Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The student will learn, demonstrate, discuss, define, and/or identify the basic radiographic positioning techniques employed in radiographic imaging of chest, abdomen, and selected parts of the upper and lower extremities. Osteology, sectional anatomy and pathology will also be covered. The radiographic positions taught in this course are frequent examinations employed in any radiology department.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

• Apply basic radiographic positioning techniques to capture images of the chest, abdomen, and selected parts of the upper and lower extremities. 

• Evaluate radiographic images of the chest, abdomen, and selected parts of the upper and lower extremities for diagnostic quality.

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 film 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, film 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.

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.

Themes Concepts & Issues:
1.0 Introduction to Positioning
1.1 Basic Principles
1.2 Terminology
2.0 Chest
2.1 Anatomy
2.2 Positioning and Pathologies
2.3 Sectional Anatomy
2.4 Film Critique
3.0 Abdomen
3.1 Anatomy
3.2 Positioning and Pathologies
3.3 Sectional Anatomy
3.4 Film Critique
4.0 General Osteology
4.1 Anatomy
4.2 Positioning and Pathologies
4.3 Sectional Anatomy
4.4 Film Critique
5.0 Upper Extremity
5.1 Anatomy
5.2 Positioning and Pathologies
5.3 Sectional Anatomy
5.4 Film Critique
6.0 Lower Extremity
6.1 Anatomy
6.2 Positioning and Pathologies
6.3 Sectional Anatomy
6.4 Film 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.