The School of Radiologic Technology offers a 2-year program. Students are automatically registered for classes at Regional West. Students who are co-registered with University of Nebraska-Kearney, or Chadron State College are responsible for registering for classes through these institutions.

First Year Courses

Fall Term
200 Intro to Rad Tech 2 hours
210 Medical Ethics 1 hour
220 Principles of Patient Care 2 hours
230 Radiographic Procedures 3 hours
240 Radiation Physics I 1 hour
260 Health Physics I 1 hour
285-a Radiographic Positioning Lab and Evaluation of Radiographs 0.5 hours
290 Clinical Education I-A 8 hours
Total: 18.5 hours

Spring Term
235 Radiologic Procedures II 3 hours
270 Radiographic Exposure I1 hour
320 Advanced Patient Care 1 hour
370 Digital Imaging 3 hours
285-b Radiographic Positioning Lab and Evaluation of Radiographs 0.5 hours
295 Clinical Education II-A 8.5 hours
Total: 17 hours

Second Year Courses

Fall Term
365 Pathophysiology 3 hours
375 Radiographic Exposure II 2 hours
380 Advanced Imaging Procedures 3 hours
390 Clinical Education II-A 13 hours
Total: 21 hours

Spring Term
340 Radiation Physics II 2 hours
350 Imaging Equipment 2 hours
360 Health Physics II 2 hours
369 Radiobiology 2 hours
395 Clinical Education II-B 12 hours
399 Review and Presentation 1.5 hours
Total: 21.5 hours
Total Program Hours: 78 hours

Course Descriptions

200 Introduction to Radiologic Technology: This course introduces the student to the goals of the program, the obligations of the student in the program, an introduction to safety associated with radiation, the hospital philosophy and organizational structure of the hospital, the radiology department and its goals and an overview of the field of radiologic technology. The student is also introduced to the RIS computer systems used within the department.

210 Medical Ethics: This course discusses the concepts of professional ethics, ethical behavior, HIPPA, the repercussions of inadequate or negligent care and methods used to reduce liability. The effective methods of communication and interaction with patients and other health care team members are also discussed. It will include a discussion of the radiographer’s major areas of responsibility in the delivery of health care.

220 Principles of Patient Care: This course introduces the basic concepts of patient care, including body mechanics, patient observation, physical examination, vital signs determination, emergencies and their management, medical-surgical asepsis, management of oxygen systems, intravenous and nasogastric therapy, urinary drainage systems, standard precautions and medications encountered in the radiology department.

230 Radiographic Procedures I: This course presents an overview of the human appendicular skeleton, thoracic and abdominal structures identified radiographically. The course involves the development of positioning skills for these structures for radiographic examinations.

235 Radiographic Procedures II: A continuation of course 230, Radiographic Procedures presents an overview of axial skeleton and internal structures identified radiographically. This course involves the development of positioning skills for these structures for radiographic examinations.

240 Radiation Physics I: This introductory course covers matter, energy, the atom, x-ray production, interaction with matter and properties of radiation.

260 Health Physics I: This course introduces the student to the concepts of radiation, effects of radiation on the human body and the need for protective measures from radiation.

270 Radiographic Exposures I: This course provides a thorough understanding of the theory of x-ray techniques. This knowledge is correlated with practical application of technique selection based on sound principles and practices. This course discusses technique selection and digital radiography principles.

285-A Radiographic Positioning Lab and Evaluation of Radiographs: This laboratory course is taken in conjunction with Radiographic Procedures I. The course evaluates radiographs for proper radiographic technique, positioning, anatomical visualization, projection identification and proper film size selection. Pathologic considerations of selected radiographs are discussed. 

285-B Radiographic Positioning Lab and Evaluation of Radiographs: This laboratory course is taken in conjunction with Radiographic Procedures II. The course evaluates radiographs for proper radiographic technique, positioning, anatomical visualization, projection identification and proper film size selection. Pathologic considerations of selected radiographs are discussed.

290 Clinical Education I-A: This course provides clinical application of radiographic positioning taught in Radiographic Procedures I. Students schedule themselves for daytime and weekend shifts.

295 Clinical Education I-B: This course provides clinical application of radiographic positioning taught in Radiographic Procedures I and II.  Students schedule themselves for daytime and weekend shifts.

320 Advanced Patient Care: Students learn the theory and practice of the basic techniques of venipuncture, phlebotomy, ECGs and pharmacology associated with the administration of contrast media and/or intravenous medication. The course also covers human diversity.

340 Radiation Physics II: This course presents various aspects of physics, especially electromagnetic and particulate radiation as it pertains to radiology.

350 Imaging Equipment: This course discusses the operation and physics associated with different types of equipment used in diagnostic radiology. This course also discusses the importance of a quality assurance program in the operation of a more efficient Radiology Department. Instruction in basic radiologic assurance testing for radiographic, fluoroscopic, and tomographic units is also included

360 Health Physics II: Instruction in this course includes the proper methods of monitoring radiation levels and ways to protect against unnecessary radiation. Students learn the federal and state regulations limiting the amount of radiation to the patient, technologist and general public.

365 Pathophysiology: The course will reviews human physiology, pathologies and congenital abnormalities of all systems, advanced discussion of film evaluation and application of critical thinking to viewing radiographic images.

369 Radiobiology: This course defines the effects of radiation on the human body from the cellular level to the effects on the entire body.  Students learn short term and long term responses of the body to radiation from the developing embryo into adulthood.

370 Digital Imaging: This course provides basic information about computer components, language and application of computers in a radiology department. The course provides information in producing images with filmless radiography systems.

375 Radiographic Exposures II: This course provides students with knowledge of the factors that govern and influence the production of radiographic images in film and filmless departments enabling the student to apply this information to clinical situations.

380 Advanced Imaging Procedures: This course covers special diagnostic procedures that are accomplished in radiology, mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, computed tomography, interventional radiography, cardioangiography, magnetic resonance and bone densitometry. This course will cover sectional anatomy of the body.

390 Clinical Education II-A: A continuation of Courses 290 and 295 Clinical Education I, students, with indirect supervision, are allowed more independence to reinforce skills previously used. Students schedule themselves for radiography clinical areas and other modalities in the department.

395 Clinical Education II-B: A continuation of Courses 390 Clinical Education I-A, Students, with indirect supervision, is allowed more independence to reinforce skills previously used. Students schedule themselves for radiography clinical areas and other modalities in the department.

399 Review and Presentation: This course provides students with independent investigation into the various aspects of radiology and the opportunity to present information by posters, case studies, and papers. The course also provides students with the opportunity to prepare for the national certification examination.