B.S. in Medical Imaging (Radiologic Technology)

Application & Prerequisites

The first step is to apply to LIU Post either online, or with a downloadable paper application. You can find both at https://apply.liu.edu/quickapp/

Once you have applied to the university, send in any/all official transcripts from previously attended schools to the university. Visit http://www.liu.edu/post/transferFAQ for more information.

There are a few things that are important to know:

• Entry term for this program is fall only. 
• Applications are reviewed for general admission to the university and satisfaction of Medical Imaging Program prerequisites. There is a secondary departmental application needed for acceptance into the major.
• Upon admission to the university and satisfaction of prerequisites, you may request the secondary application by calling the Medical Imaging Program at 516-299-2743.
• The secondary application asks for: letters of recommendation from current/ former science professors and current/former employers; personal statement; Health Occupations Aptitude Exam; six hours of observation at any radiologic technology facility with supporting documentation on letterhead signed by supervisor confirming hours completed.
• Admissions decisions are made beginning the January prior to the start of the fall semester.
• Prerequisites for the Medical Imaging program are as follows:

• At least 56 credits should be completed prior to application in order to complete the degree in the prescribed two-year period. Of these credits, 32-33 must satisfy the core requirement of the university. The remainder of credits must be liberal arts designated courses. 
• It is recommended that students meet with an academic advisor to ensure they have the appropriate courses as indicated above.

Course Description

Course Descriptions

RDT 103        Methods of Patient Care                                    3 cr.                 Fall I

RDT 103L     Venipuncture/Patient Care Lab                        0 cr.  (P/F)

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.  Educate student in obtaining vital signs and contrast media injection.  Identifies the importance of patient education.  Includes medical ethics, law and cultural differences.

RDT 105        Principles of Radiation Protection                  3 cr.                 Fall I

Provides knowledge of radiation protection and radiation biology as related to the legal and ethical responsibilities of the radiographer.  Reviews Regulatory Agencies and their requirements.  Identifies biological effect and response to radiation on patients, personnel, and the public.

RDT 107        Medical Ethics & Law in Imaging Sciences    2 cr.               Spring I

This course provides a foundation in ethics and law related to the practice of medical imaging. An introduction to terminology, concepts and principles will be presented. Students will examine a variety of ethical and legal issues found in clinical practice. Special attention will be given to the Code of Ethics set forth by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

RDT 116        Radiographic Pathology                                     3 cr.               Spring I

An overview of acute, chronic and congenital pathology. Discussion on how pathology and disease relate to medical imaging procedures. Includes systemic classification, diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

RDT 118        Breast Imaging                                                      1 cr.                Spring I

Provides the knowledge and cognitive skills required to perform in the specialized area of mammography/breast imaging. Discussion includes positioning, special techniques, anatomy, physiology and pathology of the breast.

RDT 120        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 121        Quality Assurance & Quality Control             1 cr.                Fall II

Concepts and benefits of quality assurance and control programs. Introduction to the evaluation of radiographic systems to assure consistency in the production of quality images. Identifies components, tests, procedures and the agencies involved in regulating, inspecting and enforcing guidelines. Prerequisite RDT 147

RDT 123        Pharmacology                                                      1 cr.              Spring II

An introduction to basic pharmacology. Common drug nomenclature and basic concepts of pharmacology will be presented. Biological factors affecting actions of drugs will be discussed. Contrast media characteristics, allergic reactions and side-effects will be covered.  Prerequisite RDT 103

RDT 125        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, fluoroscopy, 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 105

RDT 144        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: BIO 9

RDT 145        Magnetic Resonance Imaging                          3 cr.             Spring II

Presentation of the physical principles utilized in Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Discussion of the technical and economic factors of this advanced imaging procedure.  Patient protocol will also be incorporated into the course format.

Co-requisite:  BIO 10

RDT 147        Principles of Medical Imaging I                        4 cr.                 Fall I

RDT 147L      Calculation Recitation Lab                              0 cr.  (P/F)     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, film holders, screens and technique formation.

Article 35 of the New York State Public Health Law relating to medical imaging will also be covered. Laboratory materials provide the student with the knowledge of fundamental principles of mathematics essential for mastering radiographic calculations.

RDT 155        Medical Imaging Procedures I                          4 cr.                 Fall I

RDT 155L     Medical Imaging Procedures I Lab                 0 cr. (P/F)       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.

Prerequisites: BIO 7, BIO 8                    

RDT 156        Medical Imaging Procedures II                         4 cr.                 Spring I

RDT 156L      Medical Imaging Procedures II Lab               0 cr. (P/F)      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.  Prerequisite: RDT 155    

RDT 157        Medical Imaging Procedures III                         4 cr.                Fall II

This course serves to focus on the more advanced positions utilized in the practice of medical imaging.  The student is introduced to medical imaging procedures of the skull.  Practical laboratory experience will compliment the information presented in the didactic portion of the course, allowing the student to demonstrate their ability using the phantom patient. Formal image critique and evaluation sessions compliment lectures.  Prerequisite: RDT 156, Co-requisite: BIO 9

RDT 170        Medical Imaging Capstone Seminar (WAC)   3 cr.               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 125, RDT 121

RDT 180        Digital Medical Imaging                                       3 cr.                Spring 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 147

RDT 200        Introduction to Clinical Practice                      1 cr. (P/F)      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 103, RDT 105

RDT 201        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 103, RDT 105, RDT 200

RDT 202        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 201, RDT 118

RDT 203        Medical Imaging Practicum III                         3 cr.                 Fall II

A continuation of the two previous practicums 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 202

RDT 204        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 203, RDT 144

Course Sequence

LIU Post School of Health Professions and Nursing

B.S. in Medical Imaging Schedule of Courses

TOTAL B.S. DEGREE REQUIREMENT 120 CREDITS

Please Note: All students must consult with the academic advisor to assure that the liberal arts component and writing requirement of the degree has been satisfied.  The student is responsible for the degree requirements in the semester he/she has matriculated.  Please refer to the Undergraduate Bulletin. All RDT 200-level clinical courses require that the student maintain continuous health insurance coverage and students may be subject to background/drug screening.

Administrative Stucture- Faculty and Staff

Dr.                                                                                                                       Denise Walsh

Dean, School of Health Professions & Nursing

Life Sciences Room 154

516-299-2485

denise.walsh@liu.edu

Dr. Carl Figliola

Chairperson, Department of Health & Human Services

Hoxie Hall Room 104

516-299-4184

carl.figliola@liu.edu

Suzanne Thomas

Program Director, Associate Professor

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Room 155

516-299-2022

suzanne.thomas@lu.edu

Nicole Moore

Clinical Coordinator

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Room 155

516-299-3076

Nicole.moore@liu.edu

Melissa Labos

Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Room 155

516-299-3251

melissa.labos@liu.edu

Edward Raven

Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor

Medical Imaging Program

Life Science Room 155

516-299-3075

edward.raven@liu.edu