Definition: Radiography is a specialty within the field of radiologic technology.
Professionals: Individuals who take x-rays are referred to as radiographers, medical imaging professionals, or x-ray techs.
Image Acquisition: Images are produced using x-rays and digital image receptors.
RTs do more than take x-rays; they engage in various clinical environments and procedures.
Areas of involvement include:
Surgery
Trauma
Fluoroscopy
RTs interact with a wide range of patients both inside and outside hospital settings.
Education Requirement: To become an RT, passing a national board exam is mandatory.
Purpose: The code of ethics standardizes practices in radiography.
Communication and Diversity:
Daily interactions with diverse professionals require strong communication skills.
Technologists handle unique daily situations, requiring both technical and interpersonal skills.
Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of proper equipment usage and troubleshooting is essential due to varying circumstances encountered in practice.
The code serves as a guide for evaluating professional conduct, ensuring:
Professional demeanor and responsiveness to patient needs.
Support for colleagues and quality patient care.
Provision of services with respect for patient dignity.
Delivery of care without discrimination based on various attributes such as race, sexual orientation, disability, etc.
Practice grounded in theoretical knowledge, with appropriate technology use to minimize radiation exposure.
Ethical conduct in respecting patient confidentiality and rights.
Continuous improvement through education and sharing knowledge.
Importance of empathetic and professional communication.
Methods:
Verbal and nonverbal communication.
Use of tools like translators and AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank you) for guiding patient interactions.
Definition: Accreditation is a process ensuring quality control in educational programs.
Types of accreditation:
Institutional: Evaluates overall quality of institutions.
Programmatic: Focuses on individual programs, specifically in radiography.
JRCERT: Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is responsible for program evaluation.
TJC: The Joint Commission evaluates hospital accreditation.
Accreditation benefits include assurance of educational standards and program integrity.
Process: Involves self-study measures including faculty assessments, site visits, and adherence to educational standards.
Metrics Used:
Acceptance, completion, board passage, and employment rates.
JRCERT conducts site visits for comprehensive evaluation.
Accreditation probation imposed for non-compliance.
Programs must address failures proactively to retain accreditation status and meet industry standards.
Assurance of educational quality and public confidence.
Guarantees graduates have met a minimum competency level.
Contributes to the continuous improvement of educational programs.
Knowledge is paramount, but confidence and preparedness are also essential.
The MSU Imaging Science Program prepares students through:
Classroom lectures
Laboratory work
Clinical practice with real patients
Focus on effectiveness, efficiency, nurture skills through:
Robust course content
Clinical experience.
Developed according to ASRT standards.
Courses cover:
Introduction to Radiologic Sciences: Fundamental concepts.
Clinical Education: Understanding radiographer roles in real settings.
RSCI Courses: Digital image acquisition, equipment, anatomy, medical terminology.
Radiographic Positioning Procedures: Instruction on body imaging techniques.
Radiation Safety: Educates on minimizing patient exposure using ALARA principle.
Image Evaluation: Training on producing optimal radiographs while maintaining cost effectiveness.
Pathology and Patient Care: Emphasis on understanding patient conditions and providing empathetic care while communicating effectively with patients.
Didactic Education: Theory learned in classrooms applied in labs and clinical settings.
Clinical Participation: An essential step for gaining confidence and hands-on experience, including:
Cognitive learning via lectures.
Affective learning to develop professional values.
Psychomotor learning through practical application.
Participation Types:
Passive: Observing technologists during procedures.
Active: Performing tasks and exams under supervision with competency assessments to validate skill.
Ongoing education is mandated by ARRT:
24 CE credits every biennium or passing an additional certification examination.
Periodic self-assessment every 10 years to maintain professional standards.
The transition from classroom to clinical practice in radiography is complex.
A strong curriculum reflects current practices in radiologic technology and is vital for student preparation and success.