The curriculum for the Froedtert School of Radiologic Technology is developed and taught according to the course of study approved by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
A full evaluation of material taught in each course can be completed by reviewing the Curriculum Analysis Grid.
The following is the curriculum structure. Students can earn 67 credits upon successful completion of the professional curriculum.
Semester I
Introduction to Radiologic Science & Health Care
This is a two-credit course designed as an introduction to provide an overview of the foundations in radiography and the practitioner’s role in the health care delivery system. Principles, practices and policies of the health care organizations are examined and discussed in addition to professional responsibilities of the radiographer. Course content will include an introduction to basic concepts of body mechanics, vital signs, EKG, infection control, and medical emergencies. CPR certification will be completed. Evaluation will be on the basis of completing critical thinking questions a patient care paper, unit tests and a final examination.
Radiation Protection
This is a two-credit course. Content is designed to present an overview of the principles of radiation protection including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel and the public. Radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations are incorporated. Course includes all aspects of radiation protection, dose limiting recommendations, detection duties and the cardinal principles of protection. Evaluation is on the basis of quizzes, unit tests and a final exam.
Principles of Imaging I
This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide an overview of basic mathematics, an introduction to x-ray production, exposure factors, the control panel, beam restriction, filters, computed radiography, grids and radiographic quality. Evaluation will be based on homework, unit exams and a final exam.
Imaging Procedures I
This is a five-credit course utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Items to be covered include radiographic anatomy and procedures of the upper and lower extremities, chest, abdomen and trauma. Pediatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. The intern will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation will be based on unit tests and a final exam.
Semester II
Principles of Imaging II
This is a three-credit course; content is design to provide a knowledge of radiographic film, screens and film processing, radiographic quality, special imaging equipment. Evaluation will be based on homework, unit exams and a final exam.
Imaging Procedures II
This is a five-credit course, utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Radiographic anatomy and procedures for the bony thorax, vertebral column, trauma, barium and iodinated studies as well as fluoroscopic equipment will be covered. Pediatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. The intern will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation will be based on unit tests and a final exam.
Seminar in Radiography I
This is a three-credit course; content is designed to provide the basic concepts of patient care, including consideration for the diversity, physical and psychological needs of the patient and family. In addition the course will provide the student with advanced knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques, venipuncture, pharmacology and medical ethics and law. Evaluation will be on the basis of completion of assignments, unit tests, and a final exam.
Semester III
Imaging Procedures III
This is a three-credit course, utilizing lectures, demonstrations and laboratory practice. Radiographic anatomy and procedures for the cranium, facial bones and trauma will be discussed. Pediatric imaging for each procedure will be discussed. The students will identify radiographic anatomy, assess radiographic images for accurateness and identify evaluation criteria for a variety of procedures. Historical exams and special fluoroscopic imaging will also be presented. This course integrates knowledge and skills from several didactic units. Evaluation will be based on unit tests and a final exam.
Semester IV
Imaging Procedures IV
This is a two-credit course. Topics to be covered include Special Orthopedic positioning, special gastrointestinal positioning, interventional procedures, basic principles of CT and MRI imaging. Evaluation will be on the basis of quizzes, tests and a final exam.
Cross Sectional Anatomy
This is a three-credit course designed to give the student basic knowledge of cross-sectional anatomy. Cross sectional anatomy of the head and neck, thorax and abdomen, pelvis and extremities will be covered. Evaluation will be on the basis of quizzes, unit tests and a final exam. Instruction incorporates CT and MR images.
Radiographic Physics I
This is a two-credit course. Course content is designed to establish basic knowledge of atomic structure and terminology. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Introduction will include magnetism, electricity, and electromagnetism. Evaluation will be on the basis of unit tests and a final exam.
Digital Imaging
This is a three-credit course; content is designed to impart an understanding of the components, principles and operation of digital imaging systems found in diagnostic radiology. Factors that impact image acquisition display, archiving and retrieval are discussed. Guidelines for selection of exposure factors and evaluating images within a digital system assist students to bridge between film-based and digital imaging systems. Evaluation will be on the basis of quizzes, unit tests, and a final examination.
Semester V
Radiation Biology
This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide an overview of the principles of the interaction of radiation with living systems. Radiation effects on molecules, cells, tissues and the body as a whole are presented.
Factors affecting biologic response are presented, including acute and chronic effects of radiation. Evaluation is on the basis of assignments, quizzes, unit tests and a final exam.
Imaging Equipment (Radiographic Physics II)
This is a two-credit course. Content is designed to establish knowledge in tube and generators, x-ray circuitry. Also presented are the nature and characteristics of radiation, x-ray production and the fundamentals of photon interactions with matter. Evaluation will be on the basis of quizzes, unit tests and a final exam.
Seminar in Radiography II
This is a two-credit course; content is designed to provide the student the ability to evaluate all aspects of the imaging system from processor to generator. The student will perform basic equipment tests, identify and trouble shoot equipment problems. Lecture on quality control and quality assurance procedures within a radiology department will be covered. Evaluation will be on the basis of the accuracy and timeliness of laboratory procedures, unit tests and a final exam.
Independent Study
This is a two-credit course. The student will be assigned a written research project that will include an oral presentation, video display, computer or a scientific exhibit. This project will be assigned two credits. This will enable the student to develop critical thinking, research and writing skills along with an appreciation for professional development. Evaluation will be on the basis of research organization, completeness and presentation. The student will select a topic of their choice. Successful completion of the independent study is requirement for attendance at the Annual Student Symposium and graduation.
Radiographic Pathology
This is a two credit course; content is designed to introduce concepts related to disease and etiological considerations with emphasis on radiographic appearance of disease and impact on exposure factor selection. Evaluation will be on the basis of case studies, unit test and a final exam.
Semester VI
Professional Development/Registry Review
This is a two-credit course that serves as an overview of the entire program. This course will prepare the student for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The course will also include tips on interviewing and resume preparation. Evaluation will be on the basis of mock registry examinations (St. Catherine’s test).
Radiography Clinical Education
The intern must be CPR certified to attend clinical education. CPR will be incorporated into the intern orientation during the first week of the program. This assures all interns will have CPR Certification achieved prior to starting clinical.
Interns will be scheduled for approximately 2000 hours of clinical education during the 22-month program. Each Clinical Education credit will represent 100 hours of scheduled time in the clinical setting. A cumulative total 20 credits for clinical education will be achieved throughout the entire program and a portion of the cumulative total will be awarded each semester.
Semester | # of Credits Awarded |
Semester 1 | 3 credits |
Semester 2 | 3 credits |
Semester 3 | 4 credits |
Semester 4 | 3 credits |
Semester 5 | 3 credits |
Semester 6 | 4 credits |
The clinical education also has competency requirements and requirements are divided into six semesters. The intern will receive a clinical rotational schedule and a list of competencies that must be fulfilled in order for the intern to graduate the program and earn his/her certificate. The intern must achieve the listed number of competencies per semester and successfully complete all 66 competencies by the end of the 6th semester. Evaluation of the intern’s positioning skills, equipment manipulation, use of radiation protection, patient care and knowledge of image production is conducted by the Clinical Instructors, Clinical Coordinator, Program Director and qualified staff technologists. The breakdown of clinical credit is as follows:
Semester | Credits | Competencies Per Semester |
Semester I | 3 credits | 2 competencies (16 weeks available) |
Semester II | 3 credits | 10 competencies (16 weeks available) |
Semester III | 4 credits | 15 competencies (14 weeks available) |
Semester IV | 3 credits | 15 competencies (16 weeks available) |
Semester V | 3 credits | 15 competencies (16 weeks available) |
Semester VI | 4 credits | 10 competencies (8 weeks available) |
Total | 20 credits | 68 competencies |