NUM-2860 Computed Tomography Clinical Experience

Credits: 4
This clinical course provides students with hands-on experience in computed tomography (CT) imaging, emphasizing patient care, technical proficiency, and professional practice. Students evaluate procedure orders for appropriateness based on patient history and clinical indications, ensuring optimal imaging outcomes. They select appropriate imaging protocols and technical factors, perform routine CT procedures, and assist with minimally invasive procedures such as drainages and biopsies.

Under the supervision of clinical professionals, students administer oral and intravenous contrast agents while adhering to safety protocols. They assess image quality, exam completeness, and potential pathology, as well as perform image processing, display, and archival in accordance with clinical affiliate standards. Additionally, students conduct routine quality control tests, evaluate results, and follow institutional, state, and federal radiation protection guidelines to maintain ALARA principles.

Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on professional ethics, patient management, and collaboration within the healthcare team.

This course is designed such that the student may document all or a significant number of competencies required for ARRT or NMTCB post-primary certification exam eligibility.

This course is also offered as RAD-2860.

Prerequisite(s): Current ARRT or NMTCB certification in supporting discipline or NUM-2960 with a grade of C or better or RAD-2960 with a grade of C or better, or with approval of the Radiography or Nuclear Medicine Technology Program Director.

Course Outcomes

Examine procedure orders for appropriateness, considering patient’s past medical history and present illness/complaint.
Select the appropriate protocols and technical factors for various CT procedures.
Perform routine CT imaging procedures, as identified by the ARRT and NMTCB.
Assist with minimally invasive CT procedures, including drainages and biopsies.
Administer oral and intravenous contrast agents.
Evaluate acquired images for technical quality, exam completeness, and presence of pathology.
Perform CT image processing, display, and archival according to clinical affiliate protocol.
Perform routine quality control tests and evaluate results.
Adhere to applicable institutional, state and federal radiation protection guidelines in order to keep exposure to patient, self, and others as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
Demonstrate patient care and management skills requisite of the imaging professional.
Demonstrate professionalism in accordance with relevant Standards of Ethics.