RAD 300 - Computed Tomography

Credits: 2
2 Lecture Hours

Prerequisites: Proof of current certification in radiologic technologist (RTR), radiation therapy technologist (RTT), and nuclear medicine technologist (RTN or NMTCB).

Description
This is a course in medical computed tomography (CT) for certified technologists. Students explore patient care, safety, image production and procedures. Included are advanced principles of image reconstruction for human anatomy utilizing radiographic computed tomography techniques, essential elements of medical computer systems, patient positioning for scanning protocols and data acquisition systematic procedures. The cross-sectional radiographs identify cranial, thoracic, abdominal and musculoskeletal systems demonstrated in a transverse, sagittal, coronal and oblique computed tomography image. The safety portion includes principles of radiation protection for the patient, computed scanning technologist and medical team. Production and control of the computed x-ray beam for scanning procedures and equipment techniques are studied.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Survey the principles of image reconstruction and processing concerning the CT field and manipulate formulas to calculate principles of three-dimensional CT scanning.
Explain analog, digital images and sampling protocol.
Classify biological factors of contrast agents, chemical interactions, osmolality and viscosity and anaphylactic reactions that occur in CT scanning departments.
Identify the technical matrix necessary for operation of the CT scanner.
Scrutinize necessary CT scanning sagittal planes, transverse planes, coronal planes and off-axis sectional anatomy images of the human anatomic body sections.
Identify anatomy on cross sectional CT images as it relates to the cranium and face, vertebrae, heart, abdomen, pelvis, limbs and vascular vessels in the entire body.
Identify potential risks from radiation delivered by a CT scanner to the patient.
Identify patient safety guidelines as required prior to a CT scanning procedure.
Evaluate “standard of care” and “scope of practice” in relation to CT scanning while demonstrating knowledge of informed consent.
Scrutinize patient care precautions necessary to produce CT scanning images utilizing sagittal planes, transverse planes, coronal planes and off-axis sectional anatomy images of the human anatomic body sections.

Listed Topics

Patient care: patient interactions and management
Safety: radiation safety and dose
Image production: image formation, image evaluation and archiving
Procedures: head, spine and musculoskeletal, neck and chest, abdomen and pelvis

Reference Materials
Program faculty evaluate teaching resources and materials each year. Students are provided with current state-of-the-art resources in class. Additionally, students are instructed which required textbooks to purchase that contain current technical information.

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Quantitative & Scientific Reasoning

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 03/16/2026

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