The Medical Imaging (MI) Program leading to an Associate in Science degree is a cooperative degree program between The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences (RH-SHS) and Alvernia University. Admissions for the program is through the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences.


In addition to the Associate in Science degree, graduates will receive a Certificate in Radiologic Technology from RH-SHS. The MI Program meets the 2011 Radiology Curriculum Standards set forth by the American Society of Radiology Technologists and is 2½ calendar years in length. In addition, it is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology (JRCERT) and approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Graduates of the MI Program are eligible to take the national examination administered by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT) to become a Registered Technologist.


The academic and clinical curricula of the Medical Imaging Program are designed to educate entry-level practitioners who are well prepared to provide compassionate, ethical and evidence-based patient care when delivering medical imaging services. Students learn to meet the total needs of the patient, with emphasis placed upon the core values of the Medical Imaging Program (compassion, integrity, precision, accountability and respect) as well as the Franciscan tradition at Alvernia (service, humility, peacemaking, contemplation and collegiality). 


Medical Imaging Student Learning Outcomes

  • Synthesize knowledge and skills essential to the successful practice of diagnostic medical imaging.
  • Practice competently as an entry-level Radiologic Technologist.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals, families and communities.
  • Provide diagnostic imaging services ethically and compassionately.
  • Utilize the problem solving process effectively.
  • Embrace the need for ongoing professional growth and development.

 

Admission Requirements

The MI Program student admission is the responsibility and at the discretion of the Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences. Admission standards meet and/or exceed Alvernia University’s admission standards.  Admission to the MI Program is competitive and the selection of students will be based on personal composition, academic ability, references, interview performance, aptitude tests, writing samples, and previous healthcare experience.  Refer to the RH-SHS Admission Office for details.


Curriculum

Minimum Credits:  78 credits
Total MI Credits:  49 credits
General Education/Core:  25 credits
Related Requirement:  4 credits
 

Required MI Courses

MI 110, 115, 120, 015, 130, 025, 235, 035, 240, 045, 260, 055, 275, 065

Related Requirements

The following are required as part of or in addition to the General Education/Core:  BIO 107, 117, 108, 118, COM 101, MAT 102, PHI 105, THE 210, SOC 306.  Two Liberal Arts Electives:  3 credits COM (in addition to COM 101) and 3 credits from Art, Music, Theater, or Literature.

Course Descriptions

MI 110            1 credit
Introduction to Medical Imaging   
This course provides a broad, general introduction to the foundations in the radiography practitioner’s role in the health care delivery system.  Principles, practices and policies of the health care organization(s) will be examined, in addition to the professional responsibilities of the radiographer.  Students will be oriented to the administrative structure of the Radiology Department and to professional organizations significant to radiology.  Students will be oriented to the mission of Alvernia University, The Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences and the Medical Imaging Program.

MI 115            3 credits
Patient Care and Pharmacology for Medical Imaging Professionals
This course addresses the basic concepts of patient care and underscores the physical and emotional needs of the patient and family. Routine and emergency patient care procedures will be described, as well as infection control procedures utilizing standard precautions. The role of the radiographer in patient education will be identified.  Prerequisites: BIO 107, 117, COM 101, MAT 102, COL 110/MI 110

MI 120            2 credits
Radiation Protection & Medical Terminology
This introductory course provides theory and application to the elements of medical terminology.  A word-building system will be introduced and abbreviations and symbols will be discussed.  Also introduced will be an orientation to the understanding of radiographic orders and interpretation of diagnostic reports.  Related terminology is addressed.  This course will introduce an overview of the principles of radiation protection, including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel and the public.  Devices used for protection will be presented.  Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations are incorporated.   Prerequisites: BIO 107, 117, COM 101, MAT 102, COL 110/MI 110

MI 015            1 credit    
Clinical Seminar I Clinical Orientation
Clinical Seminar I is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures.  The fundamental skills necessary to adapt studies to specific patient needs will be introduced as well as concepts related to pathology with emphasis on radiographic appearance.    Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for the beginning medical imaging student.  Prerequisites: Prerequisites: BIO 107, 117, COM 101, MAT 102, COL 110/MI 110

MI 130            3 credits
Imaging Principles and Equipment 
This course establishes the relationship between radiation production and characteristics, radiographic equipment, and factors that govern the image production process.  The basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology, nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production, the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter, and the design and function of the radiographic equipment are explored.  The concepts of radiographic density, contrast, latitude, detail and distortion are analyzed with respect to how they affect the image production process.  Ideal technique formulation and selection, troubleshooting and error correction is examined.  (Mathematics involved)  Prerequisites:  MI 115, 120, 015, MAT 102

MI 025            5 credits
Clinical Seminar II Chest, Distal Extremities
Clinical Seminar II is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures.  Chest radiography and distal portions of the appendicular skeleton will be included.  The skills necessary to adapt these studies to specific patient needs will also be introduced.  Demonstration of optimal diagnostic examinations and radiographic image evaluation will be included; Pathological effects and recommendation for improvement of image quality will be discussed.  Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for the beginning medical imaging student.  Prerequisites: BIO 108, 118, MI 115, 120, 015

MI 235            4 credits
Medical Image Acquisition & PACS
This course is designed to impart an understanding of the components, principles, and operation of imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image, image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are discussed.  Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within an imaging system assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems. Principles of  quality assurance and maintenance are presented.  Prerequisites: MI 130, 025

MI 035            5 credits
Clinical Seminar III; Proximal Extremities, Shoulder Girdle, Mobile & Surgical
Clinical Seminar III is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures.  Proximal Extremity, Shoulder Girdle, Mobile/Surgical Radiography and Trauma Radiography.  The skills necessary to adapt these studies to specific patient needs will also be introduced.  Demonstration of optimal diagnostic examinations and radiographic image evaluation will be included; Pathological effects and recommendation for improvement of image quality will be discussed.  Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for the beginning medical imaging student.  Prerequisites: MI 130, 025, THE 210

MI 240
Radiation Biology        2 credits
This course is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues, and the body as a whole are presented. Factors affecting biological response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation.  Prerequisites: MI 235, 035

MI 045                5 credits
Clinical Seminar IV Bony Thorax, Pelvic Girdle and Vertebral Column
Clinical Seminar IV is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures.  Instruction of radiography of the bony thorax, pelvic girdle and vertebral column will be included.  The skills necessary to adapt these studies to specific patient needs will also be introduced.  Demonstration of optimal diagnostic examinations and radiographic image evaluation will be included; Pathological effects and recommendation for improvement of image quality will be discussed.  Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for entry level medical imaging professionals.  Prerequisites: MI 235, 035
         
MI 260                4 credits
Introduction to Computed Tomography and Cross Sectional Anatomy
This course is provided to further continue the study of the gross anatomy of the entire body through cross sectional imaging.  Detailed study of gross anatomical structures will be conducted systematically for location, relationship to other structures, and function.  Content will also provide entry-level radiography students with principles related to computed tomography (CT) imaging.  Basic principles of linear tomography will be studied in relation to the patient care setting.  Prerequisites:  MI 240, 045

MI 055            8 credits
Clinical Seminar V Abdomen, Fluoroscopy, Cranium
Clinical Seminar V is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform standard radiographic procedures.  Instruction of abdominal radiography, fluoroscopy studies, and imaging procedures associated with the cranium will be included.  The skills necessary to adapt these studies to specific patient needs will also be introduced.  Demonstration of optimal diagnostic examinations and radiographic image evaluation will be included; Pathological effects and recommendation for improvement of image quality will be discussed.  Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for entry level medical imaging professionals.  Prerequisites: MI 240, 045, SOC 306

MI 275            1 credit
Achieving and Advancing Professional Standing
This course provides students with necessary information as they prepare to take the national credentialing examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).  The application process utilized by the ARRT is explained and continuing education requirements for ongoing registry maintenance are discussed.  Students prepare for the credentialing examination through participation in standardized exams, investigate a variety of professional growth opportunities and design a career pathway.  Prerequisites: MI 260, 055

MI 065         5 credits
Clinical Seminar VI Special Studies
Clinical Seminar VI is designed to support the foundation necessary to perform specialty radiographic procedures.  Instruction of specialized radiographic projections and protocols will be included.  The skills necessary to adapt these studies to specific patient needs will also be introduced.  Demonstration of optimal diagnostic examinations and radiographic image evaluation will be included; Pathological effects and recommendation for improvement of image quality will be discussed.  Laboratory and clinical experience will be used in conjunction with seminars to facilitate mastery of skills necessary for entry level medical imaging professionals.  Prerequisites: MI 260, 055