Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This course is the third in a series of four courses on radiographic positioning. Radiographic Positioning III is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology and is a prerequisite for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student elects to transfer. The laboratory portion that accompanied this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in film critique, anatomical identification, pathological discussion, use of ionization radiation and processing chemicals.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Apply basic radiographic positioning techniques to capture images of the bony thorax, spinal column, and pelvic girdle.

• Evaluate radiographic images of bony thorax, spinal column, and pelvic girdle for diagnostic quality.

• This course will cover anatomy, osteology, pathology, and anomalies pertinent to radiography of the areas being studied.
• Lecture, discussion, and/or demonstration are the means by which the material for this course is presented. Small group work and student presentation may be required.
• The laboratory portion that accompanies this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in film critique, anatomical identification, and pathological discussion.
• Class attendance is required to receive a grade in this course.
• Various media are used in presenting the course content. Diagrams, schematics, slides, videos, and other visual aids are used in the lecture/ discussion sessions. These sessions are designed to be relevant to the skills and knowledge the student will need in the application of radiological imaging. There will be reading assignments from required textbooks, outside reading assignments, film critique, anatomical identification, and class projects.
• Safety is extremely important and is taught throughout this course. Pertinent safety points are noted in this course.

Please contact the department director or the Office of Students with Disabilities, Sylvania ST 229, if you have a disability so that appropriate accommodations can be made for your course of study.

1. Produce diagnostic images of anatomical structures using selected positions.
2. Critique images using a systematic approach.
3. Simulate the correct positioning for a randomly chosen radiographic exam.

1.0 Pelvis and Hips
1.1 General Osteology
1.2 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology
1.3 Anatomical Identification and Film Critique
2.0 Vertebral Column
2.1 General Osteology
2.2 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology of Sacrum, Coccyx and Sacroiliac Joints
2.3 Anatomical Identification and Film critique
2.4 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology of Lumbar Spine
2.5 Anatomical Identification and Film Critique
2.6 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology of Thoracic Spine
2.7 Anatomical Identification and Film Critique
2.8 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology of Cervical Spine
2.9 Anatomical Identification and Film Critique
3.0 Bony Thorax
3.1 General Osteology
3.2 Radiographic Positioning and Pathology of Ribs and Sternum
3.3 Anatomical Identification and Film Critique
Process Skills:
1. Evaluate and identify radiographic anatomy.
2. Assess diagnostic image quality.
3. Modify positioning and/or technical factors.
4. Analyze the effect of pathology as it relates to patient care and the production of the image.
5. Operate radiographic equipment and utilize radiographic accessories.
6. Communicate appropriately and constructively with the patient.
7. Utilize safe transfer techniques.
8. Practice appropriate radiation safety techniques for personnel and patients.