Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

Medical Imaging of Disease (RAD 206) is required as part of the Radiologic Technology degree program. It is also a prerequisite for taking the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination for certification in Radiography.
Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student wishes to transfer.
Prior to enrolling in this course the student must be accepted in the Radiologic Technology Program and have completed the required prerequisite courses.

1. Differentiate between normal and abnormal anatomy on various radiologic studies.
2. Use proper medical terminology to communicate information about a patient’s disease process.
3. Identify the required radiographic exam and adjustment in exposure factors needed for selected diseases.
4. Carry out the medico-legal responsibilities of a radiographer in the profession.

Lecture and discussion are the means by which the material for this course is presented.  Course material is targeted towards common diseases the student will encounter as an entry-level radiographer.  Small group work and student presentation may be required.  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.  Guest speakers will address normal and abnormal radiographic anatomy.

1. Prepare a case study, research paper, and visual presentation on a given disease.
2. Review patient histories and radiologic images of select anatomy, and identify whether the images are normal or abnormal.
3. Display creative and critical thinking when participating in discussion topics.
4. Measure knowledge acquired with written and online testing.

COURSE CONTENT:
The student will demonstrate understanding of the following themes, issues, and concepts:

1. Disease terminology and classification
2. Cellular Injury, Inflammation and Tissue Restoration
3. Neoplasm Characteristics
4. Respiratory/Cardiovascular Diseases
5. Gastrointestinal Diseases
6. Urinary Tract, Male and Female Reproductive Diseases
7. Musculoskeletal Diseases
8. Central Nervous System Diseases
9. Medico-legal Issues and Quality Assurance/Improvement

COMPETENCIES AND PROCESS SKILLS:

1. Adjust exposure factors to compensate for patient pathology.
2. Distinguish between normal and abnormal radiological anatomy.
3. Identify the radiographic signs of select diseases.
4. Identify imaging modalities that best demonstrate a given patient pathology.
5. Define medical terminology.
6. Identify legal doctrines, professional standards, patient rights, ethical codes that apply to medico-legal scenarios involving radiographers.