Course Requirements

Course Syllabus

Austin Community College

Diagnostic Medical Imaging: Computed Tomography Program

CTMT 2332- Principles of Computed Tomography; Synonym 85860

Fall 2019

Course Time/Location

This is an asynchronous distance-learning course delivered via learning management system, Blackboard.

 

Faculty

Name:    Maria Kelly   

Office Hours:  Tuesday’s 9am – 12pm walk in & 1pm- 3pm by appointment, email for other appointment times.

Office Location:  Rm 8203.10 EVC

Telephone Number: 512-523- 5818

Email (preferred): maria.kelly@austincc.edu

 

Arranging for Conferences/Appointments

In the event that you need additional course information or would like to meet with the faculty member, please contact the faculty member via email to make an appointment during the designated office hours. Other times may be arranged by appointment only.

 

Course Description:

Credit Hours: 3; Contact Hours per week: 3

In-depth coverage of computed tomography imaging techniques. Image quality assurance and radiation protection are emphasized. Topics include physics and instrumentation and image processing techniques. Transferability of workforce courses varies. Students interested in transferring courses to another college should speak with their Area of Study (AoS) advisor, Department Chair, and/or Program Director.

 

Course Rationale

The rationale of this course is to prepare students for writing the post-primary national credentialing examination in computed tomography by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and to join the workforce as a computer tomography technologist.  The concepts of professionalism and lifelong learning is discussed and demonstrated.

 

Course Pre-requisites & Co-requisites:

Current Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist licensure; Current ARRT registry and certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine or Radiation Therapy; Co-requisites: CTMT 2336

 

Common Course Objectives

• Apply radiation dose reduction techniques for pediatric and adult patients
• Evaluate technical factors affecting patient dose
• Calculate radiation doses in CT using CT Dose Index and Dose Length Product
• Classify various CT systems and components
• Describe the various image processing techniques
• Differentiate image display parameters
• Summarize image informatics, such as DICOM, PACS, networking and security protocols
• Analyze CT images for quality
• Identify CT image artifacts
• Describe methods to reduce image artifacts

 

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Computed Tomography Program, the student will satisfactorily demonstrate the following entry-level skills in computed tomography:

• Clinical competency
• Communication skills
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Professional growth and development

 

Scans Competencies

IN 1990, the U.S. Department of Labor established the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) to examine the demands of the workplace and whether our nation’s students are capable of meeting those demands.  The Commission determined that today’s jobs generally require competencies in the following areas:

• Resources:  Identifies organizes, plans, and allocates resources
• Interpersonal:  Works well with others
• Information:  Acquires and uses information
• Systems:  Understands complex interrelationships
• Technology:  Works with a variety of technologies

Resources:  Identified, organizes, plans, and allocates resources	Time:  Selects goal relevant activities, ranks them, allocates time, and prepares schedule to complete activity. Interpersonal:  participates as a team member.  Contributes to group effort (group assignments) Works with diversity, works well with everyone from diverse backgrounds.
Information:  Acquires and evaluates information.	Organizes and maintains information Interprets and communicates information. Uses computers o process information.
Systems : Understands complex interrelationships	Understands systems, knows how social, organizational, and technological systems work and operates effectively with them (Student-Staff Technologists-Patients-other members of the health care team).
Technology	Selects technology, chooses procedures, tools, or equipment including computers and related x-ray imaging equipment.
Basic Skills:  Reads, writes, performs mathematical operations, listens, and speaks.	Reading:  locates, understands, and interprets written information in prose and in documents such as manuals, graphs, and schedules. Writing:  communicates thoughts, ideas, information, and messages in writing and creates documents such as letters, directions, manuals, reports, graphs, and flow charts. Listening:  receives, attends to, interprets, and responds to verbal messages and other cues Speaking:  Organizes ideas and communicates verbally.
Thinking Skills:  Thinks creatively, solves problems, visualizes, learns, and responsively, makes decisions	Creative thinking-generates new ideas Decision making-specified goals and constraints, generates alternative, considers risks, and evaluates and chooses best alternatives. Problem solving-recognizes problems and devices and implements plan of action Knowing how to learn-uses efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills Reasoning:  discovers a rule or principle underlying and relationship between two or more objectives and applies it when solving a problem

 

Required Textbooks:

1. Computed Tomography: Physical Principles, Clinical Applications, and Quality Control / Edition 4
   • 978-1496375858
   • Pub. Date: September 2015
   • Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences

2. Mosby’s Exam Review for Computed Tomography / Edition 3
   • 978-0323416337
   • Pub. Date: November 2017
   • Publisher: Elsevier Health Sciences
3. Computed Tomography for Technologists: A Comprehensive Text
   • 978-1496375858
   • Pub. Date: September 2018
   • Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Recommended Textbooks:

4. Computed Tomography for Technologists: An Exam Review
   • 978-1496377265
   • Pub. Date: September 2018
   • Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Instructional Methodology

This course utilizes the distance learning or asynchronous instruction model.  Students will use the Blackboard learning management system for assignment instructions, submitting assignments, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to also gather outside reference sources in completion of tasks and assignments. Weekly learning modules will open each Monday at 8am. All graded assignments are due the following Monday at 7pm. Each module includes a weekly learning assignment which may include assigned reading chapters from the required and recommended texts, practice questions, test, quiz or discussions. Some modules will include additional resources such as external web links to YouTube videos and online journals. It is highly recommended you also visit https://online.austincc.edu/faq for the student guide for distance learning, especially if this is your first distance-learning course. All practice tests and exams must be submitted through Blackboard. Those students unfamiliar with Blackboard should visit http://irt.austincc.edu/blackboard/studentsupport.php for student tutorials for the Blackboard system.

 

Grading System Scale

 75% is a passing score for this course. Students who do not receive a passing score will not be given a Program Certificate.

A  =  93  - 100

B  =  85  -   92

C  =  75  -   84

D  =  68  -  74   (Not passing) 

 

Grade Distribution

Midterm Exam- 30%

Practice Tests - 30%

Final Exam – 40%

 

Grading Criteria

This course will be divided into 16 weekly sections.  Each week various assignments will be due. These assignments include practice tests and examinations designed to assess your level of progress with comprehension and critical thinking of course concepts. Due to the progressive nature of the subject, all practice tests and exams in the course are comprehensive. Each test and exam will include all previously covered concepts. It is the student’s responsibility to consult Blackboard for assignments, due dates and other course information routinely.

 

Practice Tests (PT), 30%: Short practice tests will be assigned to assess your comprehension and critical thinking of the course material. Practice tests are delivered via Blackboard and consist of multiple choice, true/false, multiple selection, matching and labeling questions types. Practice tests due Mondays at 7pm each week. Failure to complete practice tests by the due date/time will result in a zero for the exam. See the course calendar at the end of this syllabus for details.

 

Midterm Examination- 30%- The midterm examination will be delivered via Blackboard and may consist of multiple choice, true/false, multiple selection, matching, labeling and essay question types. Your instructor will announce via Blackboard the testing parameters. Please refer to the course calendar at the end of this syllabus for date/time the Midterm Exam will be available and due. Failure to complete the Midterm Exam by the due date/time will result in a zero for the exam.

 

Final Examination- 40%- The final examination will be delivered via Blackboard and may consist of multiple choice, true/false, multiple selection, matching, labeling and essay type question types. Your instructor will announce via Blackboard the testing parameters. Please refer to the course calendar at the end of this syllabus for date/time the Final exam will be available and due. Failure to complete the Final Exam by the due date/time will result in a zero for the exam.

 

Due Dates for Course Activities

Assignments, practice tests and examinations will be due on the assigned due date.  Late submissions will not be accepted.  A grade of zero will be recorded for late submissions. In Blackboard this is recorded as (--) and will be changed to zero by faculty in order for the course weighted average total grade to display.

 

If a student believes that an assignment is scored incorrectly, the student should send an email to the appropriate instructor with the following:

• The specific assignment name
• The student should indicate what they think the correct answer should be
• Provide a rationale supporting why the student answer should be correct
• Page numbers must be included when referencing the course textbook in the rationale
• Internet website materials will not be an acceptable form of reference

 

Please note: After reviewing the information given, if the course instructor thinks a revision is justified, the student’s score will be revised to reflect the additional point(s).

 

Couse Test Review Procedures

Tests and exams delivered via Blackboard allow students the option to review their answers to the test questions directly in the Blackboard platform, if given access by the course instructor. Written (off-line) test reviews are not available for this course.  Because the security of exams is a very important part of the educational process, faculty will designate time and duration for review of online tests/exams. If available these will be open after all test submissions have been graded. Your instructor will announce test review availability via Blackboard. Do not attempt to reproduce in any way (including copy and paste, photographing or writing down) exam questions and/or answers, either while in the testing session or during test review. Attempting to reproduce exam questions and/or answers is a violation of the Academic Integrity Policy.

 

 

 

Guidelines for Useful Test Reviews

The following steps are recommended for test reviews that allow students to avoid academic dishonesty and provide useful study techniques:

• For questions you answered incorrectly or those you guessed on (even if you guessed correctly):
  • Review the answer rationale, if provided.
  • Look up the topic in your text resources and make notes or flashcards for future reference.
  • Do not copy the question directly, rather, write down the ARRT topic the question is under. It is preferable to strive for understanding of the concept rather that memorizing the specific question, since questions about important topics will probably be asked in several different ways.

Meet or email you course instructor for clarification on topics you are struggling with.

 

Course/Class Policies

Computed Tomography Program Conduct Standards

• To be successful, the student will need to comply with all ACC, Program, and clinical affiliate policies, procedures, and rules at all times.
• No food or drink is allowed in any program classroom or lab
• No disruptive behavior is allowed anytime during lectures labs, or clinical education rotations.
• If a student needs to consult with a faculty member regarding any sensitive course/class matter, they must do so in private
• Any student with a specific concern about an assignment, test question, or other similar issue, needs to consult with the instructor of record in an effort to resolve the issue.
• Learning styles will vary among students.  It is important to respect the learning styles of classmates.
• Students will be supervised at all times when operating the energized x-ray equipment in the program lab facilities and clinical sites.
• In accordance with the ACC academic Dishonesty Policy, falsifying any clinical or class records can result in the initiation of the Progressive Discipline Process.  Depending on the severity of the infraction, a zero grade for the assignment may be given and/or probation and/or withdrawal from the program may result. In addition, the incident may reportable to the Texas Medical Board and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

 

Attendance

• Interacting and participating in a distance-learning course is different than a traditional classroom course. Regular and active academic participation is vital to success in a distance-learning course.
•  Regular and timely class participation in discussions and completion of work is expected of all students.  If attendance or compliance with other course policies is unsatisfactory, the instructor may withdraw students from the class
• Attendance is determined by a student’s active participation in the course starting in the first week of classes. Learners must engage in an academic activity during the first seven calendar days of the course in order to maintain registration in the course.
• Not engaging in an activity within the first seven days will result in an instructor withdrawal from the Computed Tomography program.
• Simply signing onto Blackboard without participation in a distance learning assignment or activity does not constitute attendance.
• Weekly (7 calendar days) participation in an academic activity is required in the course. For each week a student does not actively participate a grade drop will occur. Three weeks of non-participation will result in course withdrawal or failure.
• In rare circumstances, such as extreme illness or death in the family, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the faculty via email and provide appropriate documentation in a timely manner to substantiate such circumstances. The instructor will determine if an extension is warranted.
• In the event the college or campus closes due to unforeseen circumstances (for example, severe weather or other emergency), the student is responsible for communicating with their professor during the closure and completing any assignments or other activities designated by their professor as a result of class sessions being missed.

 

Withdrawal Policy

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her name is removed from the roll should he or she decides to withdraw from the class.  The instructor does, however, reserve the right to drop a student should he or she feel it is necessary.  If a student decides to withdraw, he or she should also verify that the withdrawal is submitted before the final withdrawal date. The student is also strongly encouraged to retain their copy of the withdrawal form for their records

 

November 21, 2019 is the final day for students to withdraw without receiving a failing grade.

Students are expected to complete all required coursework by December 9, 2018 at 7pm.

 

Students are responsible for understanding the impact that withdrawal from a course may have on their financial aid, veterans’ benefits, and international student status.  Per state law, students enrolling for the first time in Fall 2007 or later at any public Texas college or university may not withdraw (receive a W) from more than six courses during their undergraduate college education. Some exemptions for good cause could allow a student to withdraw from a course without having it count toward this limit. Students are strongly encouraged to meet with an advisor when making decisions about course selection, course loads, and course withdrawals.

 

Technical Standards and Essential Functions

Health Sciences Programs establish technical standards and essential functions to ensure that students have the abilities to participate and potentially be successful in all aspects of the respective program.  Students are required to meet technical standards and essential functions for the CT Program as indicated in the CT Student Handbook.  The policy is found also be found at: https://sites.austincc.edu/health/technical-standards/

 

Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices such as lap top computers and digital voice records may be used in the classroom with permission from the instructor.  Cell phones, smart watches, laptops, or video/audio recording devices may not be used during testing, in the program labs or at the hospitals/clinics.  For testing purposes, you may have a basic function calculator in the classroom, lab, and clinical area.

 

Computer Access/Email

All students must be able to access the ACC on-line teaching platform, Blackboard, and their ACC email accounts (assigned by the college).  Student may utilize any of the computers on any ACC campus to check their email accounts and to access Blackboard.  Blackboard and email accounts should be checked frequently for assignments, announcements, and/or messages.

 

Computer Skills

Diagnostic Imaging students are required to demonstrate a variety of computer skills throughout the length of the program.  As well as all didactic courses, all Clinical sites utilize computer systems for patient’s information and performing the radiologic procedures.  Students must be able to utilize any clinical site’s data/patient management system as permitted by the clinical site.  A student who is unfamiliar with using a computer or who has limited computer skills is expected to seek outside instruction in computer programs and usage so that he/she will be able to meet the requirements of his/her courses.

 

COLLEGE POLICIES

Statement on Academic Integrity

Austin Community College values academic integrity in the educational process.  Acts of academic dishonesty/misconduct undermine the learning process, present a disadvantage to students who earn credit honestly, and subvert the academic mission of the institution. The potential consequences of fraudulent credentials raise additional concerns for individuals and communities beyond campus who rely on institutions of higher learning to certify students' academic achievements, and expect to benefit from the claimed knowledge and skills of their graduates. Students must follow all instructions given by faculty or designated college representatives when taking examinations, placement assessments, tests, quizzes, and evaluations.  Actions constituting scholastic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, collusion, falsifying documents, or the inappropriate use of the college’s information technology resources.  Further information is available at https://www.austincc.edu/about-acc/academic-integrity-and-disciplinary-process

 

Any violations of this policy may be reportable to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Ethics Committee and/or the Texas Medical Board.  As a certified radiologic technologist any disciplinary actions concerning academic dishonesty, falsifying records or patient/facility privacy volitions are reportable to the ARRT.

 

Student Rights & Responsibilities

Academic freedom is a foundation and hallmark of higher education.  In the context of college-level courses, it specifically refers to the rights of free expression and respect for others with differing opinions.  Students at the college have the rights accorded by the U.S. Constitution to freedom of speech, peaceful assembly, petition, and association. This concept is accompanied by an equally demanding concept of responsibility on the part of the student.  Just as you are expected to exercise these rights with respect for state and federal law in the larger world, you are expected to exercise these rights as a student with respect for the college’s standards of conduct.  These rights carry with them the responsibility to accord the same rights to others in the college community and not to interfere with or disrupt the educational process.  Students and faculty alike should enable a climate of mutual respect and civility while fostering the freedom to debate and discuss the merits of competing ideas.

 

Enrollment in the college indicates acceptance of the rules set forth in the student standards of conduct policy, which is administered through the office of the campus dean of student services. Due process, through an investigation and appeal process, is assured to any student involved in disciplinary action.

 

Student Complaints

A defined process applies to complaints about an instructor or other college employee. You are encouraged to discuss concerns and complaints with college personnel and should expect a timely and appropriate response. When possible, students should first address their concerns through informal conferences with those immediately involved; formal due process is available when informal resolution cannot be achieved.

 

Student complaints may include (but are not limited to) issues regarding classroom instruction, college services and offices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or disability.

 

Further information about the complaints process, including the form used to submit complaints, is available at: http://www.austincc.edu/students/students-rights-and-responsibilities/student-complaint-procedures

 

Statement on Privacy

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects confidentiality of students’ educational records. Grades cannot be provided by faculty over the phone, by e-mail, or to a fellow student. All grades are posted on Blackboard. Please be careful when viewing your grades on non-secured wifi.

 

Safety Statement

Health and safety are of paramount importance in classrooms, laboratories, and field activities. Students are expected to learn and comply with ACC environmental, health and safety procedures and agree to follow ACC safety policies.  Emergency Procedures posters and Campus Safety Plans are posted in each classroom and should be reviewed at the beginning of each semester.  All incidents (injuries/illness/fire/property damage/near miss) should be immediately reported to the course instructor. Additional information about safety procedures and how to sign up to be notified in case of an emergency can be found at http://www.austincc.edu/emergency

 

Everyone is expected to conduct themselves professionally with respect and courtesy to all. Anyone who thoughtlessly or intentionally jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual may be immediately dismissed from the day’s activity and will be referred to the Dean of Student Services for disciplinary action.

 

In the event of disruption of normal classroom activities due to an emergency situation or an illness outbreak, the format for this course may be modified to enable completion of the course. In that event, students will be provided an addendum to the class syllabus that will supersede the original version.

 

Campus Carry

The Austin Community College District concealed handgun policy ensures compliance with Section 411.2031 of the Texas Government Code (also known as the Campus Carry Law), while maintaining ACC’s commitment to provide a safe environment for its students, faculty, staff, and visitors.  Beginning August 1, 2017, individuals who are licensed to carry (LTC) may do so on campus premises except in locations and at activities prohibited by state or federal law, or the college’s concealed handgun policy.  In addition, concealed weapons are not allowed on ACC-sponsored field trips where the school owns or has chartered or leased vehicles for transportation.

   

It is the responsibility of license holders to conceal their handguns at all times.  Persons who see a handgun on campus are asked to contact the ACC Police Department by dialing 222 from a campus phone or 512-223-7999.   Please refer to the concealed handgun policy online at http://austincc.edu/campuscarry

 

Discrimination Prohibited

The College seeks to maintain an educational environment free from any form of discrimination or harassment including but not limited to discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.

 

Faculty at the College are required to report concerns regarding sexual misconduct (including all forms of sexual harassment and sex and gender-based discrimination) to the Manager of Title IX/Title VI/ADA Compliance.  Licensed clinical counselors are available across the District and serve as confidential resources for students.

 

Additional information about Title VI, Title IX, and ADA compliance can be found in the ACC Compliance Resource Guide available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1o55xINAWNvTYgI-fs-JbDyuaMFDNvAjz/view

 

Use of ACC email

All College e-mail communication to students will be sent solely to the student’s ACCmail account, with the expectation that such communications will be read in a timely fashion. ACC will send important information and will notify students of any college- related emergencies using this account. Students should only expect to receive email communication from their instructor using this account.  Likewise, students should use their ACCmail account when communicating with instructors and staff.  Information about ACC email accounts, including instructions for accessing it, are available at:  http://www.austincc.edu/help/accmail/questions-and-answers

 

Use of the Testing Center

Under certain circumstances, examinations may have to be taken in a testing center. The ACC Testing Centers follow standard procedures so students know what to expect when they arrive to take their tests. Students should familiarize themselves with the student guidelines.

 

Students must present an ACC student ID card or government issued ID and know their ACC ID number before they can test. It is necessary to check in at the Testing Center kiosk before taking a test. To check in, one must know the following information:

• Student ID number
• Course prefix and number
• Course synonym
• Course section number
• Test number
• Instructor’s name

 

Personal belongings such as backpacks, books, and electronic devices (including, but not limited to, cell phones and smart watches) are not allowed in the Testing Center. Possession of prohibited items or accessing unapproved resources in the testing room will result in the immediate termination of the exam and possible disciplinary action.

 

For additional information on using the Testing Center, please go to: http://www.austincc.edu/students/testing-services/instructional-testing

 

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The success of our students is paramount, and ACC offers a variety of support services to help, as well as providing numerous opportunities for community engagement and personal growth.

Student Support

ACC strives to provide exemplary support to its students and offers a broad variety of opportunities and services.  Information on these campus services and resources is available at  http://www.austincc.edu/students.

 

Student Accessibility Services

Students with documented disabilities who need classroom, academic, or other accommodations must request them through the office Student Accessibility Services (SAS).   SAS offices are located at each major campus.  Students are encouraged to request accommodations when they register for courses or at least three weeks before the start of the semester; otherwise, the provision of accommodations may be delayed.  Students who have received approval for accommodations from SAS for this course must provide the instructor with the document titled “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from SAS before accommodations will be provided. Accommodations will not be provided retroactively.  Arrangements by the instructor for academic accommodations can only be made after he or she receives the “Notice of Approved Accommodations” from the student.

 

Additional information about Student Accessibility Services is available at https://www.austincc.edu/offices/student-accessibility-services-and-assistive-technology

 

Academic Support

ACC offers academic support services on all of its campuses. These services, which include face-to-face and online tutoring, academic coaching, and supplemental instruction, are free to enrolled ACC students. Tutors are available in a variety of subjects ranging from accounting to pharmacology. Students may receive these services on both a drop-in and referral basis. Tutoring schedules can be found at:  https://www.austincc.edu/students/tutoring/tutoring-schedules

 

Library Services

ACC has a full-service library at each of its campuses to support ACC courses and programs and to provide students with research and assignment assistance from expert faculty librarians, computers, course reserves, laptop and tablet check out, study spaces, and copying, printing, and scanning services.  In addition, ACC students have full rights and privileges to access Library Services online 24/7 via the ACC Library website and students can use their ACCeID logins to access all online materials, including ebooks, articles from library databases, and streaming videos.   ACC Libraries also provide an “Ask a Librarian” service, which allows  students to reach a librarian 24/7 through online chat.  Faculty librarians are also available via email, phone, and in person seven days a week during hours of operation. Visit:

 

• Library Website: http://library.austincc.edu
• Ask a Librarian: https://library.austincc.edu/help/ask.php
• Library Hours of Operation by Location: https://library.austincc.edu/loc/
• Email: library@austincc.edu

 

In partnership with ACC’s Student Support Center, ACC Libraries also maintain a limited collection of textbooks for students to borrow. Priority access to the textbook collection is given to students receiving assistance. More information is available on the ACC website by searching “Student Support Center Textbook Collection.”

 

Student Organizations

ACC has over seventy student organizations, offering a variety of cultural, academic, vocational, and social opportunities.  They provide a chance to meet with other students who have the same interests, engage in service-learning, participate in intramural sports, gain valuable field experience related to career goals, and much else.  Student Life coordinates many of these activities, and additional information is available at http://sites.austincc.edu/sl/.

 

Personal Support

Resources to support students are available at every campus. To learn more, ask your professor or visit the campus Support Center. All resources and services are free and confidential. Some examples include, among others:

 

• Food pantries are located in all campus Student Life offices: https://sites.austincc.edu/sl/programs/foodpantry/.   
• Assistance with childcare or utility bills is available at any campus Support Center: http://www.austincc.edu/students/support-center.
• The Student Emergency Fund can help with unexpected expenses that may cause you to withdraw from one or more classes: http://www.austincc.edu/SEF.
• Help with budgeting for college and family life is available through the Student Money Management Office: http://sites.austincc.edu/money/.  
• Drop-in child watch is available at Highland Campus: http://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care/child-watch-drop-in-center. 

A full listing of services for student parents is available at: https://www.austincc.edu/students/child-care

 

Clinical Counseling services are available throughout the ACC Student Services District to address personal and or mental health concerns: http://www.austincc.edu/students/counseling .

 

If an emergency occurs during operational hours, please come to the Student Services Office and let the front intake staff know that you are experiencing a crisis. They will alert appropriate personnel. You may also contact the ACC District Police at 222 (on campus) or 223-7999 (off campus or cell phone).

 

Syllabus Change Policy

This syllabus is a guide for the course and is subject to change. Please consult Blackboard and your ACC Email for course updates. 

 

Additional Policies

Please review the following college website for additional important information about general policies: http://www.austincc.edu/handbook

 

CT Program Handbook

The radiology program student handbook on-line at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MBbTwMrcLOueA3JFretFKiV9bWXI5gz3/view

 

Readings

Required Textbooks:

1.    Computed Tomography: Physical Principles, Clinical Applications, and Quality Control / Edition 4

·      ISBNISBN:1416028951

·      ISBN-13:9781416028956

·      Pub. Date: September 2015

·      Publisher:Elsevier Health Sciences

2.    Mosby’s Exam Review for Computed Tomography / Edition 2

·      ISBN:0323065902

·      ISBN-13:9780323065900

·      Pub. Date: April 2010

·      Publisher:Elsevier Health Sciences

3. Computed Tomography for Technologists: A Comprehensive Text
   • ISBN: 0781777518
   • ISBN-13: 9780781777513
   • Pub. Date: February 2010
   • Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Recommended Textbooks:

4.    Computed Tomography for Technologists: An Exam Review

·      ISBN: 0781777968

·      ISBN-13: 9780781777964

·      Pub. Date: March 2010

·      Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Course Subjects

	Week of:	Topic	Resource; Chapter #	Discussion	Tests
1	8/26	Course Introduction	Course Syllabus; Seeram 1, Romans 1	Course syllabus, History & overview of CT Physics	PT
2	9/2	Data Acquisition, Radiation physics	Seeram 3, 4; Romans 2, 5	Radiation interaction with matter; acquisition geometry; physical principles and attenuation	PT
3	9/9	CT System principles, operation and Components	Seeram 4, 7; Romans 1, 2	Tube, Generator, Detector Configuration	PT
4	9/16	CT System principles, operation and Components	Seeram 2, 4, 7;   Romans 2, 3	Digital Imaging, Data Acquisition Systems, Collimation, Computer Array Processor	PT
5	9/23	image processing: Reconstruction	Seeram 5, 6, 11;       Romans 3	Filtered Back Projection, iterative recon; interpolation, recon algorithm	PT
6	9/30	image processing: Reconstruction	Seeram 5, 6, 11;       Romans 3,8	Raw/image data; prospective/retrospective recon; recon interval	PT
7	10/7	image processing: post-processing	Seeram 8, 13;        Romans 4,8	MPR, 3-D rendering, quantitative analysis	PT
8	10/14	image display	Seeram 8;    Romans 1, 3, 4	Pixel, voxel, matrix, mag, FOV	PT
9	10/21	MIDTERM EXAM	Due 10/28 7pm	MIDTERM EXAM: Available from 10/21-10/28	MT
10	10/28	image display & informatics	Seeram 2, 8, 13;    Romans 4,9	WW/WL, Cine, ROI, DICOM, PACS, Information security, networks	PT
11	11/4	image Quality & Artifact recognition and reduction	Seeram 9;     Romans 6	Spatial, contrast, temporal resolution, Image artifacts	PT
12	11/11	image Quality & Artifact recognition and reduction	Seeram 9;     Romans 7	noise, uniformity, QA, CT#, linearity, Image artifacts	PT
13	11/18	Radiation Safety and dosimetry	Seeram 10;    Romans 14	Technical factors affecting dose, RP and shielding,	PT
14	11/25	Radiation Safety and dosimetry	Seeram 10;    Romans 14	Dose measurement; Patient dose reduction and optimization	PT
15	12/2	Final Review & Exam		Please see link posted on BB to Practice Exam through Evolve
16	12/9	FINAL EXAM	Due 12/9 at 7pm	Final Exam: Available from 12/2- 12/9	Final

 

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Common Course Objectives

·      Apply radiation dose reduction techniques for pediatric and adult patients

·      Evaluate technical factors affecting patient dose

·      Calculate radiation doses in CT using CT Dose Index and Dose Length Product

·      Classify various CT systems and components

·      Describe the various image processing techniques

·      Differentiate image display parameters

·      Summarize image informatics, such as DICOM, PACS, networking and security protocols

·      Analyze CT images for quality

·      Identify CT image artifacts

·      Describe methods to image artifacts

Discipline/Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Computed Tomography Program, the student will satisfactorily demonstrate the following entry-level skills in computed tomography:

·      Clinical competency

·      Communication skills

·      Problem solving and critical thinking skills

·      Professional growth and development