed or performed depending
on individual instructors’ course design. If student is graded on any performed competency it
is a pass/fail grade.
By signing below you are stating that you have received, read and understand the above
syllabus and the requirement of a grade of “D” or better to pass Radiography MEA1290
Print Name: ____________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Date: __________________________________________________
Instructor: Ms. Kimberly Kenski
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