Didactic Education | National Park College

PROGRAM MISSION

The mission of the Radiologic Technology Program at National Park College is to provide selected students the clinical and didactic education necessary to create a sound foundation for graduates to qualify as contributing members in the professional career of Radiologic Technology.

PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS

The profession of Radiologic Technology is dedicated to the conservation of life, health and the prevention and treatment of disease. The well-qualified technologist has the knowledge and skill to perform all related technical duties and the opportunity to develop health programs.

The goals of the program are as follows:

Students/graduates are clinically competent.
- Student learning outcomes:

1. - Students will apply radiographic positioning skills.
  - Students will practice radiation protection.
  - Students will select appropriate technical factors.

Students possess critical thinking skills.
- Student learning outcomes:
  - Students will demonstrate sound decision making.
  - Students will appropriately evaluate images.
  - Students will adapt positioning for trauma procedures.

Students are professional.
- Student learning outcomes:
  - Students will understand the importance of professional ethics in the didactic setting.
  - Students will demonstrate professional behavior in the clinical setting.

Students communicate effectively.
- Student learning outcomes:
  - Students communicate effectively in the didactic setting.
  - Students communicate effectively in the clinical setting.

It is the purpose and aim of this program to provide the students with the finest training possible so they may develop their academic capacity, their technical skill, and their professional image. They should be concerned with a belief in their own worth; they must be flexible, responsible and intelligent. The students must develop an ability to work alone and with others for the common good of the patient. They must learn self-discipline and have an unselfish pride in their work. If, through excellent academic and technical training, the students achieve a sense of meaning and purpose, as well as skill in their profession, the purpose and aims of this program will have been accomplished.

Upon successful completion of classroom studies and clinical experience, the students will be eligible to take the National Registry Examination, American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), leading to certification as a Registered Radiologic Technologist.

In order to assure moral standards, the ARRT states that a professional Radiologic Technologist:

“Be a person of good moral character and must not have engaged in conduct that is inconsistent with the ARRT Rules of Ethics”.

For further information on the ARRT, call (651) 687-0048 or visit www.arrt.org/

TYPE OF PROGRAM

The Radiologic Technology Program is a two-year college-based program, which includes clinical experience and didactic instruction in all aspects of the field of medical imaging. Upon successful completion of the program, an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology will be awarded. This program involves five consecutive semesters of academic studies and coordinated clinical practice at recognized clinical affiliates in order to complete requirements of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program is accredited by the JRCERT. Information regarding the Standards is located at www.jrcert.org. The program’s Master Plan of Education is on file in the program director's office and is available for review by interested parties upon request.

RE-ENTRY TO PROGRAM

All Radiologic Technology courses must be passed with a grade of "C" or better in order to progress in the Radiologic Technology Program. Students who are unsuccessful in any coursework or clinical education on the first attempt may only reapply the following year to the Radiologic Technology Program. The reapplication process does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Re-entry candidates will be required to successfully complete proficiency exams for all previously completed courses prior to being granted re-entry. This includes:

Course examinations must be completed with a score of 75% or better
Clinical competencies and image evaluation must be completed with a score of 80% or better

The proficiency exams, clinical competencies, and image evaluation may only be taken once. If unsuccessful, the course or clinical competency must be repeated.

Students who receive approval to re-enter will be subject to policies, procedures and curriculum which are current at the time of re-entry.

DEGREE GRANTED

Upon successful completion of the program, an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology will be awarded.

LENGTH OF PROGRAM

This program involves five consecutive semesters of academic studies and coordinated clinical practice at recognized clinical affiliates to complete requirements of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The schedule, policies and assignments in this program are subject to change. The instructors will always inform the students of any changes in a timely manner.

MASTER PLAN OF EDUCATION

A Master Plan of Education is on file in the Program Director's Office and is available for review upon request.

ACADEMIC HONESTY

Academic integrity is a vital element of any learning community. NPC faculty hold themselves to the highest standards in this regard and expects their students to do the same. Students who compromise the integrity of academic inquiry are subject to disciplinary action on the part of the College. A violation of academic honesty may include (but is not limited to) the following:

Cheating on examinations, quizzes or other work;
Plagiarism—the use of another’s intellectual property (thought, writing, etc.) without proper reference/citation, whether directly quoted or paraphrased;
Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance during a test or laboratory testing;
Falsification, forgery, or alteration of academic records

Penalties for breaches of academic integrity may include receiving an F for the assignment in question, receiving an F for the course, and/or dismissal from the course. In extreme cases, the administration reserves the right to suspend the student from all studies at the College.

COGNITIVE/PHYSICAL CAPABILITY REQUIREMENTS

Each new student should be informed about the physical, mental and emotional capacities one must possess in order to perform the duties and tasks of a Radiologic Technologist. If you have questions or wish to discuss these physical capability requirements, contact the Program Director.

Ambulation, lifting, moving and standing:

Propel wheelchairs, stretchers, IV poles, etc. alone or with assistance as available.
Be ambulatory and able to maintain a center of gravity when met with an opposing force as in lifting, supporting and/or transferring a patient.
Propel standard mobile imaging units and perform procedural tasks in a patient’s room and/or surgical unit.
Withstand lengthy periods of physical activity to include moving quickly and at times, continuously.

Manual Dexterity:

Operate mechanisms such as imaging tables, x-ray tubes and other equipment.
Manipulate both patient care devices and diagnostic equipment in a safe and time efficient manner.
Ability to work with arms extended above head and squat to the floor.
Ability to move and manipulate the patient’s body in order to provide patient care and patient support, and to position for imaging and/or treatment.
Handle and utilize procedural items such as pharmaceuticals, vials, syringes, sterile items, catheters, intravascular materials and dressings.
Handle and use image receptors, imaging mechanisms, adjunct radiologic items, etc.
Access and use darkrooms of various standard designs; be able to load, unload and process imaging films.

Visual Activity:

Performs patient identification, positioning, images field placement/alignment and image analysis.
Must be able to read written passages.
Recognize visual cues that indicate patient distress when patient is unable to speak.

Cognitive Abilities:

Communicate orally and in writing.
Think clearly and prioritize assignments effectively to enhance patient safety and comfort.
Receive both oral and written communication and act appropriately upon receipt.
Must be able to hear for reception of spoken communication.
Perceive events realistically, think rationally and function confidently in routine and non-routine situations.
Able to perform the above described cognitive functions in stressful situations and life threatening emergencies.

JRCERT

If, during the course of your professional education, you feel the NPC Radiologic Technology program does not comply with the JRCERT Standards you have the right to notify the JRCERT. Upon JRCERT notification of a complaint or allegation of non-compliance with JRCERT Standards, the Program Director shall evaluate the merit of the complaint and/or allegation and respond accordingly. The response will include supporting documentation of program compliance and/or methods by which the program has resolved the issue.

JRCERT contact information:

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606-3182

312-704-5300

mail@jrcert.org

The Radiologic Technology program was awarded an accreditation status of 8 years in 2015. The next site visit is tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2023.

National Park College at Hot Springs and the Division of Radiologic Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or qualified handicap in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid and other educational services. Inquiries regarding Title IX, ADA, and Section 504 should be directed to the Vice President for Student Affairs, 501-760-4203.

NPC DESIGNATED LINES OF AUTHORITY

Students are required to follow the designated lines of authority when dealing with concerns, problems or conflicts associated with their Radiologic Technology education.

The designated lines of authority for Radiologic Technology students are:

Student or instructor directly implicated
Program Director
Dean of Nursing & Health Sciences
Vice President of Academic Affairs

METHODS OF INSTRUCTION

Various methods of instruction will be utilized in all Radiologic Technology courses. These methods include lecture, Zoom lecture, class discussion, independent study, outside reading assignments, individual projects/case studies and oral presentations.

Additional instructional materials may be provided to supplement subject areas. Any reading assignment should be completed before class in order to be prepared for class discussion and quizzes. A personal laptop is required.

Testing in all classes will consist of exams over lecture, class discussion, lab and any other material presented or discussed in class. Testing and quiz format will include multiple choice, listing, short answer, true/false, matching, essay, diagrams, fill in the blank, and crossword puzzles. The student is responsible for all content of chapters covered based on syllabus. All testing is completed on computers. Any missed classroom or lab quiz will result in a grade of zero (0). No exceptions.

During RAD 1404 Radiographic Procedures I, RAD 1704 Radiographic Procedures II, RAD 1803 Radiographic Procedures III and RAD 2503 Advanced Radiographic Procedures simulated laboratory practicals will be held. During these practicals students will simulate examinations on fellow classmates. All practicals are videotaped for review and discussion by students and faculty. Students will be required to watch and critique their video prior to receiving a grade.

Exams will be given at the completion of each chapter/unit. Exams may be in a variety of formats including multiple choice, matching, short answer and essay. Missed exams must be completed prior to the next class and must be scheduled with instructor. Student must notify instructor that he/she will be absent from an exam. Failure to notify instructor will result in a grade of zero. Failure to complete exam prior to the next class will result in a grade of zero. A comprehensive final exam will be given in all courses. The final exams will constitute 25% of your overall course grade. Students must remain seated after testing until the entire group has completed testing. Do not leave the classroom after completion of your test.

GRADING SCALE

A minimum of 75% must be maintained in all courses in order to continue in the program. The grading scale is as follows:

100-92 = A
91-83 = B
82-75 = C
Below 75 = D

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Attendance is mandatory. If you are absent, you may miss a quiz or test and your grade will suffer accordingly. Each tardy will be treated as an unexcused absence. A tardy in the classroom or Zoom is defined as arriving past the scheduled starting time for class. The door will be closed and locked after the scheduled start time and the student will be considered absent. Students will not be able to enter the classroom once class has begun, as this is disruptive to everyone. The door will reopen when class is over and students are on break, you may enter at that point.

If attending class via Zoom, you must log in early to assure you have strong internet connection and are ready for class. You must be seated at a desk or table, sitting upright with your light on. You must have your audio/camera turned on during class time. Participation is mandatory.

DRESS CODE

Students are expected to dress professionally while in the classroom and Zoom setting. Please exhibit modest style of clothing. Modest dress is essential due to role play and bending and stooping in the laboratory. No short shorts, no low-cut shirts, or no half shirts are allowed in classroom. No profanity on clothing allowed. No pajamas or robes allowed during Zoom class. You are representing the health care profession and must be professional at all times. Your NPC student ID and dosimeter must be worn at all times.

CELL PHONE POLICY

Cell phones or smart watches will not be visible at any time during class. The devices will always remain on silent. Any disruption of class from a cell phone ringing or vibrating will result in a written warning. Cell phones/smart watches will all be placed in the wall rack during class time. Taking pictures of any tests is prohibited and students will be dismissed for academic cheating. Tests can only be viewed one time after testing while student is still in classroom. Computer will be shut down immediately after viewing the finished exam. No typing on any computer or use of a cell phone is allowed until the entire class has completed the exam.

CONCEAL/CARRY POLICY

Radiologic technology students will follow the National Park College policy on conceal/carry while on campus. Students must abide by the conceal/carry policies of each clinical site location.

ZOOM POLICY

Due to the guidelines for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom technology is being used in this course. Students should check the NPC Corona Virus Updates at www.np.edu for any official updates & announcements related to the pandemic. If classes cannot meet on campus, faculty will inform students of the plan for how coursework will continue.

LECTURE CLASS MEETINGS

All lecture/theory class meetings will take place in the assigned classroom to maintain social distancing. Students should bring their laptop device to class each day as faculty will use Zoom technology to teach to students in each classroom. Students in the “Zoom” room will connect via Zoom.

GUIDELINES FOR ZOOM ROOMS

Students must be logged into the Zoom classroom five minutes before class is scheduled to begin. At the end of class, faculty will take attendance again. If you are not present at the end of the class meeting, you will be considered absent. If you must leave the classroom early, you need to notify the course coordinator by course messages in D2L. Please do not ‘leave the meeting’ before class has ended.  Attendance will be taken at the beginning of class. You must log into the class using a webcam to be considered ‘present’. Faculty must see your face for attendance.

Classroom etiquette rules apply while in the “Zoom” classroom (on campus or remotely):

All students should have their audio muted during lecture to minimize background noise.
Cell phones should be on silent and no texting or web surfing during class.
Faculty will provide break times during class. You will not need to log off. You can step away from the computer but please be back and ready at the time given.

Connecting by Zoom remotely

If students and faculty must use Zoom to connect remotely, please note the following:

Please try to minimize background noise (ex: television, pets etc.). Your face should be visible in the screen and you should avoid activities that could be distracting to the instructor or other participants.
No smoking, vaping, or drinking alcohol while in the “Zoom” classroom.
Be mindful that when using the webcam, everyone can see everyone else. Proper attire will be expected.
Make every attempt to secure daycare or sitter arrangements for children, assure pets are fed/walked, and family knows that you are in class.

GRADUATION/PINNING REQUIREMENTS

In order to complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology, students must complete all coursework with a “C” or better.

To be eligible to take the ARRT Registry Exam (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists), all academic requirements for graduation and all clinical criteria must be successfully completed. No student will be recommended to test for the registry examination until these requirements are met.

All first-year students will serve at the graduating class pinning ceremony which is held in May.

Students completing the AAS degree in Radiologic Technology are required to attend both the graduation commencement ceremony and the Radiologic Technology program pinning practice and ceremony.

ENERGIZED LAB SAFETY AND USE POLICY

The energized lab provides the Radiologic Technology student with the opportunity to develop skill in imaging anatomical structures and to perform exposure experiments to assess equipment operation and radiographic techniques.

Students may operate the energized lab only with an instructor present or immediately available.
Students may not radiograph each other. Students may simulate an examination on another student as long as an exposure is not made. Phantoms and positioning devices are available for laboratory simulations when exposures are made.
Any individual simulation or project must be reviewed and authorized by a faculty member.
The students are required to wear a radiation monitoring device while in the energized lab and a NPC nametag.
The students are required to wear a mask and face shield/goggles during lab activities.
Any questionable practice must be reported to the program faculty immediately.
No children or family members are allowed in the laboratory at any time.
Before making a radiation exposure, be sure the door to the x-ray room is closed and the control panel is set correctly.
If you notice anything unusual in the operation of the unit or its appearance (i.e., loose wire), please report it to college faculty. The x-ray unit is calibrated to ensure the unit meets federal and state guidelines for ionizing radiation units.
Do not eat or drink in the laboratory or at the operating console. All food and drinks must be left on the table immediately upon entering the room.
Do not lose sight of the fact that you are working with heavy electrical equipment and injuries can occur (i.e., hitting head on tube stand). Therefore, good conduct is required when operating the unit. Should an injury occur, please report it to the college faculty at that time.

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