RT100: Chapter 3: Medical Science

• Medical science


  The branch of science concerned with the study of the diagnosis, treatment of prevention of disease
• Medical sciences


  • Anatomy
  • Immunology
• Medical science covers many subjects which try to explain how the human body works. Starting with basic biology it is generally divided into areas of specialisation such as anatomy, physiology and pathology with some biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and genetics.
• Knowledge of how the body functions

  A fundamental requirement for continued studies in the medical profession or for training as health practitioner
• To be able to diagnose disease a practitioner first needs to understand how a fit and health body functions, it is difficult to truly evaluate and diagnose disease without the knowledge of the effects of diseases and how the normal function of the body can be restored.
• Student must also understand the terminology used by the medical profession allowing student to refer and communicate effectively and confidently.
• Introduction to radiography


  The course is designed to introduce the student to the basic aspects of the department of imaging, radiologic technology, and the health care system in general. The basic principles of radiation protection are introduced.
• Medical terminology


  The written and spoken language of medicine incorporates many uncommon words, meaning, and symbols. For the radiologic technologist to work effectively in radiology, understanding the language of medicine is also necessary.
• Human structure and function


  This course refers to the anatomy and physiology of the human body. For the radiologic technologist to conduct radiologic procedures on various anatomic parts, knowing the location and function of the all body parts is necessary.
• Radiation physics


  To help the student understand how radiation works, as well as be familiar with the interaction of radiation with matter, this course concentrates on basic information about the physical properties of radiation – how it is produced, how it is measure, and how it is used in the medical environment. In addition, information about electrostatic, electric safety, x-ray tubes and transformers, and x-ray circuits and equipment is also included.
• Imaging equipment


  This course describes the process of radiographic image production and the specific equipment needed to produce the radiographic image.
• Radiographic processing


  The design, structure, function, and application of the various rooms and equipment needed to obtain a radiograph are presented. Darkrooms, processing and materials, and radiographic film, including its storage, handling, characteristics, and possible artifacts, are discussed.
• Principles of diagnostic imaging

  Introduces to various methods of recording images. These images result from the fluoroscopic and radiographic application of the principles of image production. It is expected to comprehend and apply the principles to the various imaging systems. Some special techniques, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital radiography, and ultrasonography.
• Principles of radiographic exposure

  It discusses what technical factors required to produce high-quality diagnostic radiographs, what accessory equipment will be used. This course involves the use of mathematic principles used in producing a radiograph.
• Radiographic image evaluation


  This course teaches the difference between an optimal quality radiograph and a non diagnostic one. Although radiologic technologists do not interpret radiographs, they evaluate them for diagnostic quality, which includes the consideration of pathologic conditions
• Medical ethics and law


  This course helps the student to understand to deal with confidential information and the interpersonal relationship or interaction, with patients and other health care team members. Attention is also given to medicolegal considerations, as well as to professional guidelines and code of ethics.
• Introduction to computer science


  Many of the technical innovations that are constantly changing the nature of radiology rely on computers. The capacity of computer storage and image manipulations is basic to many of the newer imaging systems, such as computed tomography, digital imaging, and MRI. This course introduces the student to basic computer applications.
• Radiographic procedures


  Every radiology department has a routine for performing procedures specific to that particular department. These procedures range from simple radiographic imaging to more complex tasks requiring contrast media, special radiographic equipment and accessory materials.
• Radiobiology


  The hazardous effects of ionizing radiation on living tissue have long been known. The student must be thoroughly familiar with the reaction that occur when a single living cell or an entire organism is irradiated.
• Principles of radiation protection

  The radiologic technologist must know how to use ionizing radiation in a safe and prudent manner. Patients, as well as radiologic technologists and co-workers, must be protected from radiation as much as possible. Therefore radiologic technologists must know how exposure factors affect radiation doses, methods for monitoring exposure. The objective is to practice the as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) concept in diagnostic radiography.
• Patient care


  Since radiologic technologist prepares to work for patient, regardless of their health conditions, in a manner that does not cause them additional injury or discomfort or hinder their recovery.
• Pharmacology and drug administration

  In this course, the student learns about the pharmaceutical drugs used in radiology, including their nature, effects, routes of administration, and signs of adverse effects.
• Pathology


  It discusses various disease conditions that may affect the resulting radiographic image. The knowledge gain about diseases will help student in working with patient.
• Quality assurance


  Optimal quality radiographs achieve many important benefits. They (1) minimize the patient's exposure to radiation, 2) provided the physician with the best possible image for diagnosis, and 3) contain health care costs. Student must know the regulations that govern quality assurance, as well as the techniques, equipment, and procedures for attaining it.