2023-24 University Catalog 
    
    Nov 02, 2024  
2023-24 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Medical Imaging Technology Department


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Rich Carson, Department Chair
 
Professors: R. Cole, R. Hoylman, J. Isaacson, D. McCollam, D. McDonnell, S. Schultz
Associate Professors: V. Bennett, R. Carson
Assistant Professors: T. Guthrie, L. Jolly, B. Kowash, J. Parnell, C. Giacomelli
Instructors: W. Rogers
Participating Faculty: J. Steenport (Online PACs), G. Zimmerman (Online BRSO)

Degrees Offered

  • Bachelor of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  • Bachelor of Science in Echocardiography
  • Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology
  • Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Vascular Technology

Certificates Offered

 

  • Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS)

Accreditation

Oregon Institute of Technology is accredited by Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, 8060 165th Ave. NE, Suite 100, Redmond, WA 98052-3981, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and/or the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Echocardiography and Vascular Technology programs are programmatically accredited through the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), upon review of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC-DMS).

Echocardiography - Goal and Mission Statement

To prepare competent entry-level adult cardiac sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains

Diagnostic Medical Sonography - Goal and Mission Statement

To prepare competent entry-level general sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains

Vascular Technology - Goal and Mission Statement

To prepare competent entry-level vascular sonographers in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains

Bachelor of Science Program Descriptions

The Department of Medical Imaging Technology offers bachelor’s degrees in five professional programs, which encompass the spectrum of imaging sciences. The curriculum of each bachelor’s degree program provides the technical, scientific, and communication skills essential for the application of learned concepts. Each program prepares students for immediate employment and for successfully passing the national and state registry examinations in each field.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography (also called sonography, ultrasound, or general ultrasound)

Sonography uses high frequency sound wave imaging and Doppler instrumentation to aid in the diagnosis of pathology and disease processes. The sonographer gathers pertinent patient history, creates images, and submits preliminary findings to the reading physician. Common exams include: obstetric, gynecological, peritoneal, retroperitoneal, pelvic, thoracic, musculoskeletal, extremity, neurological, and superficial procedures. Invasive applications are also performed in most clinical settings.

 Program Learning Outcomes

• Effective oral, visual, and written communication skills.

• The ability to work effectively in teams.

• The ability to provide basic patient care and comfort while utilizing ethical, professionalism and HIPAA guidelines.

• Knowledge and understanding of human gross and sectional anatomy relative to normal and abnormal sonographic imaging.

• Knowledge and understanding of human physiology, pathology and pathophysiology.

• Knowledge and understanding of ultrasound physical principles and instrumentation.

• Knowledge of sonographic biological effects, proper application of sonographic instrumentation relative to imaging and image quality.

• Appropriate ergonomic scanning applications.

• An understanding of diverse cultural and humanistic traditions in the global society.

DMS Program Educational Objectives

The following are the faculty expectations of graduates from the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program:

 

• Employ diagnostic sonographic imaging techniques, critical thinking skills, effective communication skills, and professional judgment.

• Effectively apply ergonomically correct scanning techniques.

• Successfully complete nationally recognized credential examinations.

• Develop a dedication to independent life-long learning and professional contributions.

Echocardiography

Echocardiography is a safe method of obtaining ultrasound images for diagnosis of cardiac pathology in adult and pediatric patient populations. Echocardiographers perform imaging exams that include acquisition of detailed images of heart anatomy, evaluation of pathologies, and measurement/analysis of hemodynamic flow patterns within the heart and the heart’s major vessels. The Echocardiographer prepares the study images and reports pertinent findings to the interpreting cardiologist as part of the diagnostic process.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual forms.

2. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in teams.

3. Demonstrate an ability to provide basic patient care and comfort.

4. Demonstrate professional judgment, discretion, and ethics.

5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of human gross anatomy, sectional anatomy, and normal

and abnormal cardiovascular anatomy.

6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular physiology, pathology, and

pathophysiology.

7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of cardiovascular physical principles and

instrumentation.

8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of clinical echocardiographic diagnostic procedures and

testing.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of diverse cultural and humanistic traditions in the global society.

Echocardiography Program Educational Objectives

1. The program prepares students to utilize diagnostic techniques, sound judgment and good decision

making to provide patient services.

2. The program communicates the importance of being credentialed (RDCS, RCS) in the profession of

echocardiography.

3. The program prepares students who think critically, communicate effectively, and exemplify

professional ethics.

4. The program conveys the importance of becoming life-long learners and responsible citizens.

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology

Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology is an imaging science that demonstrates pathology through physiologic processes using radioactive compounds. Sometimes these data are fused with anatomical data such as Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This branch of imaging science has been in existence for over four decades. This training also prepares the future Nuclear Medicine Technologist with skills in CT, MRI, PET/ CT, and Spect/CT.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology program should possess the following abilities, measured by observation throughout the students’ educational experience at Oregon Tech:

  1. The student will apply knowledge, judgement and critical thinking when problem solving
  2. The student will demonstrate ethical reasoning through a variety of scenarios in lecture and lab, and adherence to professional responsibilities identified on their Professional Evaluation performed at the end of each term.
  3. The student will demonstrate teamwork by contributing equally to team goals, and interacting with peers and faculty in a respectful and supportive manner.
  4. The student will demonstrate effective communication with other students, staff, and faculty in a respectful manner and at an appropriate time.
  5. The student demonstrate emotional intelligence competencies when working with others. 

Radiologic Science

This program has been in existence at Oregon Tech for 70 years. The training prepares the future radiologic technologist with a wide variety of skills, including radiography, fluoroscopy, mobile and surgical radiography, Computed Tomography (CT), Mammography, Cardiovascular Interventional Technology (CIT), Quality Assurance, and imaging department management.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Radiologic Science program should possess the following abilities and are measured by observation throughout the students’ educational experience at Oregon Tech:

•           An ability to practice organizational skills using prioritization.

•           An ability to demonstrate quality work in the didactic and laboratory settings.

•           An ability to comprehend radiologic theory and principles and apply them in the laboratory setting.

•           An ability to work in a stressful environment and perform effectively in under pressure.

•           An ability to use good judgement and critical thinking skills.

•           An ability to demonstrate confidence in their knowledge and skills.

•           An ability to demonstrate attention to details and follow instructions.

•           An ability to practice initiative.

•           An ability to approach tasks and duties with a positive attitude.

•           An ability to accept and apply constructive criticism.

•           An ability to be punctual and reliable.

•           An ability to practice positive interpersonal skills with faculty, classmates, other professionals.

•           An ability to effectively work in a team setting.

Program Educational Objectives

The following are the faculty expectations of graduates from the Radiologic Science program:

•           Be compassionate, caring healthcare professionals.

•           Be eligible, well prepared, and able to pass the ARRT credentialing examination.

•           Have immediate job placement potential within six months of graduation.

•           Work in advanced imaging fields and complete advanced imaging registries.

Vascular Technology

Vascular technology is a profession which utilizes ultrasound, Doppler, color Doppler and various physiologic testing procedures to aid in the diagnosis of disease of the vascular system. Vascular technologists conduct patient interviews, compile health histories and determine risk assessments pertaining to vascular disease. The technologists choose appropriate testing modalities and provide referring physicians with preliminary interpretation of results.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. The ability to communicate effectively in oral, written and visual forms.
  2. The ability to work effectively in teams.
  3. An ability to provide basic patient care and comfort.
  4. Professional judgment and discretion including ethics.
  5. Knowledge and understanding of human gross anatomy sectional anatomy and normal and abnormal vascular anatomy.
  6. Knowledge and understanding of vascular physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology.
  7. Knowledge and understanding of vascular physical principles and instrumentation.
  8. Knowledge and understanding of clinical vascular diagnostic procedures and testing
  9. An understanding of diverse cultural and humanistic traditions in the global society.

Facilities

Oregon Tech’s state-of-the-art imaging equipment allows medical imaging students to become familiar with a wide variety of imaging procedures like those performed in most medical centers. Students may also spend significant time at Sky Lakes Medical Center where they will gain experience directly with patients, prior to externship. This experience plus the academic coursework prepares the student well for the medical imaging professions.

Externships

All five of the bachelor’s degree programs in medical imaging culminate in a senior year of clinical externship at a medical center. The 11-month externship is spent at the affiliate institution under the supervision of a clinical instructor. Students do not have classes on the Oregon Tech campus during this year. The location of externship will be determined by a lottery conducted by medical imaging faculty. All students will be guaranteed an externship subject to the following:

  1. All academic requirements must be met before externship assignments will be made.
  2. Students must satisfy Oregon requirements for clinical placement as listed in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR 409-030-0100 to 409-030-0250).

Upon successful completion of the externship year, imaging students will be eligible to sit for the professional registry pertaining to their degree.

Admission Requirements

Pre-Medical Imaging Technology: Freshman Year

Enrollment is open to all students who meet the general entry requirements to the university. Students will be listed as Pre-Medical Imaging Technology (Pre-MIT) students. Admittance to the Oregon Tech Pre-MIT Program does not mean the student has been accepted into a specific MIT program.

Program Selection Criteria

Selection criteria are available on the MIT website at www.oit.edu/mit. Students must complete all the courses, including general education, in the specified freshman year (pre-medical imaging) curriculum. Selection will be made at the end of the spring term of the pre-medical imaging technology year. The number of students selected each year will be determined by the number of qualified applicants, and by the availability of clinical sites. Therefore, the number of qualified applicants may exceed the number of spaces available. Prior acceptance does not guarantee future acceptance into any MIT Program. Students must reapply yearly.

Selection will be based upon the following criteria and point system:

  1. GPA: Students must have a total of a 2.95 weighted GPA (though a 3.0 or higher is highly recommended), in the following courses (or equivalent transfer courses) to apply to one of the five MIT Programs.
  2. All applicants must attend an Oregon Tech hosted selection event at the end of spring term. Several activities are conducted during this event to allow students to demonstrate communication skills, and professionalism. Faculty from the MIT Department and industry leaders are present at the selection event to evaluate those skills.

Application Requirements

Applications are available on the MIT website at www.oit.edu/mit.

Applications are due spring term. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. An application fee of $75 is required. There are no refunds of the application fee. Repeat applicants must follow the same procedures as first-time applicants.

The application form allows ranking of programs by choice (first and second) and only one application per student will be accepted. 

Transfer Students

Transfer students who meet the academic requirements of the pre-medical imaging technology year, will not find a course at another college which substitutes for MIT 103 - Intro to Med Imaging . This course may be taken as a distance learning course. It must be completed in the summer, fall, winter or spring term prior to the application to a professional program. The MIT application is available at www.oit.edu/mit. Transfer students must apply to both Oregon Tech and MIT using two separate application processes.

Graduation Requirements

All credits listed in the curriculum for the catalog year a student begins a program must be fulfilled.

Students must maintain a 2.00 GPA to be eligible for graduation. In addition, a final grade of “C” or better must be earned in all professional courses (DMS, ECHO, NMT, RDSC, VAS), and science/mathematics courses to continue in the program. A final grade of “C” or better must be also earned in all required communications courses by the end of the junior year to continue on in the program. Once the student is admitted into a professional program as a sophomore, all curricular requirements must be met within four academic years. Rare exceptions to the time limitation will be considered on a case by case basis, at the discretion of the re-admittance committee described below. When a student unsuccessfully attempts a programmatic course fall term, sophomore year, they must reapply to the program or another imaging program. If the student has an unsuccessful attempt subsequent to fall term sophomore year the student must submit a letter of intent to the program director of the specific program they seek to re-enter. The MIT re-admittance committee will determine if another opportunity will be granted. If re-admittance is approved additional requirements will be prescribed by the MIT committee.

Other requirements such as auditing courses, attending labs, and/or remedial work will be specified by the committee. The student must remain in compliance with committee’s recommendations and requirements to satisfy degree progress. When a student attempts unsuccessfully a second time in the same or a different programmatic course, they are terminated from that program. Additionally, if a student receives a “D,” “F” or “W” in two or more programmatic courses in one term, they will be dismissed from that program. The student may apply for admittance to a second imaging program under the same application criteria as other applicants. After two unsuccessful attempts to complete two different programs, the student may not apply for a third program.

Career Opportunities

There continues to be a high demand for bachelor’s degree prepared medical imaging professionals. Graduates have excellent opportunities for employment in hospitals, clinics, private practice, state and federal agencies, and with appropriate experience, in supervision, education and industry.

Degree Completion Programs

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Echocardiography, Radiologic Science and Vascular Technology programs offer degree completion programs for registered technologists (in good standing) who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their field. These programs are fully online. There is no requirement to come to campus.

Programs

    Major
    Certificate

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