Overview
Note: To qualify for this course of study, students must already be certified as a radiologic technologist with the State of California.
The imaging program at Folsom Lake College prepares students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists’ (ARRT) certifications in computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and vascular interventional radiography (VIR). The role of the CT, MRI, or VIR technologist is to perform the technical aspect of routine and complex procedures in the field of radiology that are involved in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.
Students will have an opportunity to participate in lectures, simulation training, as well as actual clinical site rotations that are consistent with recommended curriculum material established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be able to operate CT, MRI, or VIR equipment and perform technical aspects of procedures consistent with protocols in a proficient manner.
Apply for Imaging
- Certified CT Technologist
- Certified MRI Technologist
- Certified VIR Technologist
- Hands-on training in simulation labs
- Clinical site rotations
- Over 375 hours of patient contact experience in a clinical setting
Program Maps
Certificates
Certificates of Achievement
Computed Tomography Certificate
For certified Radiologic Technologists, there are a number of advanced forms of imaging that may be pursued. This program is designed for Computed Tomography, commonly called "CT." Successful completion of the program should indicate successful preparation for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's CT certification. Students must apply and be accepted into the program. Liability insurance must be purchased by the student as well as the HIPAA training during the program orientation.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
IMAGE 320 |
Computed Tomography I |
1.5 |
IMAGE 321 |
Computed Tomography II |
3 |
IMAGE 330 |
Computed Tomography Lab I |
0.5 |
IMAGE 331 |
Computed Tomography Lab II |
7 |
Total Units: |
|
12 |
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Complete the application process for enrollment in the CT program.
- Fulfill all requirements set forth by the Advanced Imaging Modalities Student Guidelines including but not limited to background clearance, physical examination, immunization clearance and drug screening.
- Evidence of current certification as a radiologic technologist in the state of California.
- Students must purchase liability insurance and HIPAA training.
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Please contact the chair of Allied Health at Folsom Lake College for information regarding the application process to the Computed Tomography program. (530)-642-5639
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- provide a complete portfolio of technically proficient CT repetitions to satisfy the ARRT clinical experience requirements.
- exhibit professional and committed delivery of excellent health care.
- use a CT scanner properly while demonstrating proper safety procedures before, during, and after a scan.
- successfully take the ARRT exam in Computed Tomography.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Certificate
For certified Radiologic Technologists, there are a number of advanced forms of imaging that may be pursued. This certificate is designed for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, commonly called "MRI." This program will prepare the student for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist's MRI certification. Students must apply and be accepted into the program. Liability insurance must be purchased by the student as well as the HIPAA training during the program orientation.
Catalog Date: January 1, 2025
Course Code |
Course Title |
Units |
IMAGE 340 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging I |
1.5 |
IMAGE 341 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging II |
3 |
IMAGE 350 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab I |
0.5 |
IMAGE 351 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab II |
7 |
Total Units: |
|
12 |
To be eligible for enrollment in the program, the student must meet the following criteria:
- Complete the application process for enrollment in the MRI program.
- Fulfill all requirements outlined in the Advanced Imaging Modalities Student Guidelines including but not limited to background clearance, physical examination, immunization clearance and drug screening.
- Evidence of current certification as a radiologic technologist in the state of California.
- Students must purchase liability insurance and HIPAA training.
Eligible students are selected for the program according to the following steps:
- Please contact the chair of Allied Health at Folsom Lake College for information regarding the application process to the Computed Tomography program. (530)-642-5639
Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- provide a complete portfolio of technically proficient MRI repetitions to satisfy the ARRT clinical experience requirements.
- demonstrate competence in the seven mandatory general patient care activities, eight MRI safety requirements, and seven quality control tests.
- exhibit professional and committed delivery of excellent health care.
- pass the ARRT exam in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Imaging (IMAGE) Courses
IMAGE 320 Computed Tomography I
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:* Acceptance into the CT program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This is the introductory course to the Computed Tomography (CT) Program. Content will include an overview of the entire program, hardware and system operation, some study into the history and appearance of CT images, safety, and overview of cross sectional anatomy, and an overview of the requirements for the CT Certification Exam.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the key content and the historical progression of the Computed Tomography program.
- demonstrate cross-sectional anatomy knowledge necessary to execute technically proficient scans.
- enumerate the safety concerns and basic protocols of the CT technologist in order to enter a live scanning environment.
- demonstrate the communication protocols for successful patient interaction prior to and following the CT scan.
IMAGE 321 Computed Tomography II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:IMAGE 320 and 330 with grades of "C" or better
- Corequisite:Students will take IMAGE 321 (lecture) and IMAGE 331 (clinical internship lab) simultaneously.
- Enrollment Limitation:* Acceptance into the Computed Tomography Program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This lecture course will emphasize review of actual Computed Tomography (CT) case studies that have been rendered identity neutral. Reading scans as well as continued training in safety and protocols for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist will be emphasized. Additionally, there will be an overview of the ARRT standards and requirements for the CT certification exam. This course will be taken in conjunction with IMAGE 331.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- clearly demonstrate the knowledge of the key operating components of the Computed Tomography scanner and their purpose in the scanning process.
- demonstrate patient handling and safety protocols in the Computed Tomography scanning environment.
- identify the primary intravenous procedures and contrast agents.
- list the common Computed Tomography artifacts and their typical causes.
IMAGE 330 Computed Tomography Lab I
- Units:0.5
- Hours:27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:* Acceptance into the CT program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
The ARRT Computed Tomography Technologist (CT) simulation training is a technique for practicing and learning all aspects of performing ARRT CT procedures. Students will use a variety of methods and simulations to become proficient enough to enter the live CT environment.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate basic operations of CT equipment to a satisfactory level.
- explain the standard protocols and safety procedures for before, during, and after a CT scan.
- list some of the key factors involved with performing a CT scan: patient handling and safety, CT image formation and processing, CT image quality, CT artifacts, and intravenous procedures.
IMAGE 331 Computed Tomography Lab II
- Units:7
- Hours:378 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:IMAGE 320 and 330 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:* Acceptance into the CT program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This lab course will take place in an actual CT scanning environment off campus. Students will build their portfolio of a minimum of 125 scan repetitions covering at least 25 of the 59 possible procedures. This course may be taken in conjunction with IMAGE 321.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- complete a portfolio of CT scans sufficient to meet ARRT repetition requirements and demonstrate technical proficiency to meet ARRT standards.
- demonstrate professionalism and observance of safety regulations in all interactions with patients and staff.
- demonstrate proper scanning techniques so as to avoid most common artifacts.
IMAGE 340 Magnetic Resonance Imaging I
- Units:1.5
- Hours:27 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This course will introduce the student to the key aspects of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The fundamental components of the scanner, safety concerns, and basic concepts of the imaging process and cross-sectional anatomy will be introduced. Students will also be provided with basic protocols of an MR scan as well as given information regarding the common types of scans.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify the key hardware components of the MR scanner.
- state the key safety concerns as well as safety protocols that must be followed before, during, and after an MR scan.
- list key advanced techniques that will be practiced in the clinical setting.
- list the considerations for scans done on a variety of different regions of the anatomy including head, extremities, thorax, abdomen, and spine.
IMAGE 341 Magnetic Resonance Imaging II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:IMAGE 340 and 350 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This lecture course will emphasize review of MR instrumentation, principles, pulse sequences, image acquisition, imaging parameters, MRI safety, and review of actual MRI scans. Training in safety and protocols for the ARRT technologist will be also be emphasized. Additionally, there will be an overview of the ARRT standards and requirements for the MRI certification exam.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the key operating components of the Magnetic Resonance scanner and their purpose in the scanning process.
- explain the basic principles which govern magnetic resonance imaging.
- identify the primary intravenous procedures and contrast agents.
- list the common MRI artifacts and their typical causes.
IMAGE 350 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab I
- Units:0.5
- Hours:27 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:None.
- Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
The ARRT Magnetic Resonance Technologist simulation training is a technique for practicing and learning all aspects of performing ARRT Magnetic Resonance Imaging procedures. Students will use actual MRI equipment in order to become proficient enough to enter the live MRI environment.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate basic operations of MRI equipment to a satisfactory level.
- explain the standard protocols and safety procedures for before, during, and after an MRI scan.
- list some of the key factors involved with performing a MRI scan: patient handling and safety, MRI image formation and processing, MRI image quality, MRI artifacts, and intravenous procedures.
IMAGE 351 Magnetic Resonance Imaging Lab II
- Units:7
- Hours:378 hours LAB
- Prerequisite:IMAGE 340 and 350 with grades of "C" or better
- Enrollment Limitation:Acceptance into the Magnetic Resonance Imaging program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This laboratory course is the primary clinical experience for the MRI program. The clinical experience requirements are established by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). As part of the educational program, students must build their portfolio to a minimum of 125 scan repetitions covering at least 25 of the 53 possible procedures. Required procedures are detailed in the ARRT MRI post-primary certification manual.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- complete a portfolio of MRI scans sufficient to meet ARRT repetition requirements and demonstrate technical proficiency to meet ARRT standards.
- demonstrate professionalism and observance of safety regulations in all interactions with patients and staff.
- demonstrate proper scanning techniques so as to avoid most common artifacts.
IMAGE 361 Vascular-Interventional Radiography II
- Units:3
- Hours:54 hours LEC
- Prerequisite:None.
- Corequisite:Students will take IMAGE 361 (lecture) and IMAGE 371 (clinical lab experience) at the same time.
- Enrollment Limitation:*Acceptance into the Vascular-Interventional Radiography program.
- Transferable:CSU
- Catalog Date:January 1, 2025
This lecture course will emphasize review of actual Vascular-Interventional Radiography cases that have been rendered identity neutral. Reading scans as well as continued training in safety and protocols for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) will be emphasized. Additionally, there will be an overview of the ARRT standards and requirements for the IR certification exam. This course will be taken in conjunction with IMAGE 371.
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- clearly demonstrate the knowledge of the key equipment and instrumentation of vascular-interventional radiography and their purpose in the scanning process.
- demonstrate patient handling and safety protocols in the IR scanning environment.
- list the common IR procedures and can discuss the indications, contraindications, and complications that may arise from these procedures.