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Radiologist Assistant Post-Baccalaureate Certificate
*Curriculum change to 24 month program for classes entering 2009

Course Descriptions (for classes entering prior to 2009)
*As outlined and described in the "Radiologist Assistant Curriculum" document prepared by the ASRT Advanced Practice Advisory Panel, 2002, retrieved from http://www.asrt.org/Media/Pdf/2002RACurriculum042704.pdf

*24 month program course descriptions not yet available

See also: RA Course Sequence

Advanced Patient Assessment, Management, and Education 3 credit hours
Content introduces a model for clinical thinking to aid in patient assessment and analysis and interpretation of physiological data. Clinical skills acquired will include interviewing skills and assessment techniques. The focus is on the application of anatomy and physiology knowledge to assist in patient assessment and management.
Pharmacology and Clinical Decision-Making in Radiology 3 credit hours
The course includes pharmaceuticals common to radiology patients and will address indications, contraindications, complications, the intended use of these drugs and their effect on physiology, diseases and conditions. After learning this content and possessing the appropriate clinical skills, the radiologist assistant will analyze the patient's current condition with regards to medications and other therapies and determine the significance to the radiology procedure. He or she will suggest the appropriate action plan for the procedure for the specific patient. The radiologist assistant will be responsible for the delivery and documentation of procedure-related pharmaceuticals and for patient assessment and monitoring before, during and after the procedure and drug administration. It is essential that the radiologist assistant have a clear understanding of the laws and policies related to pharmaceuticals in his or her practice setting.
Pathophysiology 3 credit hours
Using a system approach, this course is designed to focus on the characteristics and manifestations of disease caused by alterations or injury to the structure or function of the body. Concepts basic to pathophysiology as well as common disease conditions are studied and serve as prototypes in understanding alterations that occur in the major body systems. Emphasis is placed on the characteristic manifestations and image correlation with these pathologies observed through diagnostic imaging.
Clinical Practicum I-VII credit hours
vary per semester
Mentored clinical experience is the cornerstone in the development of the radiologist assistant. RA students work closely with radiologist mentors to maximize the learning opportunities available in the clinical environment. It is recognized that no two diagnostic imaging centers will be exactly the same. The RA student and radiologist mentor collaborate to establish goals and expectations for this portion of the curriculum. A clear understanding of the degree of autonomy in the performance of diagnostic/ therapeutic procedures and the assistant's contribution to the radiologist's final diagnosis of these procedures is essential to the clinical experience. Throughout the program, students will be required to complete competencies for imaging procedures.
Abdominal Imaging and Procedures I 3 credit hours
This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to perform abdominal radiographic procedures. The following procedures will be covered with an emphasis on patient assessment, management, preparation, post-procedure care, indications, contraindications, possible complications, contrast media, drugs, image evaluation and observation reporting: UGI, Ba Swallow, SB studies, BE, cystogram, nasoenteric and oroenteric tube placement, paracentesis, fistulagram, sonogram, hysterosalpingogram, loopogram, RUG, and tube injections. Fluoroscopic equipment operation and radiation safety are also included.
Abdominal Imaging and Procedures II 3 credit hours
This course provides an in depth study of the abdomen and associated radiographic procedures. This course includes abdominal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with clinical pathways.
 
Thoracic Imaging and Procedures 3 credit hours
This course includes thoracic and breast anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with clinical pathways. The following procedures will be covered with an emphasis on patient assessment, management, preparation, post-procedure care, indications, contraindications, possible complications, contrast media, drugs, image evaluation and observation reporting: thoracentesis, ductogram, and breast needle localization.
Musculoskeletal Imaging and Procedures 3 credit hours
This course includes musculoskeletal anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with clinical pathways. The following procedures will be covered with an emphasis on patient assessment, management, preparation, post-procedure care, indications, contraindications, possible complications, contrast media, drugs, image evaluation and observation reporting: arthrogram, joint injection and joint aspiration.
Neurological and Endocrine Imaging and Procedures 3 credit hours
This course includes neurological and endocrine system anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with clinical pathways. Content includes CT and MRI Imaging principles. The following procedures will be covered with an emphasis on patient assessment, management, preparation, post-procedure care, indications, contraindications, possible complications, contrast media, drugs, image evaluation and observation reporting: lumbar puncture and myelogram.
Vascular and Lymphatic Imaging and Procedures 3 credit hours
This course includes lymphatic and vascular anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology with clinical pathways. The following procedures will be covered with an emphasis on patient assessment, management, preparation, post-procedure care, indications, contraindications, possible complications, contrast media, drugs, image evaluation and observation reporting: PICC placement, port injection, non-tunneled venous catheter central line placement, and venous catheter placement for dialysis.
Practice Issues 3 credit hours
Content is designed to impart an understanding of protection of individual and population groups against the harmful effects of ionizing and nonionizing radiation. This includes an overview of the regulatory bodies and patient radiation safety regulations affecting the modern diagnostic imaging environment. The effect of ionizing radiations on biological samples will be included. Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter, units of exposure and dose, radiation detection and measurement devices will be discussed. Practical techniques and QA/QC procedures for reducing patient and operator risk of exposure to ionizing radiation will be introduced. Content also provides a fundamental background in the law and regulatory issues of today's health care culture. Advanced legal terminology, concepts and principles will be presented, discussed and applied in relation to clinical practice. Content includes basic concepts of patient information management and medical records management, including privacy and regulatory issues.
 
Professional Practice Seminar 1 credit hour
Content introduces guidelines for reporting initial observations made by the radiologist assistant during radiology procedures and image assessment. The radiologist assistant role in the systematic analysis of the quality of care - the diagnosis and treatment, the resources, procedures and resulting outcomes, including the patient's quality of life - will be discussed. Topics of sensitivity and specificity as they relate to diagnostic testing will be presented. Also included will be predictive values, prior probability and bias as they relate to the analysis of information obtained from diagnostic testing. This course will also have a directed readings and a research component to aid in the development of inquiry and research skills.