Radiologic Science Degree Completion Program
Program Purpose
The purpose of the Radiologic Science Degree Completion Program is to provide ARRT registered Radiologic Technologists a Bachelor of Science degree from a distance education program that furthers the student's knowledge, clinical practice, and performance of examinations while practicing competent patient care and safety in the advanced modalities of Radiologic Technology.
Educational Objectives
The objectives of the Radiologic Science Degree Completion Program are to:
Maintain a degree completion curriculum with emphasis on math, science, and communications.
Provide a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Science with a core of courses directly applicable to the technologist-student seeking advancement or a leadership role in the profession.
Evaluate the distance education student's practice of providing compassionate healthcare in the clinical setting.
Prepare graduates to obtain positions in the advanced modalities, management, sales, applications, education, and other career options available to Bachelor of Science degree graduates.
Place students in the clinical setting of various modalities, enabling them to gain hands-on experience and form new networks.
Provide a quality degree program that serves a remote population of students efficiently, and recognizes the achievement of passing the national registry.
Address quality of healthcare issues through the continued learning of working professionals.
Provide a meaningful capstone experience in a single advanced imaging subject.
Expected Student Learning Outcomes
Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts and principles behind the operation of special modality imaging machines and associated equipment.
Demonstrated professional judgment and appropriate interpersonal communication with colleagues and superiors.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Demonstrated proficiency in patient care.
Demonstrated utilization of effective written and oral communication.
Demonstrated ability to critique advanced modality images for technical quality and diagnostic value.
Demonstrated ability to observe magnetic field precautions and radiation safety for self, staff, and patients as set forth by the ALARA standards.
Demonstrated ability to perform examinations of Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance, Arteriography, and Mammography or Quality Assurance.
Demonstrated ability to perform intensive clinical practice in a special modality, or demonstrate the ability to complete a project in a clinical or educational setting.
Curriculum Map
The curriculum map for the Radiologic Science Degree Completion program can be found on the Distance Ed web site.
Summary of Student Learning Outcomes
During the 2007-08 academic year, the program faculty formally assessed the student learning outcomes summarized below. Additional details can be found in the attached assessment report and in department assessment records.
SLO #1. Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts and principles behind the operation of special modality imaging machines and associated equipment.
Strengths: Although there was a small sample size, students demonstrated proficiency in knowledge of T1 group; spin echo pulse sequence group; TR, TE, and TI; and coils.
Areas needing improvement: Students did not demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency on pulse sequences group and T2 relaxation times.
Action plan: During the fall 2008, additional questions in these categories will be added to the exam in the RDSC 356 Magnetic Resonance course and re-assessed.
SLO #3. Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills
Strengths: Entry-level students demonstrated acceptable entry-level proficiency with identifying the problem or issue, recognizing stakeholders and contexts, recognizing perspectives, evaluating evidence, and evaluating implications.
Areas needing improvement: Students need to develop greater proficiency with identifying and evaluating assumptions.
Plans for improvement: None at this time. This assessment, completed as an institutional assessment, was administered in an entry-level course, but is not a regular component of the course.
SLO #4. Demonstrated proficiency in patient care
Strengths: Students demonstrated proficiency in knowledge of pharmaceuticals and drug administration.
Areas needing improvement: Students did not demonstrate acceptable proficiency in knowledge of specialized patient care procedures.
Plans for improvement: During spring 2009, when RDSC 326 Cardiovascular Interventional Technology is taught again, the instructor will review course materials, investigate the deficiency, and develop new approaches to improve the learning in this area.