RA 101 - Lab/Clinical I

Credit Hours: 4

An orientation to the radiation departments of clinical affiliates. A clinical course designed to introduce students to basic radiotherapeutic procedures and equipment of radiation therapy. The student also is introduced to preparing treatment immobilization. The observation and clinical experiences of applying radiotherapy principles to patients under direct clinical supervision. Nursing procedures related to radiotherapy and basic radiation safety are also stressed.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

demonstrate the basic operation of the radiation treatment machine and bed;
demonstrate interpersonal communication skills including compassion, caring, and cultural awareness through verbal, nonverbal, and written communication;
assist the therapist in patient transport and treatment positioning;
prepare the treatment room post and pre;
identify and adhere to safety procedures for the patient, personnel, imaging equipment, and treatment equipment;
demonstrate comprehension of different imaging modalities/techniques and image matching following ALARA principles;
develop and accurately label radiographic films (x-rays if applicable);
provide basic patient care and assist in exam room procedures, patient follow-up, patient educational procedures for the radiotherapy patient; and
identify clinical areas to improve and implement strategies to correct.

Corequisites: RA 100
F (C)

Two (2) eight-hour days per week; clinical rotations for 15 weeks. The first six (6) weeks will be conducted in the department’s lab, the remaining nine (9) will be held at affiliate sites.