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CCOG for RAD 103 Spring 2024

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Course Number:
RAD 103
Course Title:
Radiographic Positioning III
Credit Hours:
3.5
Lecture Hours:
20
Lecture/Lab Hours:
0
Lab Hours:
45

Course Description

Covers basic positioning techniques used in radiography of the bony thorax, skull, paranasal sinuses, facial bones, temporal bone, mastoids and mandible. Includes a lab experience with peer positioning, image critique, anatomical identification, pathologies, and an energized section using phantoms. Prerequisites: RAD 102.

Addendum to Course Description

This course is the third in a series of four courses on radiographic positioning. Radiographic Positioning III is required as part of the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology and is a prerequisite for examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology for certification in Radiography. Transferability of credit depends entirely upon the institution to which the student elects to transfer. The laboratory portion that accompanies this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in image critique, anatomical identification, pathological discussion, use of ionization radiation, and processing techniques.

Intended Outcomes for the course

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

  • Apply basic radiographic positioning techniques to capture images of the bony thorax, skull, paranasal sinuses, facial bones, and mandible.
  • Evaluate radiographic images of the bony thorax, skull, paranasal sinuses, facial bones, and mandible for diagnostic quality.

Course Activities and Design

  • This course will cover anatomy, osteology, pathology, and anomalies pertinent to radiography of the areas being studied.
  • Lecture, discussion, and/or demonstration are the means by which the material for this course is presented. Small group work and student presentation may be required.
  • The laboratory portion that accompanies this course requires the student to image phantoms, utilize peer positioning, participate in image critique, anatomical identification, and pathological discussion.
  • Class attendance is required to receive a grade in this course.
  • Various media are used in presenting the course content. Diagrams, schematics, slides, videos, and other visual aids are used in the lecture/ discussion sessions. These sessions are designed to be relevant to the skills and knowledge the student will need in the application of radiological imaging. There will be reading assignments from required textbooks, outside reading assignments, image critique, anatomical identification, and class projects.
  • Safety is extremely important and is taught throughout this course. Pertinent safety points are noted in this course.


Please contact the department director or the Office of Students with Disabilities, Sylvania ST 229, if you have a disability so that appropriate accommodations can be made for your course of study.

Outcome Assessment Strategies

  1. Produce diagnostic images of anatomical structures using selected positions.
  2. Critique images using a systematic approach.
  3. Simulate the correct positioning for a randomly chosen radiographic exam.

Course Content (Themes, Concepts, Issues and Skills)

Themes Concepts & Issues:
1 Baselines
1.1 Definitions
2 Skull
2.1 Osteology
2.2 Positioning and Pathology
2.3 Sectional Anatomy
2.4 Pediatrics
2.5 Image Critique
3 Sella Turcica
3.1 Osteology
3.2 Positioning and Pathology
3.3 Sectional Anatomy
3.4 Image Critique
4 Paranasal Sinuses
4.1 Osteology
4.2 Positioning and Pathology
4.3 Sectional Anatomy
4.4 Image Critique
5 Orbits and Optic Foramen
5.1 Osteology
5.2 Positioning and Pathology
5.3 Sectional Anatomy
5.4 Image Critique
6 Facial Bones
6.1 Osteology
6.2 Positioning and Pathology
6.3 Sectional Anatomy
6.4 Image Critique
7 Mandible and Temporomandibular Joints
7.1 Osteology
7.2 Positioning and Pathology
7.3 Sectional Anatomy
7.4 Image Critique
8 Temporal Bone, Ear and Mastoid
8.1 Osteology
8.2 Positioning and Pathology
8.3 Sectional Anatomy
8.4 Image Critique
Process Skills:

  1. Evaluate and identify radiographic anatomy.
  2. Assess diagnostic image quality.
  3. Modify positioning and/or technical factors.
  4. Analyze the effect of pathology as it relates to patient care and the production of the image.
  5. Operate radiographic equipment and utilize radiographic accessories.
  6. Communicate appropriately and constructively with the patient.
  7. Utilize safe transfer techniques.
  8. Practice appropriate radiation safety techniques for personnel and patients.