Letter of Intent Radiologic Technician Program AAS Degree in

Letter of Intent

Radiologic Technician Program

AAS Degree in Radiologic Technology

Office of the Provost

and

Department of Nursing

Table of Contents

1. Purposes and goals

2. Need for the Curriculum

3. Students

4. Curriculum

Description of New Courses

5. Faculty

6. Facilities, Laboratory Equipment, Supplies and Library Materials

7. Cost Assessment

1. Purposes and Goals

The goal of the A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology will be to prepare radiologic

technologists who are highly competent in the knowledge, skills and professional

demeanor consistent with local employer expectations and national standards as

described by the current ASRT Curriculum.

A. National and local educational trends

The American Society of Radiologic Technology (ASRT) has been emphasizing the

importance of a college degree for professional advancement opportunities. The ASRT is

currently considering a degree requirement for all entry level technologists in

Radiography, Nuclear Medicine and Radiation Therapy. Currently, a degree is either

preferred or required for supervisory, education, administrative and sales positions.

The following statement appeared in the Occupational Outlook Handbook for Radiologic

Technologist:

Employment for Radiologic Technologist is expected to grow faster than the

average for all occupations through 2006, as the population grows and ages,

increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. For

example, Radiation Therapy will continue to be used – along with or in

combination with surgery or chemotherapy – to treat cancer.

Hospitals remain the principal employer of Radiologic Technologists. However,

employment is expected to grow most rapidly in physician’s offices, clinics and

diagnostic imaging centers which can be equipped to perform routine procedures. Health

facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly due to the shift toward

outpatient care and third party reimbursement. Job attrition will also contribute to the

continuing need for radiographers. Numerous job openings will result from the need to

replace technologists who are aging baby boomers.

Entry-level salaries have increased and vary depending on the geographical area. For

New York City and its surrounding areas, the per annum salary ranges for three areas of

radiologic technology areas are:

Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist-$39,000-$119,000

CAT Technologist-$29,000-$54,000

MRI Technologist-$38,000-68,000

B. Community Interest in the Program

At this early stage in the development of the program, we have received positive

responses from three Brooklyn hospitals indicating support for the program and offering

to serve as clinical sites, provide clinical faculty and serve on the Advisory Committee.

Kingsborough currently has active clinical training relationships with every hospital in

Brooklyn and many others as well. Mary Perry, President of the New York Society of

Radiologic Technology Educators, has been brought in to consult on the development of

this program.

C. Related College Offerings

The College administration has demonstrated a significant interest in programs of this

type by its recent commitment to associate degree programs for surgical technologists

and physical therapist assistants. The College has a long-standing A.A.S. in Nursing

which has 42 faculty members, 15 of whom are full-time. Each of these programs has its

own office space, classrooms and learning laboratories. The campus also offers programs

in community and mental health, therapeutic recreation and transfer options to

baccalaureate health professions programs, and is developing a biotechnology program.

In its July 2006 Report of Institutional Goals to CUNY, Kingsborough made a

commitment to target new certificate and degree programs in health occupations.

Currently, Letters of Intent are being prepared for five other health professions programs.

These are: Veterinary Technician, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Respiratory

Therapist, EMT-Paramedic and Pharmacy Technician.

The College is pursuing the creation of a new academic department which will be

responsible for the A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology as well as the five other new health-

technician programs. During this initial stage between the Letter of Intent and CUNY

approval to develop a full proposal, and until a new department is established, the

Department of Nursing has taken responsibility for the development of the A.A.S. in

Radiologic Technology.

2. Need for the Curriculum

The use of diagnostic imaging services has increased dramatically over the years yet the

number of registered technologists has remained stable. As a result, technologists often

work longer shifts. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the

general population undergoes 130 diagnostic imaging procedures annually per 100

people. By 2020, the annual number of imaging procedures is expected to grow by 140%.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the nation will need an additional 15-

20% more radiographers in the next three to four years.

Exhibit 23 of The Health Care Workforce in New York State, 2004: Trends in the Supply

and Demand for Health Worker was culled from an analysis of a survey of sample

voluntary and public hospitals throughout New York State, including New York City and

Long Island. Of those surveyed, 84 % reported difficulties in recruiting and 58% reported

facing a shortage in radiologic technologists.

The need for more radiologic technology programs is urgent.

Recruitment and Retention Difficulties Reported by Hospitals in New York State

Moreover, the shortage of these health workers is evident locally. In a newspaper article

titled, "Rad Techs are in short supply...." (Newsday, October 19,2003), the local shortage

forces many radiologic technologists to work long hours and multiple shifts. All of the

aforementioned factors support the development of this program.

Although there is a growing need for advanced technology (such as Magnetic Resonance

Imaging), the demand for less expensive diagnostic procedures will also increase.

Insurance companies are trying to reduce or at least contain healthcare costs and

physicians are compelled whenever possible to order less expensive diagnostic tests such

as X-Rays. Second, many elderly patients cannot be exposed to the more advanced

technology for diagnostic purposes because of its contraindication to implanted life-

saving devices. Third, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, as

the average age of radiologic technicians is now fifty, retirements in the next decade will

come at the same time patient demand for diagnostic procedures is increasing.

3. Students

Kingsborough administration, faculty and counseling staff universally agree in the

principle of “If we build it; they will come”. Brooklyn has a population of over 2.2

million and, certainly, the population served by Kingsborough is large enough to expect a

strong positive reaction to educational opportunities at this level for this rewarding

profession. Applicant pools for the extant programs are excellent at present.

Enrollment at Kingsborough Community College (excluding College Now) reached

11,790 students in the spring 2005 semester. In spite of the interest of significant

numbers of these students in allied health career education, many do not have access due

to the limited number of programs and program seats available. Therefore, there is a

need to introduce additional, equally viable career programs.

Meetings with representatives from the 1199SEIU League Training and Upgrading Fund

indicate significant interest in a new Radiologic Technology program for its members

who are currently employed in health care. The proposed program will address specific

scheduling issues presented by these students and non-traditional course scheduling such

as on evenings and weekends can be incorporated into the design of the program.

Clinical experiences can be scheduled throughout the week and during day, evening and

night shifts as well as on weekends to accommodate student scheduling needs.

Department of Student Development personnel has enthusiastically endorsed this

proposed program and has agreed to schedule the shadowing of practicing professionals

prior to implementation to strengthen their understanding of the work environment and

scope of practice for radiologic technologists. This will better equip them to help

potential students select the right profession and may increase retention in the program.

Bronx Community College, New York City Technical College and Hostos Community

College offer the A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology. Other programs are offered by

Methodist Hospital, Long Island College Hospital, Harlem Hospital and St. Barnabas

Hospital.

4. Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to prepare students who will succeed in earning State and

national credentialing and are ready to work anywhere in the United States as highly

qualified radiologic technicians. The curriculum includes the science of human anatomy

all health technicians must know and is prerequisite to clinical courses, and the

humanities, social science and other general education courses, which are essential for all

associate degree graduates, provide a foundation for further higher education and help

create a well-rounded individual and citizen. The curriculum meets the NYSED

minimum in liberal arts and sciences with 20 general education credits and 2 credits in

pathophysiology (RAD 241). To meet both NYSED and ASRT curriculum standards for

program registration and accreditation, the proposed AAS in Radiologic Technology will

need a waiver of the 60-credit limit for associate degree programs.

A. Description of New Courses

101 Radiologic Technology I

Credit 3

Overview of the radiology profession, patient care, medical terminology and medical

ethics. The fundamental elements of each of these areas will be presented. The concepts

of ethics, medical asepsis, vital signs and medical emergencies will be presented. The

essentials of patient care including consideration for the physical and psychological needs

of the patient and family and the practitioner’s role in the health care system.

202 Radiologic Technology II

Credit 3

The components, principles and operations of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic

radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition, display, archiving and retrieval are

discussed. Guidelines for selecting exposure factors and evaluating images within a

digital system assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems.

Principles of digital system quality assurance and maintenance are presented.

303 Radiologic Technology III

Credit 3

Overview of hospital administration, including employment issues, labor contracts and

litigation processes. Radiation biology and the principles of interaction of radiation with

living tissues are discussed. Acute and chronic effects will be discussed. Quality

Assurance involves the evaluation of radiographic images along with their delivery

systems. State and federal guides are included. Equipment Quality Control and its

testing are discussed.

110 Radiographic Procedures I

Credit 2

This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform

radiographic procedures. This is the first in a series of courses dealing with principal

techniques, radiographic anatomy, radiographic procedures and related terminology in

the production of images of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremeities.The

production of images of optimal diagnostic qualities is stressed. In the laboratory portion

of the course students use phantom apparatus.

111 Radiographic Procedures II

Credit 2

A continuation of Radiographic Procedures I. Emphasis is placed on the pelvis girdle,

vertebral column, thoracic cavity and cranium studies. The production of images of

optimal diagnostic qualities is stressed In the laboratory portion of the course students use

phantom apparatus.

312 Radiographic Procedures III

Credit 2

The more advanced positions utilized in the practice of medical imaging. Introduction to

the more advanced studies that involve the use of contrast media, pediatrics, trauma and

mobile radiography. The basic concepts of pharmacology are presented. The theory and

practice of basic techniques of venipuncture are introduced. Practicum laboratory

experienes complement the didactic portion of the course, allowing the student to

demonstrate ability on the phantom patient.

120 Radiologic Exposure I

Credit 1

The principles of electromagnetic radiation and its effects upon living tissue. Stressed is

the importance of radiation protection for patients and personnel is stressed. Emphasis is

placed on the physics and the concepts of electronic involvement in the production, use

and control of the various electromagnetic energies that are used in medical and

diagnostic applications. This course heightens the student radiographers' awareness

regarding the nature of ionizing radiation and their effect on all biological material.

121 Radiologic Exposure II

Credit 1

Factors that govern and influence the production and recording of radiologic images.

Film and electronic imaging with related accessories will be emphasized.

240 Cross-Sectional Anatomy

Credit 2

The anatomical structures of the human body in various axial planes. Instructional aids

will include radiographs, CT images and MRI images and anatomical models. There will

be frequent correlation between radiographs, CT images and MRI images; knowledge

that is essential when rotating through CT and MRI.

241 Pathology for Radiography

Credit 2

The biological, physical, chemical and anatomical changes that occur in different disease

processes. Also addresses the etiology and pathogenesis of disease states and the

physiological changes that accompany altered body states.

250 Imaging Modalities I

Credit 3

Principles related to computed tomography (CT) Imaging for entry level radiography

students.

252 Imaging Modalities II

Credit 3

Continues the study and skills associated with the more advanced and complex diagnostic

procedures including vascular angiography, myelography, arthrography, venography and

mammography.

260 Film Evaluation and Critique

Credit 1

Evaluation and critique of radiographic images to improve the radiographic quality by

understanding the radiographic imperfections. Through these evaluations students will be

able to limit their retakes, improve the patient quality of care as well as the radiographic

quality of their films. Student projects, associated film presentations and class critiques

are conducted.

266 Quality Assurance

Credit 1

Introduction of the principles of quality assurance and quality control and their

relationship to excellence in radiography. Students are introduced to the standards and

regulations for radiation protection for both the patient and radiographer.

100 Clinical I

Credit 1

Introduction to the clinical enviroment at an affiliated clinical site. This is the first

primary contact between students and patients. Students are assigned to various work

areas within the radiology department in order to observe the operations of the entire

department. Students are assgned to work under the close supervision of a licensed

radiologic technologist while practicing and improving medical imaging skills with

emphasis on chest, abdomen and upper extremities.

220 Clinical II

Credit 2

Continued practice and improvement of students’ imaging skills at the assigned clinical

affiliate under the guidance of a registered licensed radiologic technologist. Introduction

to the principles of medical imaging of the lower extremities, pelvic girdle and vertebral

column are presented.

221 Clinical III

Credit 3

This is a continuation of the two previous clinical practicums to improve skills in all

routine and contrast media imaging procedures under supervision of a registered and

licensed Radiologic Technologist. Students will assume more responsibilities in the

diagnostic imaging process. The didiactic information previously presented in

Radiographic Procedures I and II are coordinated with assigned rotations at the affiliated

clinical sites. The application of critical thinking skills is emphasized. This is a full-time

six-week clinic with a weekly clinical conference.

222 Clinical IV

Credit 2

The practice and improvement of students’ skills in the areas of general diagnostic

procedures, contrast media procedures, advanced imaging procedures and skull imaging

at the assigned medical facility under close supervision with a registered and licensed

Radiologic Technologist. Specialty areas such as Computed Tomography (CT),

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Invasive procedures and Angiographic Procedures

are introduced.

223 Clinical V

Credit 3

The practice and improvement of students’ skills in general diagnostic procedures,

contrast media procedures, advanced imaging procedures and skull imaging at the

assigned medical facility under close supervision by a registered and licensed Radiologic

Technologist. This is a full-time six-week clinic with a weekly clinical conference.

224 Clinical VI

Credit 2

During this second to last clinical experience at the designated clinical site, students will

complete all initial, continuous clinical competency evaluations and objectives prior to

beginning the Final Competency Evaluations during the final clinical rotation.

225 Clinical VII

Credit 3

During this final clinical experience the students will exercise independent judgment and

discretion in the technical performance of medical imaging procedures. Students must

complete competency evaluations in ten required categories. Competencies are to be

demonstrated on patients and simulators. This is a full-time six-week clinic with a weekly

clinical conference. There is a Registry Review during the last week and a summative

final examination for the whole program content.

The entire curriculum outline follows on the next page.

Kingsborough Community College

A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology Curriculum Outline

Course number Lecture Lab Clinic Credit

101 Radiologic Technology I 3 3

202 Radiologic Technology II 3 3

303 Radiologic Technology III 3 3

110 Radiographic Procedures I 6 2

111 Radiographic Procedures II 6 2

112 Clinical I 96 1

120 Radiologic Exposure I 3 1

221 Radiologic Exposure II 3 1

312 Radiographic Procedures III 6 2

240 Cross-Sectional Anatomy 2 2

250 Imaging Modalities I 3 3

252 Imaging Modalities II 3 3

241 Pathology for Radiography 2 2

260 Film Evaluation and Critique 3 1

266 Quality Assurance 3 1

220 Clinical II 196 2

221 Clinical III (Six Week) 3 240 3

222 Clinical IV 196 2

223 Clinical V (Six Week) 3 240 3

224 Clinical VI 196 2

225 Clinical VII (Six Week) 3 240 3

1404 45

General Education

12 English 12 (Six Week) 4 4

24 English 24 3

Anatomy and Physiology for

Allied Health 6 12 6

Applied Physical Science for

Allied Health 3 3

General Psychology (Six

Week) 3 3

31 Medical Calculations 1 1

Radiologic Technology Program Full-Time (4 semester) Plan of Study

Fall / Winter

31 Medical Calculations 1

15 Anatomy and Physiology for Allied Health* 6

11 General Psychology 3

101 Radiologic Technology I 3

110 Radiographic Procedures I 2

120 Radiologic Exposure I 1

112 Clinical I 1

12 English 12 (Six Week) 4

Spring / Summer

25 Applied Physical Science for Allied Health 3

202 Radiologic Technology II 3

221 Radiologic Exposure II 1

111 Radiographic Procedures II 2

113 Clinical II 2

220 Clinical III (Six Week) 4

Fall/ Winter

240 Cross-Sectional Anatomy 3

250 Imaging Modalities I 4

241 Pathology for Radiography 2

312 Radiographic Procedures III 2

303 Radiologic Technology III 3

222 Clinical IV 2

223 Clinical V(Six Week) 3

Spring / Summer

24 English 24 3

252 Imaging Modalities II 3

260 Film Evaluation and Critique 2

266 Quality Assurance 2

224 Clinical VI 2

225 Clinical VII (Six Week) 3

Faculty

Faculty of the Radiologic Technology Program will meet or exceed the minimum

requirements of the JRCERT and New York State:

There will be a full-time Program Director who holds, at a minimum, a master’s degree;

is proficient in curriculum design, program administration, evaluation, instruction and

counseling; has the equivalent of three years full-time experience in the profession; has

two years experience as an instructor in a JRCERT accredited program; and holds

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification or equivalent.

There will be a full-time Clinical Coordinator who holds, at a minimum, a baccalaureate

degree; is proficient in curriculum development, supervision, instruction, evaluation and

counseling; has the equivalent of two years full-time experience in the professional

discipline; has a minimum of one year of experience as an instructor in a JRCERT

accredited program; and holds American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

certification.

Program faculty will be hired who are qualified to teach the subject, knowledgeable about

course development, instruction, evaluation and academic counseling; and hold

appropriate professional credentials.

Sufficient numbers of instructors will be hired so that no more than a 10:1 student-to-

faculty ratio will be maintained for the program overall and at least a 1:1 student-to-

practitioner ratio in clinical assignments.

6. Facilities, Laboratory Equipment, Supplies and Library Materials

Kingsborough Community College already offers a Physical Therapy Assistant program

which requires approximately the same laboratory, classroom and faculty office space as

a Radiologic Technology program. Some of this equipment can be acquired by donation,

rented or borrowed. The largest expenditure will be for the digital radiography equipment

and simulators and room modifications to meet radiation safety parameters. These costs

can exceed $300,000 if state-of-the-art new equipment is selected. Older equipment that

has been replaced in a medical facility can sometimes meet the needs of a program and be

significantly less costly and this option will be pursued. Digital equipment is more costly

than film systems but the on-going cost of films, dark rooms and film development

equipment and chemicals soon overcome what is initially saved. For this expenditure,

the College is seeking external funds. However, the lack of external funds will not

preclude the Program’s developed, as the College is committed to allocating College

funds to support it, if necessary.

Professional journals and supporting texts will be added to the Kibbee Library in

sufficient numbers to support students’ course assignments. The Library will provide

access to Medline. Local hospital libraries can also be appropriate resources, and will

meet all national standards as long as the arrangement is established and is known to

students including any conditions for access students must follow.

Cost Assessment

Annual budgets for typical Radiologic Technology programs include on-going disposable

supplies, equipment needs, faculty development and accreditation fees. The initial purchase

of equipment for a Radiologic Technician Laboratory can reach $200,000. Appropriate

space on or off-campus is being pursued. Faculty salaries are comparable to those incurred

at Kingsborough for the current Nursing, PTA and Surgical Technician programs’ faculty

and directors, which range from $65,000 to $85,000. External funds will be sought for the

initial equipment costs and the salaries for new faculty will be incorporated into the

College’s strategic planning and budgeting process.