Introduction to Nuclear Medicine Syllabus for 2014-2015
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Instructor Information

Course Information

Recording Policy

Disability Statement

Any student who, because of a disabling condition, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact disAbility Services (Student Service Center room 119, phone 371-5436) as soon as possible.

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As a student you may experience a range of issues that can cause barriers to learning, such as strained relationships, increased anxiety, alcohol/drug problems, feeling down, difficulty concentrating and/or lack of motivation. These mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished academic performance or reduce a student's ability to participate in daily activities. Amarillo College offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus by calling the AC Counseling Center at 806-371-5900. The AC Counseling Center website is https://www.actx.edu/counseling/ . Also, if you are in need of social services (affordable housing, utilities, transportation, food, clothing, childcare, medical/dental/vision, legal), please call the AC Advocacy & Resource Center at 806-371-5439. The AC Advocacy & Resource Center website is https://www.actx.edu/arc

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Course

NMTT-1301-001 Introduction to Nuclear Medicine

Prerequisites

Course Description

Introduction to the field of nuclear medicine with emphasis on the principles of radiation safety, health physics, ethics and the various studies performed in a nuclear medicine area.

Student Resources Student Resources Website

Department Expectations

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Occupational License Disclaimer

Hours

(3 sem hrs; 2 lec, 2 lab)

Class Type

On Campus Course

Syllabus Information

Textbooks

\ Required Course Textbooks

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\ Nuclear Medicine and PET/CT:  Technology and Techniques, 7th Edition, Christian

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\ Practical Mathematics in Nuclear Medicine Technology, Wells

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\ Review of Nuclear Medicine Technology, 4th Edition, Steves

Supplies

Calculator-Students need to use a basic scientific notation and be familiar with the keys.

Ability to create/scan in to Blackboard documents: Google docs, Microsoft Word/PDF

Student Performance

WECM Course Description: Introduction to the field of nuclear medicine with emphasis on the principles of radiation safety, health physics, and the various studies performed in a nuclear medicine area.

WECM End-of-Course Outcomes:

Summarize the history and development of nuclear medicine; apply basic math and science concepts needed for the application of nuclear medicine in radiation safety and instrumentation; explain the principles and employ the methodologies of radiation safety and health physics; discuss studies and procedures performed in a nuclear medicine clinic.

Statements of Purpose: Designed to enlighten students about the radiologic science professions, specifically, Nuclear Medicine. Students will learn the basic aspects of the nuclear medicine imaging department, and the health care system, as well as develop a better understanding of the structure and function of healthcare agencies. Basic principles of radiation protection are taught.

Course Goals/Objectives as Outlined Within the Master Educational Plan for the NMTT Program:

Define Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Review the history of the development of Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Identify the different modalities involved in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Interpret abbreviations commonly used in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Define Professionalism, Medical ethics, and Law.

Evaluate SNM scope of practice 
Evaluate patient care scenarios regarding the medical professional’s liability.
State and evaluate the ‘Code of Ethics’ of the ARRT and the NMTCB.
Discuss importance of membership to national, state, and local organizations.
Identify means of maintaining credentials via continuing education mandates.
Evaluate Federal Regulations: FDA, USP, and NRC.
Evaluate regulatory mandates from OSHA, HIPAA, and Standard (Universal) Precautions.
Evaluate safe radiation safety measures using time/distance/shielding principles (ALARA).

Identify/Discuss/Evaluate biological effects of radiation
Calculate mathematic equations in regard to T/D/S.
Identify normal/abnormal ranges for assessment of the patient’s vital signs.
Perform assessment of vital signs successfully.
Demonstrate proper IV and phlebotomy principles and skills.
Discuss proper routes of medication administration and clinical pharmacology.
Demonstrate competency in using proper body mechanics.
Identify and assess patient for emergency care.
Identify measures for proper oxygen administration.
Assess age-specific care of the patient-client.
Assess/interpret methods to manage a population that is culturally diverse.

Discuss healthcare administration and roles.
Use ancillary equipment effectively.

Successfully complete required lab activities including hands on patient care activities.

Successfully complete a community service assignment.
Pass major exams and other assignments as given with final course grade of 74.5 (C) or better.
 

Students Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities

Log in using the AC Connect Portal

In order to receive your AC Connect Email, you must log in through AC Connect at https://acconnect.actx.edu .

If you are an active staff or faculty member according to Human Resources, use "Exchange". All other students, use "AC Connect (Google) Email".

Expected Student Behavior

Please refer to the Students Rights and Responsibilities information by clicking the link under "Students Rights and Responsibilities" section at actx.edu.

Cell phones and other electronic devices detract from the learning environment.  For this reason, they will be turned off and put away out of view upon entering the classroom. Student who disrupt the class with cell phone usage will be asked to leave the classroom.

No texting is allowed in class, receiving or sending. Please step outside the class for emergent situations. 

Students may use lap tops/notebooks/tablets to take notes only.

Use of electronic devices, such as: beepers, cell phones, etc. will not be allowed in the classroom.  You may, however, use a personal computer, IPAD, recording device to take lecture notes. 

 

 

Grading Criteria

Required Assignments

The course will consist of the following activities to be scored for course credit.  NO ROUNDING of Grades for this course.

Grading Criteria:

REQUIRED ASSIGNMENTS
The course will consist of the following activities to be scored for course credit:
1.       Major Exams-may contain previous semester content (90%)

A passing grade for each exam is expected.  If a student does not pass an exam, the student is assigned an "at risk score", prompting them to engage in mandatory remediation (review) for the exam that was failed.  If a second exam is not passed, the student will be assigned an automatic course grade of "F", and must enroll in the course at a later date, causing the student to not graduate on time.

2.       Lab Activities/Quizzes/Assignments (to include discussion board)-10%

NOTE:  Chapter objectives, key terms, and a study guide will be completed and will be used to prepare for exams (utilizing textbooks and PowerPoint notes, as well as any class discussion/lecture).  The study guide, chapter objectives, and key terms will be turned in by each student prior to each exam through Blackboard.  Failure to turn this in will result in a drop in a letter grade  (10 points) for each exam.

If any required lab is missed the student will be required to write three pages over the topic missed. 

MAKE-UP POLICY

If a student is absent on the day of a major exam, the work will be graded as follows:

1. In order to be fair to students who take scheduled exams at the designated time, makeup exams will lose 15% of the original value.

2. Major exams must be made up within one school day.

NOTE:  Other arrangements may be made with instructor's permission on a case-by-case basis.  It is the sole responsibility of the student to communicate the need for other options regarding make-up policies. Students must not wait until after an exam failure to alert the instructor of extenuating circumstances, communication is key. 

Grade of 94.5 to 100 is "A".

Grade of 84.5 to 94.4 is "B".

Grade of 74.5 to 84.4 is "C".

Grade of 74.4 and below is "F".

 

*Note: To continue in the program, a student may repeat a NMTT course only one time and may repeat no more than two NMTT courses while enrolled in the program. The term "repeat" shall be interpreted to mean re-enrollment following withdrawal, drop, or unsatisfactory grade.

 

 

Attendance

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance is necessary for satisfactory achievement.  It is the responsibility of the student to attend class so that learning objectives are met successfully.  Prompt arrival is expected. 

Attendance will be recorded.

MAKE-UP POLICY

If a student is absent on the day of a major exam,  the work will be graded as follows:

1. In order to be fair to students who take scheduled exams at the designated time, makeup exams will lose 15% of the original value.
2. Major exams must be made up within one school day.
3. NOTE:  Other arrangements may be made with instructor’s permission on a case-by-case basis.  It is the sole responsibility of the student to communicate the need for other options regarding make-up policies. The student should not wait until after a failed test to inform instructor of extenuating circumstances. 

Calendar

Additional Information

The course content is aligned with the Master Educational Plan of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Program at Amarillo College.
In addition, the lecture content aligns with the task analysis of the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board and The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

The Nuclear Medicine Technology program at Amarillo College is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Additional Information:
AC-Connect Online (BlackBoard)) Communication-www.actx.edu

This is the major source for program communication.

Students will use the AC Online personal account to check grades, e-mails, etc.  Students are responsible for checking their accounts daily so that communication about program/course information is current.

Student Resources

            https://www.actx.edu/resources/

This website was created to assist Amarillo College employees and students. Many times, students come to us with individual concerns/situations that need to be addressed in order for the student to be successful in school.

This website can be used to find those needed resources for our students and their families. Feel free to copy any of this information for a student and to refer students as needed.

Our goal is to provide as much information as possible for employees and students to be able to access campus and community resources when needed. There are many more resources in this community that are not listed on these pages. Some of these agencies and programs will change; so if you call and cannot get assistance or cannot access a broken link, please contact me for more updated information.

This website will be updated as often as possible; therefore, most will be current. If the resources listed do not serve the needs you have or if you have any questions concerning this website, please call or email:  Jordan Fajardo, LMSW, Coordinator of Social Services, 806-371-5439, j0333462@actx.edu.

Student Injuries Information (class and clinical)

https://www.actx.edu/allied_health/index.php?module=article&id=33