FUNDAMENTALS OF HEALTHCARE
Class details...
An introduction to the essential concepts of healthcare with a focus on the role of the limited diagnostic radiology technician. Topics include the structure of the U.S. healthcare system, roles and responsibilities of the healthcare team, imaging workflows, information management, medical ethics, legal responsibilities, cultural competence, and career pathways. Emphasis is placed on professionalism and the importance of inter-professional collaboration.
Class Modules...
1. Introduction to Healthcare & Radiologic Technology
- Overview of the healthcare system and imaging departments
- Roles and responsibilities of the healthcare team
- Role of the limited radiologic technologist in patient care
- History and development of radiologic technology
- Types of imaging modalities (X-ray, CT, MRI, etc.)
- Workflow in a diagnostic imaging department
- Orders, scheduling, and image archiving (PACS)
- Interdisciplinary collaboration (radiologists, nurses, techs)
- Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Documentation and charting
- Importance of data accuracy and confidentiality
4. Medical Ethics and Legal Responsibilities
- Scope of practice for radiologic technologists
- Ethical principles and dilemmas in imaging
- Informed consent in radiologic procedures
- Legal documentation and reporting errors
- Legal responsibilities of healthcare workers
- HIPAA and patient privacy
- Medical ethics and professional conduct
5. Cultural Competence.
- Caring for patients across diverse cultural and social backgrounds
- Addressing language barriers (interpreters, visual aids)
- Patient rights & advocacy in diagnostic imaging
6. Professional Development & Certification
- Professional organizations (ASRT, ARRT)
- Career pathways within radiologic technology, ARRT certification and Continuing education
By the end of the course, students will understand how limited radiology technicians contribute to patient care and healthcare delivery while maintaining compliance with ethical and regulatory standards.