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Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography (CT) Program

Program deadlines: October 15th for January class and March 15th for the July class.

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The University of Utah Health Care, Department of Radiology, offers a six (6) month certificate program in Computerized Tomography (CT) for certified Radiologic Technologists R.T. (R), Radiation Therapists R.T.R. (T) or Nuclear Medicine Technologists R.T. (N) or NMTB. Students will learn to create electronic cross-sectional images of anatomy as an aid in the diagnosis of disease and injury using ionizing radiation.

University Health Care has five state of the art CT scanners to include two 120 slice Siemens scanners and the unique dual tube source scanning technology, the Siemens Definition. A combination of superior radiologists, experienced CT technologists and the latest equipment creates an environment where current imaging and post-processing techniques are routinely performed. The program offers a combination of clinical and didactic educational experiences that will provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an entry-level CT technologist. Students will learn how to effectively image trauma patients, screen patients, answer difficult radiation protection questions, post process 3D images, assist in biopsies and complete routine exams.

The program accepts students every six months to begin academic sessions in July and January.

The tuition for the 2010/11 academic year is $1,800.00 and there is a required educational module fee of $250.00 for a total of $2,050.00.  If students pay tuition during the first week of the program, they receive a $150.00 discount for a total tuition/module fee of $1,900.00.

Certified radiographers, radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technologists (ARRT or NMTCB) are eligible to take the advanced certification exam in CT provided by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The program will provide the didactic knowledge the student needs to perform CT and the opportunity to complete the clinical competency requirements established by the ARRT.

A comparable program in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is also available at the University and offers starting times in July and January. The combination of the two programs and cooperative starting times makes it possible for students to complete educational programs in MRI and CT within a 12-month period. Information on the MRI program can be found under the Department of Radiology web site or by calling (801)585-6753.

In 2007, a Fast-Track CT Program was added to the University's program offerings. Nuclear medicine technologists who have completed clinical experiences in PET/CT may be eligible for this program. Applicants must be able to document 200+ hours of clinical experiences in PET/CT. The July session is condensed into 12 weeks of instruction and an additional 220 hours of clinical experiences. If interested and qualified, please discuss details with the education director at 801-585-6753. Additional details can also be found under the nuclear medicine program section.

Computed Tomography (CT) imaging is the gathering of anatomic information from a cross-sectional plane of the body utilizing ionizing radiation and a computer. It can be used to image many parts of the body, such as the brain, facial bones, neck, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis. CT plays a vital role in diagnosing trauma patients.

A CT technologist must be able to perform computed tomographic procedures in an efficient and competent manner. It is essential that the radiographer has a thorough knowledge of anatomy and can make judgments about the formation of the image in regards to anatomical identification. Knowledge of contrast media, equipment operation, sterile technique and emergency procedures is required. Patient care responsibilities will include venipuncture, care of IVs and other patient aides and friendly caring communication. CT technologists responsibilities are expanding in the areas of post processing and image reconstruction. They work quickly and efficiently with trauma and cancer patients on a daily basis. The demand for well qualified CT technologists is on the rise with scanners becoming faster, types of imaging procedures expanding and increased concern over procedural dose levels. Nuclear medicine technologists are discovering the necessity of studying CT with the addition of PET/CT. On the job training of CT technologists does not meet the educational needs of todays CT technologist. As a technologist learning the art of CT, you deserve a well structured educational process.

ARRT offers a post-primary certification in Computerized Tomography. Certification in CT is a requirement in many states and demonstrates a level of distinction from non certified technologists. Some institutions will reward technologists who have earned CT certification with a salary increase. To be eligible for the ARRT post-primary certification exam in CT, you must be currently certified in Radiography, Radiation Therapy or Nuclear Medicine and complete the established clinical experience requirements. The CT examination consists of 150 multiple choice questions that relate directly to the field of CT. There are a variety of CT programs available and students are encouraged to find the one that meets their needs and interests. The University's CT program was designed to be competitive by offering a comprehensive program of study at a world class institution with reasonable length and tuition costs. The program's goal is to educate CT technologists who understand the field of CT and can perform at a highly competent level. Graduates will be prepared to complete and pass the CT certification examination. Instruction is provided by qualified technologists and radiologists and includes classroom settings with lectures and discussion.

As a student of CT, you will learn to gather anatomic information from a cross-sectional plane of the body and present it as a 3D image. This is accomplished by scanning a thin cross-section of the body with a narrow x-ray beam and measuring the transmitted radiation with a detector. CT plays a vital role in diagnosing traumatic injuries and other types of diseases.

In researching the field, you may want to consider interviewing a technologist who is certified in CT and/or visit a CT imaging department. The University Hospital would be happy to host your visit and answer questions related to the filed.

The CT technologist is required to have knowledge in Patient Care, Imaging Procedures, Data Acquisition and Processing and Physical Principles of Image Formation. You may contact the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) (www.arrt.org) for a complete listing of the Content Specifications for the Examination in CT.

• Lift 25 pounds routinely
• Push and pull routinely
• Bend and stoop routinely
• Have full use of their extremities
• Distinguish audible sounds
• Adequately view computer images
• Interact compassionately and effectively with the sick and injured
• Assist patients
• Communicate effectively with patients and other health care professionals
• Organize and accurately perform the individual steps in a CT procedure
• Perform venipuncture procedures

What are the Career Opportunities?

CT technologists can work in hospitals, medical centers, health care centers, outpatient facilities, cancer institutes and other medical settings performing examinations in their areas of specialization. Career advancement opportunities exist in education, administration, research and medical imaging corporation application specialists and sales. In the future, it will become increasingly more important for Nuclear Medicine Technologists to have experience and/or certification with CT. For a listing of potential job opportunities, please visit (www.asrt.org).

Salaries

Salaries for CT Technologists are competitive with technologists in the medical imaging areas. They will vary depending on geographical location, medical institution and number of years experience as an RT and/or CTRT. 

Prerequisites for the Program

Applicants eligible for selection include individuals who have successfully passed one or more of the following certification categories or will have completed the exam by the start of the program.

Students will be selected based on predictors of the students ability to successfully complete the program, pass the CT examination and become a productive employee in the CT field. Selected applicants must be currently certified in CPR and be able to document appropriate immunizations. Final admission for selected students is contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check and drug screening. The program admits 5 students each session. Students are selected from an applicant pool. Those who are not admitted each term are NOT placed on a wait list. Students can reapply the following term.

Program Mission

To provide a quality entry level educational program in Computerized Tomography that educates students to become competent CT Technologists to meet the needs of the University of Utah Health Care and the community.

Program Objectives

The goal of the Computerized Tomography program is to educate students to perform the duties and responsibilities of an entry-level CT Technologist and produce graduates that will successfully pass the CT examination and work in the CT or PET/CT field.

Program Goals

1. Ensure that 100% of program graduates have completed the clinical experience requirements as specified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. (ARRT)
2. Graduate competent entry level CT technologists who are effective communicators, problem solvers and critical thinkers.
3. Within the first five years (2005 - 2010) the program will obtain:

• A credentialing examination pass rate of not less than 75% at first attempt.
• A job placement rate of not less than 75% within one year of graduation.
• A program completion rate of not less than 80%

1. Graduate students who are satisfied with their CT education experience and feel that it was beneficial to their professional development and growth.

Curriculum Education in CT is accomplished with a combination of didactic and clinical learning experiences. Students are encouraged to complete 24 clinical and four didactic hours each week. At the completion of the program, the student will have completed a minimum of 400 clinical and 60 didactic hours and proven competent in all clinical experience requirements as defined by the ARRT.   Students are allowed the flexibility to determine their clinical schedule and program officials determine clinical placement. CT procedures are completed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, therefore competencies can be learned at any time of the day or night.

The CT curriculum was developed utilizing the American Society of Radiologic Technologist (ASRT) (www.asrt.org). and the Association of Educators in the Radiological Sciences, Inc. (www.aers.org) The following constitutes a basic outline for the curriculum. All courses and clinical education are measured in clock hours.

This unit will provide the student with an overview of computed tomography. Program policies, student responsibilities, and an introduction to the basics of computed tomography image formation, equipment and terminology will be covered.

Patient Care for Computed Tomography

A series of lectures and discussions will provide knowledge about care giving skills specific to patients undergoing CT exams.

Physical Principles of Computed Tomography

The physical principles section offers information about data acquisition and processing.

Imaging Procedures

A large portion of the curriculum is dedicated to presenting information about scanning techniques related to the central nervous system, musculoskeletal regions, and neck, thorax and mediastinum, abdomen and pelvis.

Competency Based Clinical Education

Clinical education provides students a competency based educational system that is necessary to become proficient in the entry-level skills required of a CT technologist. The student is required to complete a total of 400 clinical hours and the clinical experience requirements as outlined by the ARRT.

Tuition

The tuition for the 2010/11 academic year is $1,800.00 and there is a required educational module fee of $250.00 for a total of $2,050.00.  If students pay tuition during the first week of the program, they receive a $150.00 discount for a total tuition/module fee of $1,9.00.00.

The educational modules are approved for 16 ASRT category A continuing education credits. Students are allowed to pay tuition monthly with an initial deposit of $750.00 due the first week of the program. Minimum monthly payments of $250.00 will be due on the 10th of each month.  

Note: There are no federal loans,  PELL grants or interntional student visas available for this program.

Additional Fees

The following are approximate costs and are subject to changes:
Lab Coats: 200.00
Parking Pass: 80.00
Additional Optional Textbooks: 100.00
ARRT Examination: 150.00

Scholarships

Scholarships for educational expenses are not available through the University.

Student Withdrawal/Refund Policy

If a student withdraws from the program voluntarily within the first 2 months and has paid the tuition in full, they are entitled a refund. They will be refunded the amount of tuition paid for the months they did not attend. Students are not eligible for a refund during or after the 3rd month of the program. If the student is paying monthly payments, they are responsible to pay for each month they have attended. A student who is dismissed for poor academic or clinical performance or disciplinary problems waives the right to a tuition refund.

Student Benefits

Students enrolled in the CT program are not granted the same benefits as students attending the University of Utah. CT students will be invited to Departmental functions during holidays and enjoy library privileges and the use of the book store. Students are responsible for their own health insurance, bus passes and parking permits.

Attendance

The 6-month program begins the second week of July and January. Students are required to attend a hospital orientation prior to the start of the program. A detailed calendar will be available on the program start date. Examples of past calendars are available upon request.  Students who complete the competencies prior to completing the 400 clinical hour requirement will be eligible for early completion. This is decided by the education director. The student is expected to be responsible to the clinical site by being punctual, dependable and cooperative. Students are never scheduled more than a total of 40 hours a week between didactic and clinical instruction.

Employment Policy

In the event that a CT position becomes available through the University Health Care, a CT student who is currently enrolled full-time within the CT program and has satisfactorily completed fifty percent (50%) of the program. See the student handbook for more details.

The University has been successful hiring a large percentage of their program graduates. Students finding employment outside of the University may also exercise the employment option.

Academic Performance

Students are provided with educational resources to learn the fundamentals and details of computerized tomograghy. The student is responsible for their academic progress. The student will be required to complete some independent study to further their knowledge in CT. Students must maintain an overall acceptable progress throughout the program. Failure to do so will be cause for involuntary withdrawal from the program.

Transfer Credit

Due to the difference in program structures, there is no transfer credit available for other CT programs.

Non-Acceptance Procedure

Students that are not accepted into the CT program will be notified by mail and informed if they were non-accepted due to:

• Space Availability or Competition
  
  Students that were not accepted due to space availability are students that were considered acceptable for admission but due to limited clinical placements could not be accommodated. They will be encouraged to apply for the next program session which is offered six months later and allowed to utilize the application documents that were originally submitted.

Students that were not accepted due to the competition are students who had a less favorable application score than the other applicants due to GPA, rated structured reference forms and/or interview scores. They will be allowed to reapply to the program of their choice 12 months after the original application date. They will be required to submit new structured reference forms, biography updated transcripts and resume. The original application materials will be retained in their file for consideration.

Reapplicants

Students that are not accepted during their second attempt will not be allowed to reapply.

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive a Certificate of Completion students must: Maintain an acceptable level of progress throughout the program. Complete the required number of clinical hours. Complete the ARRT clinical experience requirements. ARRT requires a minimum of 25 exam types from a list of 53 for a total of 125 to be eligible to complete the ARRT post primary certification examination in CT. All clinical experience documentation must be completed and may be requested from ARRT if the student is audited. The education director will ensure that all competencies and forms are completed properly.

Student Pregnancy Policy

The student has the right to not declare pregnancy and remain in the program with no modification option.

Due to the potential danger to an unborn fetus, especially during the first trimester, the student is encouraged to inform the Technology Administrator, Program Director or any other member of the CT program if they expect a pregnancy. If the student declares a pregnancy, plans for program continuation and completion must be made. A description of the details of the Pregnancy Policy can be found in the Student Handbook.

Radiation Monitoring/Protection

Working with ionizing radiation and radioactive materials requires the student to wear a personnel dosimeter that measures the amount of occupational exposure received. Dosimeter service is supplied by the facility and students are required to wear dosimeters during their clinical education experiences. A radiation safety officer will monitor the student's exposure levels. Students will be counseled if safe levels are exceeded. Students are provided with the knowledge necessary to keep patient and occupational exposure at a minimum early in the program. Students are provided the use of syringe shields for protection from ionizing radiation during their training.

Dress Code

Students are always required to be neat and professional in appearance while in the CT department. A complete description of the dress code will be distributed upon acceptance.

Disciplinary Procedures

General Policy:

The program strives to provide for an effective education of all students. Under program policies, disciplinary actions and terminations are expected to be handled in a manner to achieve the least adverse effects for the student and program. The student handbook outlines the details of the program's disciplinary procedures.

Any student who is dismissed or involuntarily terminated waives the right to a tuition refund.