NUCM 2335 - CT for Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Credit hours: 3

Prerequisites: NUCM 2200 - Introduction to Molecular Imaging, NUCM 2301 - Physics and Instrumentation, NUCM 2205 - Clinical Procedures I, NUCM 2607 - Practicum in Nuclear Medicine I, NUCM 2208 - Radiopharmacology, NUCM 2312 - Advanced Instrumentation and Radiation Biology, NUCM 2114 - Presenting Research in Nuclear Medicine, NUCM 2215 - Clinical Procedures II, and NUCM 2617 - Practicum in Nuclear Medicine II

Course Description:
This is a course in Computed Tomography (CT) as it relates to nuclear medicine and CT whole body imaging. It also provides formal didactic information on CT whole body imaging. Topics included in this course are patient care and management, whole body cross-sectional anatomy, pathology, imaging procedures with protocols, attenuation correction, quality control, and radiation protection.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to:

Provide basic patient care and comfort and anticipate/adapt patient needs based on physical/social/psychological assessment.
Conduct oneself in a manner which is consistent with accepted practice of medical professionals.
Discuss biological effects of radiation and adhere to radiation protection guidelines.
Identify methods to support maximization of exam quality based on protocols, acquisition method, parameter selection, reconstruction methods, demonstration of normal anatomy, and/or pathology or trauma.
Explain quality control for stand-alone CT Scanners and scanners that utilize CT only for attenuation correction, stating the benefits of a QC program selection of technique for QC measurements and tests performed in a QC program.
Evaluate the use of contrast agents with respect to indications, contraindications, dose calculations, administration route, and the way the image and pathology is affected for the specified anatomy.
Evaluate relationships between anatomy, pathologies and clinical procedures.
Critique the procedures which utilize computed tomography relative to their value in the diagnosis and treatment of disease, e.g. radiation treatment planning, positron emission tomography and nuclear medicine.