RTE2458C - Radiographic Quality Assurance

Academic Dean’s Contact Information

LAKELAND DEAN’S OFFICE: LLC 2255              PHONE: (863) 297-1024
WINTER HAVEN DEAN’S OFFICE: WSC 101      PHONE: (863) 297-1020

Polk State College Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality-driven institution serving Polk County and beyond, transforms students’ lives through the power of teaching and lifelong learning by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degree programs, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered through various modalities and innovative technologies by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State’s Associate in Science and baccalaureate degree programs develop competence in various career-related skills. This course focuses on the development of competencies related to the following program outcomes:

2. Communicate effectively.
3. Solve problems effectively.
4. Solve basic computation problems.
 
Course Objectives:
1. The student will apply learned knowledge to demonstrate how primary and secondary exposure factors affect the finished radiograph as measured by his/her ability to:
• Perform experiments demonstrating how primary exposure variables, KVP, MA, Time, and SID affects image quality.
2. Perform experiments demonstrating how the following affect image quality:
• Grids
• Filters
• Screens
• Collimation
• Radiographic tubes
• Tomography
• Phototiming
3. Perform tests to monitor equipment performance.
4. The student will apply principles in the operation of radiographic equipment as measured by his/her ability to:
• Report all processors and equipment malfunctions promptly
• Observe all safety rules for the radiographic equipment
• Wear a film monitoring device when performing experiments
• Observe all radiation safety rules
• Process all radiographs without exposing the film storage bin and without causing processor jams
• Replenish chemistry tanks, as necessary
5. The student will prepare laboratory reports using appropriate grammar and scientific format as measured by his/her ability to:
• Answer questions neatly using appropriate vocabulary and terminology on the laboratory assignment sheets.
• Turn in all lab assignments by the due date.
6. The student will apply learned knowledge to construct, execute, and analyze laboratory experiments in radiographic science as measured by his/her ability to:
• Design experiments to prove or disprove a given objective.
• Gather and analyze scientific data.
• Draw conclusions based on scientific data.
7. The student will understand radiographic film and film processing by:
• Selecting the proper cassettes and film for each experiment.
• Processing all radiographs without exposing the film storage bin and without causing processor jams.
8. The student will demonstrate understanding of factors affecting density, contrast, definition and distortion on the radiographic image as measured by his/her ability to perform selected experiments that demonstrate how primary exposure variables, film and accessory equipment affect the following:
• Density
• Contrast
• Image sharpness and distortion
9. The student will demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement as it pertains to radiography as measured by his/her ability to:
• Explain how quality assurance involves image interpretation.
• Identify equipment used to perform quality control tests.
• Test equipment used in quality control testing for acceptable limits.
• Explain how quality improvement is affected by reject analysis.

Course Content:
• Sensitometry
• Repeat/Reject Analysis
• mA Linearity/Reproducibility Reciprocity
• Timer and Collimator Accuracy
• FSS/Resolution
• Grids
• Screens
 

Textbook and Other Requirements

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus, at the campus bookstore, on the campus bookstore website (www.polk.bncollege.com), or via the “Shop Textbooks” button on the PASSPORT schedule of classes.

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours, and the student is encouraged to seek assistance whenever it is needed. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JD Alexander (JDA) Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College’s website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop Period, a student may officially withdraw from any course without receiving a grade, provided this is done before the published withdrawal deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited-admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in each specific program’s handbook.

If a student stops attending class, the grade earned (usually an F) is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, course withdrawal may have on his or her financial-aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who is engaged in processes related to academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college-credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the third attempt. Limited-admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course repeats that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in each specific program’s handbook. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State College Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course may have on his or her financial-aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

The student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and abides by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating or plagiarism, the situation is dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. More specific information regarding academic dishonesty can be found in the instructor’s Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (including, but not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: vbaker@polk.edu

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Coordinator or Director of Disability Services.

Note: Limited-admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

Grading policies are clearly stated in course syllabi, which are given to the student in the first week of class. The student must achieve at least a C grade in every radiography class and maintain a 2.00 college-wide GPA in order to remain in the Radiography Program.

The course grade will be determined by the following scale:

                92-100          = A

                84 - 91         = B

                75 - 83         = C

                70 - 74         =D

                Below 70       = F

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