Medical Radiography

Integrating concepts from psychology, sociology, and interpersonal relations, this course is designed to help learners respectfully address the psychosocial needs of patients, and collaborate successfully with other members of the health care team. Empathy and interpersonal communications skills are emphasized; as these provide the basis for crucial employability skills, such as managing stress in both self and patients, reducing the frequency and intensity of conflict, and working respectfully with those from other cultures. Responsible, professional and ethical conduct is underscored.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​The students in this course will gain the fundamental knowledge and skills for patient care in an interprofessional environment, learning about, from, and with other health professional learners. Students will be introduced to health and safety measures, learn how to complete a variety of basic healthcare procedures, and develop competency in the use of equipment commonly used in various healthcare settings. This course will provide the knowledge and skills to effectively support patients during various clinical skills. Theory is supported with supervised laboratory activities designed to give students opportunities to apply critical thinking and manual skills to a variety of patient care situations.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course is the first of two applied laboratory courses focusing on patient care, documentation, image production and quality. It provides the opportunity to practice skills required to perform basic imaging procedures of the axial (vertebrae) and appendicular skeletons (excluding skull), chest, and abdomen. Emphasis is placed on routine positioning as well problem solving for atypical patients and equipment challenges. This course applies content from Radiographic Procedures 1, IPE Patient Care and Advanced Patient Interventions in Imaging to prepare for clinical practice.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course primarily focuses on the diagnostic quality and analysis of radiographic images. It synthesizes the theory introduced in Radiographic Procedures 1, and requires learners to assess images of the appendicular skeleton, vertebrae, chest, and abdomen. Emphasis is placed on applying critical thinking skills to identify positioning errors and the necessary corrections. Students will learn how to assess, verify and improve the diagnostic quality of images of routine exams as it relates to clinical practice. Through lectures, labs and assessment, the student will improve the analytical skills required for their image analysis in preparation for the clinical setting.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides students with the opportunity to combine theory and simulation through didactic and lab opportunities. Students will operate imaging and accessory equipment needed to demonstrate competence in the clinical environment. The course includes applied concepts relating to technical and physical principles of the x-ray beam which influence and affect the radiographic image acquisition, processing, display, and storage as it relates directly to clinical practice. Topics include in-depth study of the structural design of a radiographic system's components (x-ray tube, table, Bucky, and generator). Also of importance are factors that influence the resultant image such as patient variables, technical exposure factors, beam geometry, equipment malfunction, programmed image algorithms, and post- acquisition processing tools. Radiographic images are generated to discuss equipment operations, variables related to image quality and diagnostic parameters with respect to providing solutions based on technical, equipment, exposure technique, or patient influence. The imaging principles and operation of fluoroscopic equipment used in the general imaging department as well as mobile C-arms and mobile units will be explored. The design, construction, advantages, and challenges of producing images with these types of equipment will be validated during interactive and applied lab sessions.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​The major goals of the course are to provide students with a broad understanding of radiation protection and radiation biology topics in the context of the medical imaging profession. Professional expectations and details of the clinical environment will be introduced, along with the national professional organization, Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), patient confidentiality and privacy, performance standards and clinical evaluation requirements, and strategies for optimizing the clinical experience while ensuring safety of self and others. The topics include essential elements of the general imaging department such as workflow, the role of technologists in the workplace and their relationship with patients and other healthcare team, including concepts related to diversity and inclusivity in the health care system. The student will become familiar with hospital/department administrative levels, workplace safety regulations, incident/abuse reporting procedures, and medical information documentation requirements. This course also focuses on specific safety topics as required for facilities and users of ionizing radiation in the medical imaging environment, as required by Health Canada.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course applies knowledge, skills and judgement learned in HSIP 1000 – Interprofessional Patient Care to the medical imaging environment. Students will learn the clinical applications and procedural requirements for specialized skills required of medical radiation technologists. Area of focus includes sterile procedures, specific isolation precautions, operating room procedures and equipment operations. Students will also learn about fluoroscopic procedures and the patient care and communication strategies that are required of technologists in the clinical environment. This course is delivered in a lab setting with clinically relevant activities and simulations.
Prerequisite(s):

• HSIP 1000

This course focuses on the theory required to perform basic imaging procedures of the upper and lower extremities, spine, chest and abdominal radiography. The course also familiarizes students with related aspects of patient care, medicolegal considerations and imaging criteria in relation to the field of medical imaging. Emphasis is placed on routine positioning as well as an introduction to problem solving for atypical patients and their specific physical, emotional, and psychological needs.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course is the first of two courses providing foundational anatomy and physiology required for the Medical Radiography Technology program. It provides an in-depth exploration of skeletal system anatomy and physiology (with the exception of the cranium), as well as anatomy and physiology of the select major organs of the thorax and abdomen (organs of the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems) relevant to Medical Radiography Technology. The course content is delivered in a hybrid format of lecture, lab and online learning. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course provides an introduction to general pathology and specifics of bone pathology. The students will study commonly occurring bone fractures, basic chest pathologies and common abdominal pathologies seen in the clinical environment. Emphasis is placed on recognition of fractures and subsequent changes to required patient care and exposure factors. The theoretical component is supported by images demonstrating normal and pathological presentations.​
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 2230 and MRAD 1310 and HSIP 1000
• All MRAD term 1 courses.

​This course primarily focuses on the diagnostic quality and analysis of radiographic images and builds on the theory introduced in MRAD 1410 and MRAD 1219. It provides the student the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Emphasis is placed on applying critical thinking skills to determine if images meet optimal diagnostic parameters and in doing so the student is required to identify positioning errors and the necessary corrections. Through self‐study and assessment, the student will improve the analytical skills required for their image analysis in the clinical setting. Students will be required to submit written radiographic critiques.​
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 1219 and MRAD 2230
• All term 1 Medical Radiography courses.

​This course introduces the principles, instrumentation and procedures required in the clinical Anatomical Pathology laboratory. Students will study human microscopic tissue recognition, grossing, fixation, tissue processing, decalcification, paraffin embedding, microtomy, histology safety and histology quality management. Laboratory activities will include microscopic evaluation of digital tissue sections, embedding tissues, microtomy, and methods for routine morphological assessment, quality control, quality assurance and troubleshooting. Evaluation methods include assessment of knowledge via quizzes and exams and performance of practical skills via skills assessments. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• All term 1 Medical Radiography courses.

​This online course introduces the student to the fundamentals of specialized imaging and interventional procedures in medical imaging focusing on technical aspects and patient care. Students will learn about pharmaceuticals required during specific procedures. Students will also focus on radiographic presentation for specific procedures such as examinations and interventions of the skeletal system, non-vascular structures, urinary, gastrointestinal system and biliary system as well as imaging related post-insertion of lines and tubes. Students will also learn about key patient considerations when working with pediatric patients. The curricula are illustrated and delivered through online learning modules, discussions, audiovisual aids, and student assignments.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All term 1 Medical Radiography courses.

This course provides the foundation for students’ workplace writing, speaking, and teamwork skills that they will use in their course work at BCIT and on the job. They will research best practices related to their discipline, use critical thinking skills to assess information, cite sources, and design and deliver a presentation. The course is project- based and gives students practice in teamwork skills. Through this course, students will gain techniques for making informative presentations and explaining ideas clearly, directly, and concisely.
Prerequisite(s):

• BHSC 1245
• All term 2 courses.

​This course covers topics such as digital radiography and digital fluoroscopy. Specifically, this course explores digital imaging processing and processing artifacts as well as technologist’s role in image processing. The course also describes the concepts of Total Quality Management (TQM), Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and the Elements of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in Radiology. In particular, QC tests for digital imaging systems, including digital radiography, fluoroscopy, bone mineral densitometry and mammography are detailed with reference to Safety Code 35.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All term 2 courses

​This course is an applied procedures course delivered in a simulated setting. Students will practice positioning for the procedures covered in MRAD 3410, Radiographic Procedures 3, while continuing to practice peer to peer feedback and self-reflection. Students will also build on their knowledge from previous courses including MRAD 1216, Applied Practice. For the skill competencies, students will focus on specialized examinations of the skeleton and joints, cranium, thoracic cage and trauma. ​​
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 2 MRAD courses

This course builds on Pathology 1 and provides theory describing complex bone pathologies resulting from trauma and disease. It emphasizes discerning between benign versus malignant bony pathologies. The course focuses on commonly occurring pathological processes and their radiographic presentations of the following anatomical systems: respiratory, cardiovascular and nervous (including brain).
Prerequisite(s):

• All MRAD Term 2 courses

This course is the second of two courses providing foundational anatomy and physiology required for the Medical Radiography Technology program. The course emphasizes the anatomy of the skull, as well as the anatomy and physiology of structures of the nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, urinary and reproductive systems relevant to Medical Radiography Technology. These anatomical structures along with those introduced in MRAD 2235 will be revisited in the context of regional cross-sectional anatomy (head, neck, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities), for the purposes of developing visualization skills required for viewing anatomical structures on CT and MRI images in the three cardinal body planes. Course content is delivered in a hybrid format of lecture, lab and online learning. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• All MRAD Term 2 courses.

​This course is a continuation of Radiographic Procedures 1 and 2 and Image Analysis 1 and focuses on the remaining specialized imaging of the skeletal system, cranium, thoracic cage and trauma procedures. Procedure and image analysis theory is presented in a lecture format which students apply in a follow up lab to assess images for diagnostic and technical acceptability.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All MRAD Term 2 courses

This course will provide the students with the theory and application required to gain understanding of the operational function of Computed Tomography (CT) equipment and common CT scan examinations. Emphasis is placed on fundamental principles required to perform CT data acquisition and image reconstruction in routine procedures of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, spine and extremities, including patient care and positioning. Students will also acquire peripheral intravenous insertion skill development, an in depth understanding of the theory and practice of intravenous contrast media use in CT including anticipating and management of contraindications and reactions. In addition, students will be required to apply theory to the use of the dual head injector power pump contrast delivery system including safety considerations of its use. Commonly occurring acute and non-acute pathologies associated with routine CT exam indications will also be incorporated. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• All MRAD Term 2 courses.

This is the second of four clinical education courses. The course focuses on attaining competencies on procedures of the entire skeleton (excluding cranium and thoracic cage), chest, abdomen, gastrointestinal system, fluoroscopic and operating room procedures. Students will be scheduled in all areas related to patient imaging practice such as general imaging department, acute/trauma areas, operating room, patient wards, and outpatient clinics. In addition, students will be scheduled on various shifts including days, afternoons, nights and weekends to experience a variety of procedures. Patient competency evaluations are performed on patients with varying medical acuity. Students will continue working on their patient care and positioning skills providing them with opportunities to become both competent and confident in a different imaging department.
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 2 Courses

​This course builds on Skeletal Pathology and provides theory describing complex bone pathologies resulting from trauma and disease. It emphasizes discerning between benign versus malignant bony pathologies. The course focuses on commonly occurring pathological processes and their radiographic presentations of the following anatomical systems: gastrointestinal, urinary, reproductive, hematopoietic, biliary and endocrine. Additionally, this course will explore some common barriers to diagnostic medical services faced by Indigenous people. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 3218

​This course introduces principles and technological aspects of advanced Computed Tomography (CT) practices. It builds on basic concepts taught in MRAD 3510 Computed Tomography 1 with advanced principles related to data acquisition, iterative reconstruction methods and attenuation correction in fused imaging modalities, as well as major variations in components of advanced CT equipment including PET/CT, SPECT/CT, Dual Energy CT, Dual Source CT and Photon Counting CT. The course also introduces students to the theory and practice of associated protocols and relevant image reconstruction processes and postprocessing related to these modalities. In addition, the course provides an in-depth exploration of CT Angiography, multiphasic exam combinations, CT Colonography, dynamic scanning practices and CT interventional procedures. The course concludes with an overview of CT quality control procedures, and the study of radiation dose related to CT procedures.
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 2302 and MRAD 3218 and MRAD 3230

​Students in this course will explore and critically evaluate published research on chosen topics in the field of medical imaging. Students will also learn various research methodologies, how to employ an evidence-based approach to healthcare and the principles of research ethics. Students will conduct their own systematic literature review to apply the theoretical knowledge learned from this course. ​
Prerequisite(s):

• COMM 4273 and MRAD 3330
• All term 4 courses

This course is the last of three focusing on the diagnostic quality of images. It continues to build on the theory introduced in Radiographic Procedures 1 and 3 as well as Image Analysis and Applied Image Analysis 1 required to assess images of the axial (vertebrae) and appendicular skeletons (excluding skull), chest and abdomen. Emphasis is placed on applying critical thinking skills for the assessment criteria of higher acuity cases and identifying if an exam meets diagnostic parameters or requires a repeat.​
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 2219 and MRAD 3410 and MRAD 3211
• All MRAD term 4 courses.

​This course will provide you the context and tools necessary to be an effective member of the health care system as students and professionals. You will often act as a translator of technical information for patients, giving them instructions and explanations about imaging technology and exams. You will also contribute to the Imaging Department's team by making suggestions for improving patient care and departmental efficiency. Skills in assessing the needs of audiences and situations are fundamental in deciding what information to provide and how to say it in a way that will be understood and well received. ​As a member of an Imaging department and MRT profession, you will share information and best practices with colleagues and may collaborate in applied research to advance the practice. You will also develop an understanding of what it means to be a health care professional and have the opportunity to learn about codes of ethics and descriptions of practice as set out by regulatory bodies and national associations.​
Prerequisite(s):

• MRAD 1307 and COMM 4273 and BHSC 1245

This is the third of four clinical education courses. The course focuses on attaining competencies on Computed Tomography (CT) procedures. Students will be scheduled in areas related to CT imaging practice including satellite CT imaging departments, acute/trauma CT imaging, and in-patient/out-patient CT imaging. In addition, students will be scheduled on all fullyoperational shifts including days, afternoons, nights, and weekends to gain competency and experience with all CT procedures, including clerical duties required during off shift times. Competency evaluations will be conducted throughout the term and performed on patients of varying medical acuity. Students will continue to develop patient care skills specifically related to CT examinations including contrast media screening and handling, and the management and insertion of peripheral intravenous access devices. Students will continue to develop intraprofessional and interprofessional teamwork competence, contributing to all aspects of CT department operational requirements. In addition, students will reflect on routine CT protocols, contrast media use and delivery and best practices in CT data acquisition, image reconstruction and post processing with opportunities to become both competent and confident in the CT imaging department.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All Term 4 courses

This course is a continuation of Radiographic Procedures 1, 2 and 3. Students will build on their core knowledge from previous courses and clinical practice. The focus is on specialized examinations such as vascular interventions, bone mineral densitometry, reproductive studies, specialty OR orthopedics, trauma radiography and vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All term 4 course

This course builds upon the core curriculum and provides the opportunity for students to integrate and synthesize the knowledge, skills, judgments, and attitudes gained through the various BCIT Medical Radiography courses and clinical practice sessions. Students will use a variety of academic learning tools to solidify knowledge and further develop critical thinking skills towards making informed decisions in the clinical setting. Through guided self‐study and assessments, students will develop effective study skills to prepare for the CAMRT certification examination and improve the necessary analytical skills required in the clinical setting.
Prerequisite(s):

• All MRAD Term 5 courses

This is the last of four clinical education courses. Students will be scheduled in all areas related to patient imaging practice such as general and specialized areas. In addition, students will be scheduled on various shifts including days, afternoons, nights and weekends to experience a variety of procedures and complete the outstanding Portfolio requirements. Patient competency evaluations are performed on patients with varying medical acuities. Students will refine their skills obtained during their previous clinical experiences while applying principles of team functioning and communication to work respectfully in collaborative decision making as an interprofessional team. Students will be required to demonstrate competency on all general and specialized imaging procedures.​
Prerequisite(s):

• All TERM 5 courses