RAD 100 Introduction to Radiology and Protection presents a brief history of the radiologic profession, as well as the modern code of ethics, conduct and skills for radiologic students, and the basic fundamentals of radiology, patient care, radiation safety, and protection.

This section of RAD 100 is a hybrid course, which means that a significant portion of the learning activities have been moved online, and time spent in the traditional classroom setting has been reduced. This course combines face-to-face lectures with asynchronous online discussions and activities through Bb and synchronous virtual lecture presentations through eNOVA. There will be three face-to-face meetings, but the majority of the class materials will be presented online. 

Entry Level Competencies: There are no prerequisites required for RAD 100. Computer proficiency is highly recommended!  You should also be comfortable communicating through email messages, and able to complete email attachments.

Upon completion of this RAD 100 course. the student will have sufficient understanding of the profession of radiologic technology and the body of knowledge required to become a member of the radiographic profession to:

1. Identify and describe needs, causes of stress and conflict, values and habits that impact on optimal performance as a diagnostic imaging student.
2. List and discuss several fundamental personality traits of an effective health care professional.
3. Discuss the difference between assertiveness and aggressiveness in the workplace.
4. Discuss the importance of having a thorough understanding of both effective communication and the technical aspects of diagnostic imaging.
5. Describe the importance of clear verbal communications in the health care professions.
6. Describe the importance of clear written communications in the health care professions.
7. Identify the basics of medical word building and build medical terms from common roots, prefixes and suffixes.
8. Define and correctly use selected medical terminology as related to the practice of clinical radiography.
9. Interpret the abbreviations commonly used in medicine.
10. Name titles and organizations when given their abbreviations.
11. Define terms and phrases in general usage in radiography.
12. Discuss the importance of critical thinking to the practice of diagnostic imaging.
13. Use critical thinking skills to identify the problem, possible courses of action, the benefits and consequences of these actions and the best solution given a specific scenario.
14. Discuss the historical perspective of the discoveries and advances in medical radiology
15. List the major contributors and their contributions to the discoveries and advances in medical radiology
16. Explain the health-illness continuum, defining both disease and health.
17. Explain the difference between mortality and morbidity.
18. Describe the various radiology settings (outpatient clinic, inpatient, OR, mobile, etc.)
19. Briefly describe the various types of diagnostic imaging examinations.
20. Explain the relationship between clinical education and the theory component of the diagnostic imaging curriculum.
21. Explain what is meant by clinical competency evaluation.
22. Discuss the role of the technologist as related to patient care in radiologic technology.
23. Identify and describe the personnel and components of a modern radiologic suite.
24. Discuss the radiographer’s role in image production and evaluation.
25. Describe the organization and operation of the diagnostic imaging department.
26. Define quality assurance in diagnostic imaging.
27. Discuss the code of ethics of the profession.
28. Discuss the impact of medicolegal considerations in medical imaging.
29. Identify the basic rules of radiation protection.
30. Explain the need for radiation protection efforts by operators of radiation-producing equipment.
31. Define radiation units of measurement.
32. Explain what is meant by as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA).
33. Explain what a film badge is and how it is used in the monitoring of personnel exposed to ionizing radiation.
34. Identify the primary organizations impacting on the practice of diagnostic imaging.
35. Compare and contrast certification, registration and licensure.
36. Identify the various types of specialization (advanced modalities) in diagnostic imaging
37. Discuss the upward-mobility career routes for radiologic technologists.
38. Discuss the importance and requirements of continuing education for the radiologic technologist.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Introduction to Radiologic Technology, 6th Edition, Gurley & Callaway, Mosby/Elsevier Inc.,
  ISBN-13: 9780323035668
  
• Mosby's Medical, Nursing & Allied Health Dictionary, 7th Edition, Mosby/Elsevier Inc.,
  ISBN-13: 9780323035620

Additional materials:

None

Your course grade will be determined according to the following percentages:

There are 5 exams and a comprehensive final in this section of RAD 100.  The exams will be accessed through Bb. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : rkeith@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 822-2087.
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Springfield at the Medical Education Campus. 

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.