ch. 1

Radiography Education: From Classroom to Clinic

Chapter 1

Overview of Radiography

• 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.

Role of Radiologic Technologist (RT)

• 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.

Radiologic Technology Code of Ethics

• 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.

Detailed Code of Ethics

• 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.

Effective Communication with Patients

• 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.

Accreditation in Radiography

• 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.

Maintaining Accreditation at MSU

• 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.

Consequences of Failing to Maintain Standards

• Accreditation probation imposed for non-compliance.

• Programs must address failures proactively to retain accreditation status and meet industry standards.

Value of JRCERT Accreditation

• Assurance of educational quality and public confidence.

• Guarantees graduates have met a minimum competency level.

• Contributes to the continuous improvement of educational programs.

Responsibilities of Radiologic Technologists

• 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.

Radiography Curriculum

• 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.

From Classroom to Clinical Practice

• 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.

Continuing Education Requirements

• 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.

Conclusion

• 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.