The purpose of the Radiologic Science Bachelor's Degree Program at Oregon Institute of Technology is to provide graduates with the knowledge, clinical skills, and compassion that will allow them to become exemplary medical imaging technologists and future leaders in radiology and advanced imaging professions.

The Radiologic Science program prepares graduates to:

• be advanced leaders in the profession.
• be compassionate, caring healthcare professionals.
• be eligible, well-prepared, and able to sit for and pass the ARRT credentialing examination.
• have immediate job placement within six months of graduation.
• address the healthcare shortage of Oregon and bordering states.
• work in advanced imaging fields and sit for advanced imaging registries.

The Radiologic Science student will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of x-ray physics and related math.
2. Demonstrate professional conduct and ideals essential to the profession including teamwork and ethics.
3. Demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. Demonstrate effective patient care skills.
5. Utilize both written and oral communication effectively.
6. Recognize quality diagnostic images for both technical and anatomical criteria and have the technical ability to correctly repeat images when the quality is not adequate for diagnostics.
7. Demonstrate radiation safety for self, staff, and patients as set forth by the ALARA standards.
8. Perform imaging procedures using departmental protocol complying with ARRT curriculum standards.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced multiple ARRT imaging modalities and the need for lifelong learning.

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.

Student learning outcome #4: Demonstrate effective patient care skills

Strengths: Junior student demonstrated proficiency in taking a patient history prior to an exam, preparing a patient for an x-ray exam, communicating effectively to the patient prior to and during the exam, and selecting the proper technical factors for each radiographic exam.

Areas needing improvement: Senior extern students, however, indicated that they were not well prepared in transporting patients who are attached to medical equipment. They are also weak in moving a patient from one transporting device to another.

Action plans: The program has already obtained additional medical equipment and space at Sky Lakes Medical Center to provide additional practice in patient transport skills. During winter term 2009, sophomore students in RDSC 205 Patient Care will receive additional instruction and hands-on practice in these skills. This deficiency will be reassessed winter term 2009.

Student learning outcome # 7: Demonstrate safety for self, staff, and patients as set forth by the ALARA standard

Strengths: Upper division students demonstrated proficiency in providing radiation shielding for the patient, providing adequate patient safety and care when choosing the technical factors, knowledge of biological effects of radiation exposure, knowledge of radiation protection, and overall knowledge of radiation protection for the general public and self.

Areas needing improvement: none at this time.