Northcentral Technical College

Course Number: 10-526-148 Course Title: Computed Tomography Procedures

and Protocols
Syllabus
Instructor and Class Information
Instructor Name

Heidi Nichols

Email

Nichols@ntc.edu

Phone

715-803-1421 office

Office Location

Northcentral Technical College

Instructor Office Hours

Please email me to set up a time.

Instructor Information
Please feel free to email or phone me using the contact information provided. I will respond to
your message within 48 hours or 2 class days. When leaving a phone message, please speak
slowly, include your name, course, return number and reason for calling. All emails should
include your full name, course name and a detailed, professional message.
Start Date

January 25, 2016

End Date

May 20, 2016

Meeting Location

Blackboard

Course Information
Course Number: 10-526-148
Course Title: Computed Tomography Procedures and Protocols
Course Description: Study the components of CT procedures including patient preparation,
patient assessment, patient monitoring, IV procedures and contrast agents. Learners will also
explore imaging protocols involving neuro, body, and musculoskeletal system. This course can
be taken as part of an advanced certificate. This course meets the ARRT structured educational
requirement for Patient Care and Procedures.
Total Credits: 3.00
Total Hours: 54.00
Type of Instruction: Lecture
Mode of Delivery: Virtual College
Pre/Corequisites: Cross-sectional Anatomy 10-526-147

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Textbooks
Daniel N. DeMaio. Mosby's Exam Review for Computed Tomography. Saunders. 2011. Edition: 2nd
Edition. Pages: ISBN: 978-0323065900. Required
Euclid Seeram. Computed Tomography Physical Principles, Clinical Applications, and Quality
Control. Elsevier. 2016. Edition: 4th Edition. Pages: 487. ISBN: 978-0-323-31288-2.
Required for Physics (202) and Pathology (201)
Additional resources
Willi A. Kalender. Computed Tomography Fundamentals, System Technology, Image Quality,
Applications. Publicis. Edition: 3rd Edition. Pages ISBN: 3-89578-317. Not Required.
W. Richard Webb, William E. Brandt, Nancy M. Major. Fundamentals of Body CT.
Elsevier. 2014. Edition: 4th Edition. Pages:. ISBN: 978-0323221467. Not Required.

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Soft Skills
Soft Skills are broad outcomes or skills that every graduate of an NTC program is expected to achieve.
These skills go beyond the context of a specific course or program and are the skills employers tell us
they expect employees to have. For you to meet these demands, NTC has identified seven Soft Skills
that are important to every area of learning. These Soft Skills are: Communicate Effectively, Act
Responsibly, Work Productively, Work Cooperatively, Demonstrate Integrity, Think Critically and
Creatively and Develop Global Awareness. The Soft Skills that will be a focus in this course are:
*Use the following list to identify the Soft Skills for this course.
Communicate Effectively
Work Cooperatively
Develop Global Awareness

Act Responsibly
Demonstrate Integrity

Work Productively
Think Critically and Creatively

General Education Outcomes

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Apply appropriate skills and concepts to solve real world problems

Demonstrate comprehension of relevant terminology and/or principles through effective
audience-focused communication
Demonstrate effective use of technology in an academic context
Evaluate the credibility of source information and accurately cite resources
Recognize, understand and respect the complexity of diversity
Understand and apply basic research methods including research design, data collection,
and/or interpretation

Program Outcomes
In this course you will develop knowledge and skills in support of the following Program Outcomes:

Course Competencies

1.

Summarize the patient assessment and preparation for a Computed Tomography (CT) exam.
Cognitive
WIP
Domai
Status
n
Assessment Strategies
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.

completing open-book exams

completing video assessments
performing self- assessment

Criteria

Your performance will be successful when:

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1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
1.4.
1.5.
1.6.
1.7.
1.8.
1.9.
1.10.
1.11.

You explain the importance of obtaining a thorough patient clinical history.

You identify the indicated CT procedure for specific anatomical structures, patient symptoms or pathology
through a clinical history.
You specify the patient preparation required for each procedure.
You correctly explain the importance of obtaining a current list of patient medications.
You accurately describe the proper procedures for patient screening.
You correctly identify immobilization devices.
You correctly explain patient preparation prior to the scan from both a physical and educational
standpoint.
You explain the need for patient consent correctly.
You accurately list standard lab values.
You accurately identify four monitoring methods.
You correctly list medications and dosage obtained during clinical history.

Learning Objectives
1.a.
1.b.
1.c.
1.d.
1.e.
1.f.
1.g.
1.h.
1.i.
1.j.
1.k.

2.

Explain the importance of obtaining a thorough patient clinical history.

Identify the indicated CT procedure for specific anatomical structures, patient symptoms or pathology
through a clinical history.
Specify the patient preparation required for each procedure.
Explain the importance of obtaining a current list of patient medications.
Accurately describe the proper procedures for patient screening.
Identify immobilization devices.
Explain patient preparation prior to the scan from both a physical and educational standpoint.
Explain the need for patient consent correctly.
Accurately list standard lab values.
Accurately identify four monitoring methods.
List medication and dosage obtained during clinical history

Assess the risks and benefits of the various types of contrast in a Computed Tomography (CT)
exam.
Cognitive
Evaluation
WIP
Domai
Level
Status
n
Assessment Strategies
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.

complete open book exams

complete video assessments
perform self-assessment

Criteria

Your performance will be successful when:

2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.
2.7.

You explain the different types of contrast agents for Computed Tomography (CT) exams correctly.
You determine if contrast media is indicated for a scan and name the type, dosage and route of
administration.
You determine if contrast media is contraindicated and explain why.
You correctly explain the various routes for administration of contrast in Computed Tomography (CT)
exams.
You accurately identify special conditions that may affect your choice of contrast.
You correctly explain the scan/prep delay (bolus timing and test bolus)
You correctly identify special contrast considerations.

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2.8.

You use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
2.a.
2.b.
2.c.
2.d.
2.e.
2.f.
2.g.
2.h.

3.

Explain the different types of contrast agents for Computed Tomography (CT) exams correctly.
Determine if contrast media is indicated for a scan and name the type, dosage and route of administration.
Determine if contrast media is contraindicated and explain why.
Explain the various routes for administration of contrast in Computed Tomography (CT) exams.
Identify special conditions that may affect your choice of contrast.
Explain the scan/prep delay (bolus timing and test bolus)
Identify special contrast considerations.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary

Analyze the administration routes, dosage and venipuncture selection for Computed
Tomography (CT) exams.
Cognitive
WIP
Domai
Status
n
Assessment Strategies
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.

Complete an open-book examination (60 minutes)

Discussion board posting: see rubric for grading (60 minutes)
Complete video assessments.
Perform Self- Assessment (30 minutes)

Criteria

Your performance will be successful when:

3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.

You can identify common sites for intravenous access.

You accurately compare aseptic and sterile techniques.
You correctly describe modifications necessary in standard protocols to account for weight and age
changes in patients.
You can summarize proper documentation for venipuncture site
You correctly explain how injection rates affect your choice of sites for intravenous injections.
You use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
3.a.
3.b.
3.c.
3.d.
3.e.
3.f.

4.

Identify common sites for intravenous access.

Compare aseptic and sterile techniques.
Describe modifications necessary in standard protocols to account for weight and age changes in
patients.
Summarize proper documentation for venipuncture site
Explain how injection rates affect your choice of sites for intravenous injections.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary.

Compare injection techniques associated with CT contrast injections.

WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
4.1.
4.2.
4.3.

Complete open-book written exams

Complete video assessments
Perform Self- Assessment (30 minutes)

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Criteria

Performance will meet expectations when:

4.1.
4.2.
4.3.
4.4.

You correctly compare the advantages and disadvantages between manual and automatic methods of
contrast injections.
You identify injection rates of typical exams.
You explain the different types of power injector options.
You use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
4.a.
4.b.
4.c.
4.d.

5.

Compare the advantages and disadvantages between manual and automatic methods of contrast
injections.
Identify injection rates of typical exams.
Explain the different types of power injector options.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary

Analyze post-procedure care and adverse reactions.

WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
5.1.

by completing a timed open-book written exam.

Criteria

Performance will meet expectations when:

5.1.
5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
5.6.
5.7.

You accurately list post procedural patient instructions for each exam.
You correctly identify contrast extravasation and determine what, if any, treatment is needed.
You explain the necessary documentation associated with contrast extravasation to be recorded in the
patient chart.
You correctly analyze how to recognize and assess adverse reactions.
You identify contrast reaction treatment options.
You explain the necessary documentation associated with contrast reactions to be recorded in the patient
chart.
You use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
5.a.
5.b.
5.c.
5.d.
5.e.

6.

List post procedural patient instructions for each exam.

Analyze how to recognize and assess adverse reactions.
Identify contrast reaction treatment options.
Explain the necessary documentation associated with contrast reactions to be recorded in the patient
chart.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary

Assess imaging procedures and protocols taking into account patient history and lab values for
neuro Computed Tomography (CT) exams.
WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
6.1.

by completing a timed open-book written exam.

Criteria

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Your performance will be successful when you:

6.1.
6.2.
6.3.
6.4.
6.5.
6.6.
6.7.

6.8.
6.9.
6.10.

You correctly identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patients history and pathology.
You analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
You determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol.
You analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
You correctly list the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for
adults and pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.
You accurately list the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
You correctly identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle,
technical factors, scan range, table incrementation and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each
procedure.
You correctly list accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure
protocol.
You accurately explain why different window width and levels are selected.
you use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
6.a.
6.b.
6.c.
6.d.
6.e.
6.f.
6.g.
6.h.
6.i.
6.j.

7.

Identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patient's history and pathology.
Analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
Determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol and patient variables.
Analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
List the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for adults and
pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.
List the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
Identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle, technical
factors, scan range, table increments and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each procedure.
List accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure protocol.
Explain why different window width and levels are selected.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary.

Assess imaging procedures and protocols taking into account patient history and lab values for
Body Computed Tomography (CT) exams.
WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
7.1.

by completing a timed open-book written exam.

Criteria

Performance will meet expectations when:

7.1.
7.2.
7.3.
7.4.
7.5.
7.6.
7.7.

You correctly identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patients history and pathology.
You use patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
You determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol.
You analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
You correctly list the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for
adults and pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.
You accurately list the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
You correctly identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle,
technical factors, scan range, table incrementation and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each
procedure.

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7.8.
7.9.
7.10.

You correctly list accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure
protocol.
You accurately explain why different window width and levels are selected.
you use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
7.a.
7.b.
7.c.
7.d.
7.e.
7.f.
7.g.
7.h.
7.i.
7.j.

8.

Identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patient's history and pathology.
Analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
Determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol and patient variables.
Analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
List the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for adults and
pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.
List the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
Identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle, technical
factors, scan range, table increments and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each procedure.
List accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure protocol.
Explain why different window width and levels are selected.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary.

Assess imaging procedures and protocols taking into account patient history and lab values for
musculoskeletal Computed Tomography (CT) exams.
WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
8.1.

by completing a timed open-book written exam.

Criteria

Performance will meet expectations when:

8.1.
8.2.
8.3.
8.4.
8.5.
8.6.
8.7.

8.8.
8.9.
8.10.

You correctly identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patients history and pathology.
You analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
You determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol.
You analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
You correctly list the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for
adults and pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.
You accurately list the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
You correctly identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle,
technical factors, scan range, table incrementation and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each
procedure.
You correctly list accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure
protocol.
You accurately explain why different window width and levels are selected.
you use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
8.a.
8.b.
8.c.
8.d.
8.e.

Identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patient's history and pathology.
Analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
Determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol and patient variables.
Analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
List the range, anatomical landmarks, patient orientation, position and technical factors for adults and
pediatric patients used to produce scout and scan images.

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8.f.
8.g.
8.h.
8.i.
8.j.

9.

List the information that should be noted on each scout and scan image.
Identify the scan field of view (SFOV), display field of view (DFOV), algorithm, gantry angle, technical
factors, scan range, table increments and slice thickness (z-axis) selection for each procedure.
List accurate window width (WW) and window level (WL) selections for each procedure protocol.
Explain why different window width and levels are selected
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary.

Assess imaging procedures and protocols taking into account patient history and lab values for
special procedure Computed Tomography (CT) exams.
WIP
Status
Assessment Strategies
9.1.

by completing a timed open-book written exam.

Criteria

Your performance will be successful when you:

9.1.
9.2.
9.3.
9.4.
9.5.
9.6.
9.7.

You correctly identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patients history and pathology.
You analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
You determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol.
You analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
You correctly explain the age-specific considerations necessary when performing special procedures.
You describe appropriate procedures for management of various types of trauma situations.
You use pertinent terms and vocabulary correctly.

Learning Objectives
9.a.
9.b.
9.c.
9.d.
9.e.
9.f.
9.g.

Identify the appropriate area to scan based upon the patient's history and pathology.
Analyze patient history and lab values to determine the need for a change in the protocol.
Determine the proper scan parameters based upon the selected protocol and patient variables.
Analyze the scanned images to determine the need for additional or repeated images.
Explain the age-specific considerations necessary when performing special procedures.
Describe appropriate procedures for management of various types of trauma situations.
Define pertinent terms and vocabulary.

Course Grading Information

Evaluation of student learning is based on achievement of the stated objectives. They are broken down
as follows:
Assignments, Tests, Discussion boards 99%
Self-Assessment / Reflections
1%
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All learning plan assessments and activities must be completed to pass the course!

Letter
grade

% or Points needed to achieve grade

*All competencies must be met to earn a C or above

A
AB+
B
BC+
C
D
F

(97 100%) and has met all course competencies

(93-96%) and has met all course competencies
(91-92%) and has met all course competencies
(88-90%) and has met all course competencies
(86-87%) and has met all course competencies
(83-85%) and has met all course competencies
(80-82%) and has met all course competencies
(75-79%) and/or has not met all course competencies
(Below 75%) and has not met all course competencies

Letter grades on chart represent NTC's grading scale. *Please note there are no C-, D+ or D- grades.
Assessment Information
Final course grades can be viewed by going to www.ntc.edu, clicking on "myNTC" and following the
instructions listed. For more information on grading and academic procedures please review the NTC
Policies and Guidelines on this syllabus.
This course is a performance-based course, designed for your success. Learning plans will be studied
over the course of the semester. Each learning plan will have assessment activities or Performance
Assessment Tasks (PATs) which will evaluate your performance of the course competencies. Your
grade will be based on you being able to demonstrate all course competencies.
In this course your performance will be assessed in the following methods:
*Include a list and description of items or categories which contribute to the student's overall grade.
(for example: participation, PATs, tests/quizzes or daily assignments) Include % values for weighted
grades or point value ranges per category for the total points method.
*Include information about PATs for the course. Include a statement regarding what happens if the
student doesn't meet the PAT/assessment expectations.
*Include a statement indicating what students can expect from YOU regarding turn-around time for
grading assignments/tests. Include your expectations of them about when assignments are due
(especially online).
Technical Skills Attainment
In addition to assessing each course competency, your instructors will assess your ability to
demonstrate each program outcome. This assessment, called Technical Skill Attainment (TSA), is
important because it objectively measures your ability to meet industry-recognized skills. When you
complete the TSA for your program, you will demonstrate what you know and can do. You can then
share this information with prospective employers. Your instructors will tell you how and when your
program TSA will be done.
Attendance and Participation

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Consistent attendance and participation in this course is essential for your success. Demonstrating
these behaviors will help you meet NTC's Soft Skills and will help prepare you for future employment.
As your instructor, I will make reasonable allowances for personal illness, legitimate absences which
accommodate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and absences for sincerely held religious
beliefs. Whenever possible, please contact me prior to an absence to make arrangements for missed
course work. Unexcused or excessive absences, however, will have a negative impact on your
success in this course.
No Show/Drop/Cease to Attend: Students who do not attend the first session of class or who do not
complete the first assignment in Blackboard by the deadline will be considered a "No Show" and will be
removed from the course. Please note students who are considered a "No Show" are still responsible
for the course tuition and fees. If you wish to drop this course once it is underway, you may withdraw
within the first 80% of the course. Please follow the information under the NTC Student Guidelines and
Procedures (website is listed below) to officially withdraw from the course or to view course
refund/withdrawal policies. If you cease to attend and do not officially withdraw from this course
before it is 80% complete you may receive an F for this course.)
Online Attendance
To demonstrate consistent online attendance and participation, you should plan to log on and actively
participate in the course at least 3-5 times each week. Examples of appropriate responses would be an
entry into the threaded discussion, submission of an assignment, or participation in group work.
(Though you are welcome to participate in the CyberCafe as frequently as you would like, this does not
qualify as "attending and participating" in the course.)
Online - Learner Role and Responsibilities
You are an adult learner and as such are responsible for your own learning. No one else can be a
"stand in" for you in the learning process. You will be held accountable for all assigned activities. You
matter and what you do does make a difference. You will have an opportunity to share your unique
ideas and experiences with your student peers and myself. The form and content of your participation
will determine the level of achievement, satisfaction, and enjoyment that you experience. Because
others are depending on you to keep the course moving, you have an obligation to meet deadlines for
completing assignments and postings. As an online learner, you also have an obligation to follow
guidelines of Netiquette. Please refer to a complete description of Netiquette guidelines as found in the
Student Resource area of Blackboard.

Virtual College
In order to succeed in a Virtual College course, you need to have the required level of computer skills,
motivation and a commitment to learn and work on your own. This means that it is very important that
you are independently organized, responsible, have the ability to troubleshoot and understand how to
ask for help when needed. While this course has flexible assignment deadlines, you must begin your
course and complete the Plan for Completion assignment within the first week of your
designated start date. Failure to complete this academic assignment within the first week of your
designated start date will result in a No Show grade being assigned. Refer to the above Attendance
and Participation section on this syllabus for further details.
To complete this course by the end of the semester, you are strongly encouraged to complete
assignments each week. This will help you stay on track and be successful. If you run into issues
during the semester, please contact me or your designated Virtual College advisor as soon as possible
to help you work out a plan to ensure course completion.
NTC Student Guidelines and Procedures
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Please review all of the NTC student guidelines and procedures found at this website:
http://www.ntc.edu/current-students/guidelines-procedures
Student Academic Procedures:
Academic Achievement
Academic Appeal
Academic Probation
Academic Retake
Add/Drop a Class
Apply for Graduation
Auditing a Course
Changing Career Programs
Student Behavior Guidelines:
Academic Honesty
Children on Campus
Computer Use Policy
Discrimination and Harassment
Drugs and Alcohol

Credit for Prior Learning

Exceptions/Overrides
Grades
Grading System
Graduation Requirements
Refunds
Transcripts

Safety and Security

Student Code of Conduct
Student Due Process
Tobacco-Free Campus

General Information:
Academic Calendar
Authorization to Release Form
College Accreditation
Emergency School Closing
Equal Opportunity
Field Trip/Student Club Travel
Privacy & Access to Student Records
(FERPA)
Privacy: Release of Student Information
to Other Colleges

Public Assembly
Refunds
Religious Accommodations for Students
Service Animals
Student Accident Insurance
Student Bill of Rights
Student Catalog
Student Handbook
Student Printing Procedure
Veteran Benefits

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Academic Support
Please visit the following sites to learn more about these services.
Academic Support: http://www.ntc.edu/current-students/academic-resource-center
College Prep: http://www.ntc.edu/future-students/college-prep-center
Academic Accommodations
NTC is committed to providing reasonable accommodations that allow students with disabilities to fully
participate in the technical college environment. If you are a student with a documented disability and
believe you could benefit from academic accommodations, please contact Disability Services at
715.803.1469 or visit our website http://www.ntc.edu/disability-services.
NTC Student E-Mail
Email is NTCs official communication tool with students. Please check your NTC email often. All
college and course communication will be through NTC student email and Blackboard. Please use
professional communication at all times.
Help Desk Information
NTC has a Help Desk to provide technical support. Requests for help may include login and password
problems, course software use, software technical problems, and browser questions. If you have
questions or need assistance when you are working on your course, you can contact the NTC Student
Help Desk by calling 715-803-1160 or 1-888-682-7144 ext. 1160. You can also submit a help ticket
online at http://www.ntc.edu/helpdesk. Please provide the following information: name of course, your
student ID number, what you were trying to do, any error messages you may have received, and how to
contact you.
Course Revisions
In this syllabus, I have provided course information and a tentative schedule to guide your learning. I
do, however, reserve the right to revise this information so that I may offer you the most current content
and effective educational experiences. I will communicate any syllabus or schedule changes to you in a
timely manner to support your success in this course.