Avila University
<< Back  Next >>
Undergraduate Catalog 2004 - 2005                       
Radiologic Science (RT)
The candidate for the Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Science will complete requirements that lead to certification in Radiography.
The Radiography Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Persons who have completed or are currently enrolled in Radiologic Science Programs elsewhere are eligible for admission to the upward mobility program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Science. Formal acceptance into the upward mobility program will not be given until the student has successfully passed the Registry exam given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The student must then submit evidence of completion by official notification from the A.R.R.T. to the university Registration and Student Records Office.
The mission of the Radiography program is to graduate students who possess entry-level skills for employment in a Radiology department.
Radiologic Science Goals:
The goals of the Avila University Radiologic Science program are:
1. Provide the knowledge base, skills, and professional values necessary for students to achieve the required competencies and effective communication skills for working in the field of radiology.
2. Assist students in developing the skills necessary to provide quality care for patients in an environment  that respects the dignity, worth, and diversity of each individual.
3. Provide resources that will promote the development of skills to enable students to master their individual educational plans and introduce the concept of life-long learning.
4. Promote the development and use of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in the areas of radiology that may be used in life settings.
Radiologic Science Outcomes
Avila University Radiologic Science Program will graduate students who have:
1. Mastered the required competencies, effective communication skills, and professional values for success in working in the field of radiology.
2. Developed the skills necessary to provide quality care for patients in an environment that respects the dignity, worth, and diversity of each individual.
3. Mastered their individual educational plans and received in introduction to life-long leaning.
4. Developed and demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills applicable to the field of radiology and beyond.
Radiography Program
Avila University and numerous Greater Kansas City area hospitals, cooperatively offer a four-year integrated radiography program. Those who have been accepted into the major and have met requirements for the clinical portion of the program will begin the major during the spring semester of their sophomore year.
Admission of Generic Students to the Radiography Program
1. Receive acceptance into Avila University by the Admissions Office.
2. Have an interview with the Radiography Program Director.
Admission of Generic Students to the Clinical Portion of the Radiography Program
1. The student will first apply and receive acceptance to the university for general admission.
2. A student who begins Avila University as a first-time, first-year student is given priority over transfer students for admission to the clinical portion of the major.
3. A transfer student will not be considered for admission into the Radiography major, unless they are enrolled at Avila during the semester prior to the beginning of the major. The major courses begin each January.
4. Complete at least 36 hours of college credit including the following prerequisites (must earn at least a “C” in all prerequisite courses):
 a. BI 111
 b. BI 220
 c. PH 117
 d. HE 124
 e. MA 120
 f. CH 115 or 131
5. If there are more than twenty-four students that have applied for the radiography major (in any one year) then the top twenty-four students will be selected based upon a review of college grade point average.
6. A candidate for the clinical portion of the Radiography program must meet the following criteria:
• cumulative minimum college G.P.A. of 2.5
• a “C” or above is required for all courses in the major
• any course may be repeated only once
• completion of all prerequisites and sophomore standing
• completion of visits to the clinical sites in the program
• interview with the program faculty
7. Complete health history, mandatory drug screening, physical examination with required immunizations and technical standards form. Students must also complete any requirements that the clinical sites have established for students. All students must have health insurance.
Admission of Registered Radiographers to the Upward Mobility Program
1. Receive acceptance into Avila University by the Admissions Office.
2. Evidence of Certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
3. A student in the upward mobility program is limited to taking only 9 credit hours before evidence of certification by the A.R.R.T. is required. The student may not continue in the program unless they are registered technologists.
The candidate for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Science (radiography track) must meet all requirements listed below:
1. Completion of academic work with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
2. Completion of the general degree requirements as stated under the academic policies and procedures.
3. Maintain a “C” or above in all Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Allied Health and Radiologic Science courses. These courses may be repeated only once to obtain the minimum grade of “C”.
4. The following courses in the Radiologic Science major must be completed:
 Natural Sciences, Computers, and Mathematics
 Biology: BI 111, 220, 325 (13)
 Chemistry: CH 115 or 131 (4)
 Computer Science: CS 110 (3)
 Mathematics: MA 115 or 120 (3)
 Physics: PH 117 (4)
 HE 124 (2).
 Radiologic Science
 (Radiography)
 RT 451*, 452*, 453*, 454**, 455**, 456, 457**, 458**, 459, 460*, 461*, 462*, 463*, 464*, 465*, 466*, 467*, 469, 488*, 499 and 8 hours of course work approved by the student’s advisor.
 N.B.
 Registered Radiographers receive credit for all of the starred (*) courses totaling 46 hours. Courses that are (**) may be challenged through examinations.
 Upon satisfactory completion of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination in Nuclear Medicine; or Radiation Therapy, 13 credit hours will be awarded in lieu of** courses required for the BSRT degree. Upon satisfactory completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Registry in Physics and one other section (i.e. Abdomen, OB/GYN, Vascular, Neurosonography or Echocardiography) 12 credit hours will be awarded in lieu of** courses.
Upon satisfactory completion of the ARRT exam in MRI, CT, or CVT the student may take in place of RT 456 Radiologic Science III and RT 469 Cross-Sectional Anatomy, five credit hours or more in upper division course work (>310) as approved by the advisor.
5. Computer competency will be demonstrated by successful completion of CS 110 or equivalent.
6. Radiologic Science majors may also earn minors in several different areas. The student should consult the catalog for additional information.
RADIOLOGIC SCIENCE COURSES (RT)
RT 451. Introduction to Radiologic
Science. (3)
An overview of the radiologic technology profession, its history, and the criteria for success in the profession. Basic introduction to the effects of radiation, radiation monitoring and protection for personnel and patients, and radiographic imaging. Study of patient assessment and basic nursing skills necessary to provide for patients’ physical and emotional needs, including safety procedures used during radiographic examinations. Three hours lecture per week. Prerequisite: acceptance to major. II.
RT 452. Radiographic Procedures I. (4)
Introduction to radiographic procedures, basic terminology, topographical landmarks, and examinations of the chest, abdomen, and extremities are studied. Correlation of theory and practical application in the laboratory. Three hours lecture, one hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 220, with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 453. Radiographic Procedures II. (4)
Review of anatomy and terminology pertinent to the digestive, urinary and biliary systems, and the study of procedures, positioning and contrast media used in radiographic examinations of these systems. Introduction to tomography is included. Correlation of theory and practical application in the laboratory. Three hours of lecture and laboratory per week. Prerequisites: BI 220. II.
RT 454. Radiologic Science I. (3)
Fundamentals of x-ray production, properties of x-ray tubes and circuits, mechanics of interaction with matter and an introduction to radiographic quality. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: MA 115 or 120, CH 115 or 131, PH 117 or 231 and 232. II.
RT 455. Radiologic Science II. (3)
Advanced study of factors and conditions influencing radiographic quality and concepts and analysis of imaging systems. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: RT 454 with a minimum grade of “C”. I.
RT 456. Radiologic Science III. (2)
Advanced study of the various image modalities including CT and MRI. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: RT 455 with a minimum grade of “C”. I.
RT 457. Radiographic Procedures III. (4)
Review of anatomy and terminology pertinent to the skeletal system. Radiographic positioning of the spine and skull. Correlation of theory and practical application in the laboratory. Three lecture hours and one hour of laboratory per week. Prerequisites: RT 452 and 453 with a minimum grade of “C”. I.
RT 458. Radiographic Procedures IV. (3)
Review of anatomy and terminology pertinent to the respiratory, vascular, reproductive mammography, and neurological systems, including the procedures, positioning and contrast media used for radiographic examination of these systems. Two hours lecture per week. Prerequisites: RT 457 and 464 with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 459. Radiation Biology and
Protection. (3)
Study of the interactions of radiation with matter, biological effects of ionizing radiation, quantities and units, radiation protection of patient and health care personnel; exposure guidelines and monitoring. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BI 220 or consent of Radiologic Science Program Director. II.
RT 460. Clinical Education I. (5)
A clinical course focusing on policies, procedures and functions of the radiology clinical setting. With direct supervision, the student will develop clinical skills through observation and assistance in routine general radiographic studies. Eight weeks up to 32 hours per week at the clinical site. Prerequisites: See Admission of Generic Students to Clinical portion of Radiography Program. Concurrently with RT 451, 452, 453 and 454. S.
RT 461. Clinical Education II. (5)
A clinical course with emphasis on supervised application and evaluation of procedures in routine general radiographic studies and fluoroscopic and genitourinary procedures. Students will assist in these areas as directed by the supervising technologists. 16 weeks up to 32 hours per week at the clinical site. Prerequisites: RT 451, 452, 453, 454 with a minimum grade of “C”. I.
RT 462. Clinical Education III. (5)
A clinical course with emphasis on supervised application and evaluation of procedures using contrast media, basic mobile radiography, tomography and continued supervised practice in application and evaluation of procedures in general radiographic studies. 16 weeks up to 32 hours per week. Prerequisite: RT 461 with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 463. Clinical Education IV. (5)
A clinical course with emphasis on supervised application and evaluation of procedures involving the skeletal system, advanced mobile radiography, trauma radiography and continued practice with limited supervisions in application and evaluation of procedures in general radiography, basic mobile radiography and routine procedures using contrast media. 8 weeks up to 32 hours per week. Prerequisites: RT 455, 457 and 462 with a minimum grade of “C”. S.
RT 464. Clinical Education V. (5)
Students will be assigned to early evening shifts with limited supervision for continued emphasis in application and evaluation of procedures involving all aspects of diagnostic radiography. Emphasis is on emergency radiography. 16 weeks up to 32 hours per week at the clinical site. Prerequisites: RT 456, 458 and 465 with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 465. Clinical Education VI. (5)
A clinical course emphasizing the development of expertise in all radiographic procedures with indirect supervision in proven competency areas and direct supervision in other areas. Observation and limited participation with direct supervision in supplementary imaging modalities. 16 weeks up to 32 hours per week. Prerequisites: RT 464. I.
RT 466. Radiologic Pathology. (2)
An examination of pathological conditions related to various radiologic procedures. Classification of trauma and systemic processes will be studied as they appear radiographically. One hour lecture per week. Prerequisite: RT 458 with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 467. Film Evaluation. (1)
Seminar course to evaluate all aspects of chest, abdomen, and extremities. Prerequisites: RT 452, 453, 460 and 461 with a minimum grade of “C”. II.
RT 469. Cross-Sectional Anatomy with Correlation of Image Modalities. (3)
Detailed study of cross-sectional anatomy of the head, chest and abdomen with correlation of computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Meets the Communication Intensive course requirement in the major. Prerequisite: BI 220 and RT 458 or consent of Program Director. I.
RT 480. Special Procedure Topics. (2)
An arranged course in which the student researches, evaluates and writes papers concerning topics in MRI, CT and Special Procedures. Prerequisites: Senior standing. I, II.
RT 485. Teaching Practicum in Radiologic Technology. (3)
The student will have actual experience in the radiologic science classroom setting. Assisted by the R.T. Program Director, the student will develop a course module, instruct in the classroom and evaluate results of instruction. Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of the Radiologic Science Program Director. I, II.
RT 486. Clinical Practicum. (3)
Advanced Clinical Special Procedures course with emphasis on development of expertise and skills in special procedures and supplementary imaging modalities with limited supervision. 15 weeks of 20 hours per week. Prerequisites: RT 465 and one year experience as a Registered Technologist. Concurrently with RT 480. I, II.
RT 488. Radiography Curriculum
Review. (2)
A comprehensive overview of all aspects of diagnostic radiology with emphasis on procedures, technique, radiation protection, positioning and radiographic anatomy. Open only to second semester seniors in Radiologic Science. II.
RT 490. Directed Studies in Radiology Management. (3)
To provide insight into the various aspects of departmental administration. The student will have assignments which will require interviewing various managers and physicians to get a better understanding of radiologic administration. Prerequisites: BU 321, 323 or consent of the Radiologic Science Program Director. I, II.
RT 492. Educational Administration in Radiologic Science. (3)
Seminar and independent study of the organization, accreditation, curriculum design and funding of educational programs for radiologic technologists. Students are required to read health education articles and summarize each, devise a radiography curriculum for a college program and write a narrative explaining the accreditation requirements for a radiography program. I, II.
RT 499. Senior Capstone Experience in Radiologic Science. (1)
The Senior Capstone Experience will include an exploration of the current climate in health career. This course will allow the student to focus on a specific issue or topic in health care that is of interest through a project. Meets the Capstone course requirement in the major. Prerequisite: senior standing. II.
Religious Studies (RS)
Religious Studies are central to the understanding of history, art, music, politics and many other fields. The Religious Studies degree is designed for and open to people from all religious backgrounds. Majors receive a broad-based, liberal arts program that prepares them for the work world or graduate education.
A significant percentage of Avila’s Religious Studies graduates continue their education by attending graduate school. Those who earn graduate degrees often plan a career as a Religious Studies scholar and professor. For those who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree, careers in religious education or ministry offer many options from which to choose.
Educational Outcomes:
1. Understand, appreciate and demonstrate knowledge concerning religious diversity in the United States.
2. Understand, appreciate and demonstrate knowledge of the basic theological ideas concerning at least three world religious traditions.
3. Understand, appreciate and demonstrate the ability to critically analyze religious ideas, theories, and systems of thought.
4. Understand, appreciate and demonstrate knowledge of the Judeo-Christian religious tradition.
5. Understand, appreciate and demonstrate knowledge of the processes of hermeneutics (interpretation) as they pertain to religious ideas.
6. Demonstrate an increased level of awareness and maturity in personal, social and spiritual development.
Major: Candidates of the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religious Studies must complete all the general degree requirements as stated in the university catalog. In addition, Religious Studies majors must complete CS 110, Understanding Computers.
The following Religious Studies courses (36 hours) must be completed for the major.
Core Courses (21 hours)
• RS 111-Introduction to Religious Studies. Core -II. (3 hours)
• RS 113-Introduction to (N.T.) Christian Scripture. Core-II. (3)
• RS 117-World Religion. Core-II. (3)
• RS/WS 225-Catholicism. Core-II. (3)
• RS 227-The Historical Jesus. Core-II. (3)
• RS 231-History of Christianity. Core-II. (3)
• RS 233-American Religious History. Core-II. (3)
Core Courses: Level III (9 hours)
• RS/IS 311-Peace Studies. Core-III. (3)
• RS/IS 317-History of the Church in Latin America. Core-III. (3)
• RS/WS/IS 319-Women, Religion and community in the U.S. Core-III. (3)
• RS/IS 326-Shaping the American Dream. Core-III. (3)
• RS/IS 343-The 3Rs: Race, Religion and Reform in American Education.
Specialized Courses (6 hours)
• RS 380-Special Topics. Elective.
• RS 480-Special Topics. Elective.
• RS 485-Practicum.
• RS 490-Directed Studies. Elective.
• RS 499-Senior Seminar.
Minor: Eighteen semester hours in Religious Studies to be chosen with the approval of the minor advisor.
RELIGIOUS STUDIES (RS)
RS/WS 111. Introduction to Religious Studies. (3)
Critical thinking about God, religion and the human endeavor. Since Christian Theology has been systematized by celibate ordained males from Europe, this course will also examine the reasons for this dominant perspective plus the ancient and current contributions of women to the Christian Theological tradition. No prerequisite. CORE-II. This course is often cross listed as a Women’s Studies course.
RS 113. Introduction to the New
Testament. (3)
Major themes of New Testament theology. Insights of various methods of Biblical criticism to draw out contemporary implications of New Testament theology. Communication-intensive course. CORE-II.
RS 115. Introduction to the Old
Testament. (3)
Major events in the history of ancient Israel and major themes of Old Testament theology. Insights of various methods of Biblical criticism to draw out contemporary implications of Old Testament theology.
RS 117. World Religions. (3)
Both a historical and a critical look at human religious experience through a study of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. Topics include the varieties of religious belief including those beliefs regarding ideas of the holy and sacred, scriptures, myths, symbols, rituals, and morality. CORE-II.
RS/PL 221. The Existence of God. (3)
Classical and contemporary arguments for establishing the existence of God. Contemporary concepts of God and other related issues such as evil and immortality.
RS/WS 225. Catholicism. (3)
This course explores the history and fundamental beliefs of Catholics on God, Christ, the Spirit, scripture, liturgy, the Sacraments and the Church. We will also examine contemporary trends and issues such as peace and justice, women, and ecumenism within the Catholic tradition. CORE-II. This course is often cross listed as a women’s studies course.
RS 227. The Historical Jesus. (3)
Christianity's image of Jesus, including the first Christian communities, the teachings of the early church councils, and contemporary insights. Insights offered by modern methods of scripture study. CORE-II.
RS 231. The History of Christianity. (3)
Origins and major events in the history of Christianity and its different cultural expressions throughout the world.
RS 233. American Religious History. (3)
Religion's role in forming U.S. culture and ideals. Survey of mainstream traditions, the particular experiences and contributions of African-Americans and Latinos as well as the unique influences of selected individuals and groups. CORE-II.
RS/IS 311. Peace Studies. (3)
This course provides an interdisciplinary (religious studies, communication, philosophy, sociology, history and economics) approach to achieving peace on a personal, local, national and international level. The focus is on developing practical strategies for creating peace and living peacefully. CORE-II and CORE-III.
RS/IS 317. History of the Church in Latin America. (3)
Explores the religious and political history of Latin America. This course will highlight church teachings and structures responding to the needs and demands of various social groups within the population. Attention to ways in which art, architecture, and literature have expressed ideologies. Prerequisite: one course in Religious Studies. CORE-II and CORE-III.
RS/WS/IS 319. Women, Religion and Community in the U.S. (3)
This course will examine women and religion and how the interaction of religious and gender ideology helped shape experiences and create women’s communities within a variety of religious traditions in the U.S. We will view religious experience through a multicultural lens which includes the perspectives of African-American, Native American, Jewish, Catholic and Protestant women and some women founders of American and international religious groups. CORE-II and CORE-III.
RS/WS 325. Women in Theological Perspective. (3)
Investigation of the history of women in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Exploration of rituals, scriptures, and social and cultural attitudes. Analysis of contemporary theological perspectives in light of the ancient teachings.
RS/IS 326. Shaping the American Dream. (3)
Interdisciplinary course which uses literature and religious studies to understand fundamental values which combine to form the culture of the U.S.; central themes are the Puritan Ideal, the Social Gospel Movement, and the diverse face of U.S. culture at the end of the second millennium. CORE-II and CORE-III.
RS 327. Liberation Theology. (3)
Twentieth-century theologies of liberation with emphasis on the contributions of Latin American, Asian, African-American, and African. Meets the Communication Intensive course requirement in the major.
RS/IS 343. The 3R’s: Race, Religion and Reform in American Education. (3)
This interdisciplinary course will encompass the disciplines of American religious history and education. The course will focus on ethnic and racial relations as they have interfaced with religious diversity and evolved in American education. Educational reform movements that have attempted to address these topics, as well as gender and class issues, will also be explored. CORE-III.
RS 373. Prayer. (1)
Nature and forms of prayer through study and reflection of personal experience.
RS 380. Special Topics. (1-3)
Selected topics to be determined by the department.
RS 480. Special Topics. (1-3)
Selected topics to be determined by the department.
RS 485. Practicum. (3)
Experience in one of the specialized areas of Religious Studies, with departmental guidance and supervision.
RS 490. Directed Studies. (3)
Approved and directed in-depth study of a specific area of Religious Studies, according to student need and interest. Prerequisite: permission of department.
RS 499. Senior Seminar. (3)
Selected topics for review and study in Religious Studies. Meets the Capstone course requirement in the major. Prerequisite: permission of department.