Program Requirements

Course Description

RDT 210 Introduction to Medical Imaging 2 cr. Summer I
An introduction to the field of radiologic technology explains the guidelines of the program, history of the field, and an overview of current technology. This course also includes basic radiation protection, medical terminology, the value of patient rights and the role of the radiographer. Introductory law and the radiographer’s responsibility to deliver healthcare that is free from bias will also be discussed. Students will be oriented to the radiography lab where they will be introduced to basic radiographic principles.
Accreditation and professional societies will be covered.

RDT 213 Methods of Patient Care 3 cr. Fall I
Designed to provide the basic concepts of the physical and emotional needs of the patient. Describes routine and emergency procedures, insertion and maintenance of an intravenous line, as well as infection control utilizing universal precautions and recognition and treatment of reactions to contrast media. The course educates students in obtaining vital signs and contrast media injection; identifies the importance of patient education; and includes medical ethics, law and cultural differences.

RDT 213L Venipuncture/Patient Care Lab 0 cr. Pass/Fail
This lab is designed to educate the medical imaging student on how to obtain an accurate assessment of the patient including proper patient identification. The students will be educated in obtaining patient vital signs including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, pulse oximetry, and respirations. The students will also learn the proper methods for transferring a patient and taught the basics of venipuncture in order to perform contrast injections. The students will learn how to properly don (put on) and doff (take off) personal protective equipment (PPE). The student will also learn both sterile and medical aseptic technique and will be fit tested for a respirator n95 mask.

RDT 215 Principles of Radiation Protection 3 cr. Fall I
This course provides knowledge of radiation protection and radiation biology as related to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the radiographer. Review of Regulatory Agencies and their requirements. Cell radiosensitivity will be explored in great detail. Biological effects and response to radiation at the patient, personnel, and the public levels will be discussed.

RDT 226 Radiographic Pathology 3 cr. Spring II
During this course, the student will be introduced to various pathological conditions occurring in the human body along with the radiographic findings associated with each condition. Each system of the human body will be examined, and topics will also include hereditary diseases, immune reactions, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

RDT 228 Breast Imaging 1 cr. Spring I
This class is designed to provide the medical imaging student with an introduction to the field of Mammography. The class will be presented in a series of lectures. Breast cancer statistics, anatomy and physiology of the breast, mammographic positioning, interventional procedures, advanced technology and quality control of equipment will all be discussed.

RDT 230 Medical Language 3 cr. Spring I
An introduction to the origins of medical terminology, including word building, abbreviations and symbols. Orientation to the understanding of medical orders and interpretation of diagnostic reports related to the respiratory, digestive and musculoskeletal systems. Cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, sensory, nervous and endocrine systems.

RDT 231 Quality Assurance & Quality Control 2 cr. Spring II
This course is designed to provide the student with an introduction to the evaluation of radiographic systems to assure quality and consistency in the delivery of all aspects of radiological services, quality control of equipment, and image quality. State, federal, and professional impacts are discussed as well as identify agencies involved in in regulating, inspecting, and enforcing guidelines.
Prerequisite RDT 280

RDT 235 Radiation Physics (WAC) 3 cr. Spring I
An in-depth view of the characteristics and physical laws that apply to the production and use of radiation. This course provides the student with knowledge of fundamental principles of radiographic physics, basic physics, mechanics, structure of matter, basic electricity, magnetism, electromagnetism, electrical physics, radiation physics, and basic x-ray circuitry. Radiographic equipment including the x-ray tube, and the imaging system as a whole will be discussed. Fundamentals of the circuitry which comprise medical imaging units will also be presented.
Prerequisite RDT 215, 247

RDT 228 Radiographic Cross Sectional Anatomy 3 cr. Fall II
This course introduces students to cross sectional anatomy using a state of the art Anatomage 3D anatomy visualization table. Students will study transaxial, sagittal and coronal images of the head, neck, extremities, thorax, abdomen, pelvis and spine. Both normal and cross sectional images with pathologies will be explored to give first hand insight into what to look for on these images in the clinical setting.
Co-requisite: RDT 239

RDT 239 Computed Tomography 3 cr. Fall II
An in-depth study of the physical principles and practical application of Computerized Axial Tomography. A presentation of protocol, positioning and the elements of room design and construction.
Co-requisite: RDT 238

RDT 245 Magnetic Resonance Imaging 3 cr. Spring II
The purpose of this class is to provide you with the knowledge to become an MRI specialist. The basic principles of MRI physics, scanning techniques, safety, and anatomy will give the tools to become an integral part of the MRI department. This class also gives students the concepts to pass the MRI registry. Each class will cover MRI safety, MRI physics, reviewing MRI scans with pertinent anatomy, and scanning techniques.
Prerequisite: RDT 238

RDT 247 Principles of Medical Imaging I 4 cr. Fall I
Provides an introduction to the factors that govern and influence the production of a medical image. The principles of medical imaging to be discussed include: latent image, factors governing image quality, beam limiting devices, beam filtration, and technique formation. An in-depth study of medical imaging exposure factors will be covered. Laboratory materials will be utilized to demonstrate the clinical applications of the theoretical principles and concepts. Special emphasis will be placed on radiation protection, equipment, and accessories. Article 35 of the New York State Public Health Law relating to medical imaging will also be covered.

RDT 247L Calculation Recitation Lab 0 cr. (Pass/Fail) Fall I
The intent of this course is to review basic math skills including fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents, etc. these skills will be applied to various radiographic calculations. By the end of this course the student will be able to perform the following as applied to the Inverse Square Law, Grid Ratios, mAs conversions, Ohm,s & Transformer Laws, Power Rule.

RDT 255 Medical Imaging Procedures I 4 cr. Fall I.
Designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform standard medical imaging procedures of the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities. The production of images of optimal diagnostic quality will be stressed. Laboratory experience utilizing a phantom patient will be used to complement the classroom portion of the course. The student will produce a portfolio of medical images.

RDT 255L Medical Imaging Procedures I Lab 0 cr. (Pass/Fail) Fall I
Students will simulate radiographic procedures and produce radiographic images using anatomically correct radiographic phantoms. Using state of the art digital equipment, information presented in RDT- 255, Radiographic Procedures I, will be demonstrated in the laboratory setting.
Prerequisites: BIO 107, BIO 108

RDT 256 Medical Imaging Procedures II 4 cr. Spring I
A continuation of Medical Imaging Procedures I with an emphasis on standard imaging of the vertebral column, bony thorax and the digestive system. The student will also be introduced to more advanced studies which involve the use of contrast material. Laboratory experience using a phantom patient will allow the student to apply the concepts acquired in the classroom environment.
Prerequisites: RDT 255

RDT 256L Medical Imaging Procedures II Lab 0 cr. (Pass/Fail) Spring I
Laboratory experience utilizing an anatomically correct radiographic phantom patient used to complement the classroom portion of the course A portfolio of medical images will be produced and evaluated for diagnostic value. This laboratory course is taken in conjunction with lecture course 256.
Prerequisite: RDT 255

RDT 257 Medical Imaging Procedures III 4 cr. Fall II
A continuation of Medical Imaging Procedures II. Contrast studies of the Gastrointestinal, urinary, and biliary tracts will be covered. The skull will be presented in great detail to include facial, nasal, optic structures. Laboratory practice will be given to practice exams that are not frequently performed in the clinical setting.
Prerequisite: RDT 256

RDT 270 Medical Imaging Capstone Seminar 3 cr. (WAC) Spring II
This seminar provides the student with an opportunity to review the fundamental and advanced principles of medical imaging. The application of clinical imaging theory will be reinforced.
Prerequisites: RDT 213, 215, 235, 247, 280, 255, 256, 257 (WAC Course)

RDT 280 Digital Medical Imaging 3 cr. Fall II
During this course, the student will be introduced to the components, principles and operation of the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS), Digital Imaging including; Digital Radiography (DR), Computed Radiography (CR), Hospital Information Systems (HIS) and Radiology Information Systems (RIS).
Prerequisite: RDT 247

RDT 290 Introduction to Clinical Practice 1 cr. (Pass/Fail) Fall I
During this practicum, the student begins to increase proficiency and skills through demonstration of core competencies. The student will become familiarized with the clinical setting. The student has the opportunity to apply theories and knowledge
acquired in the classroom and laboratory in a clinical setting. The student also assumes a more active role in performing procedures.
Co-requisites: RDT 213, RDT 215

RDT 291 Medical Imaging Practicum I 1 cr. Spring I
An introduction to the clinical environment at an affiliated hospital. Students will be assigned to various work areas in the Department of Radiology to observe operations of the entire department. Students will assist in routine imaging and under close supervision of a registered licensed technologist, begin to acquire medical imaging skills with the emphasis on chest, abdomen, and extremities.
Prerequisites: RDT 213, 215, 247, 290

RDT 292 Medical Imaging Practicum II 2 cr. Summer I
Students continue to improve their medical imaging skills in the areas of chest, abdomen, and extremities under the quality control of a registered licensed technologist. Students are introduced to principles of medical imaging of the vertebral column and procedures involving the use of contrast material.
(Ends Last Friday in July) Prerequisites: RDT 291, 256, 235

RDT 293 Medical Imaging Practicum III 3 cr. Fall II
A continuation of the two previous practica where students continue to improve skills in all routine and contrast medical imaging procedures under the supervision of a registered licensed technologist. The student will be introduced to more advanced projections as well as principles of skull imaging.
Prerequisite: RDT 292

RDT 294 Medical Imaging Practicum IV 3 cr. Spring II
An opportunity for the student to improve skills in the areas of general, contrast, advanced and skull imaging at the assigned medical center under close supervision, An introduction to specialty areas such as Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Advanced Special and Angiographic Imaging
Prerequisites: RDT 293, 257, 280

Mission Statement

In congruence with the stated mission of LIU Post Campus, the Medical Imaging Program is dedicated to providing a strong educational base of science and the liberal arts in combination with radiologic technology coursework. Students receive the core knowledge for entry into professional practice as well as tools for lifelong learning. Through the synthesis of clinical and didactic experiences, students develop clinical competence, conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills for effective problem solving.

We seek to prepare graduates who will have essential literacy including written and oral communication skills and be clinically competent professionals able to provide quality care to the community and other groups of interest.

Faculty & Staff

Carl Figliola
Chairperson, Diagnostic Health Professions
Humanities Hall, Room 103
516-299-2691
carl.figliola@liu.edu

Melissa Labos 
Program Director 
Faculty, Assistant Professor
Medical Imaging Program
Life Science Building, Room 154-A
516-299-3251
melissa.labos@liu.edu

Suzanne Thomas
Faculty, Associate Professor
Medical Imaging Program
Life Science Building, Room 154-E
516-299-2022
suzanne.thomas@liu.edu

Joy Richford
Faculty, Assistant Professor
Medical Imaging Program
Life Science Building, Room 154-C
516-299-3075
joy.richford@liu.edu

Kaitlin Kurklen
Clinical Coordinator
Life Science Building, Room 154-B
516 299-3076
kaitlin.kurklen@liu.edu