WORKING IN CT

Computed Tomography, or CT, procedures play an important role in diagnosing diseases and injuries. A CT scanner uses radiation to produce images of the inside of the human body. When a patient lies inside the CT machine, which is shaped like a donut, x-radiation assist with creating sectional images that are ultimately used by physicians to diagnose medical problems.

CT technologists are highly-trained and possess the expertise for competent practice. They are mostly employed by hospitals but increasingly, jobs are becoming available in physician offices and imaging centers. The main duties of the CT technologist include explaining the procedure to the patient, preparing the patient and positioning them correctly, operating the equipment, and recording the images for the physician to interpret. The patient might be in pain or distress, or they might feel claustrophobic. The CT technologist will provide support while talking patients through the procedure and letting them know what to expect.

PROGRAM MISSION AND GOALS

The mission and purpose of the EPiC CT Program is to provide for both the personal and professional career development of each CT student. The general goals of the program are:

1. The students will demonstrate entry level knowledge and competency in the practice of CT.
2. The students will demonstrate professional attitude values and behaviors necessary for professional success.
3. Students that will demonstrate critical thinking and communication skills as responsible members of the health care team.
4. Graduates will be employable and meet the needs of the health care community.
5. Graduates of the program will be well prepared to successfully complete the ARRT certification examination.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES/OBJECTIVES

When students complete this program, they will be able to:

• To provide quality education and training that develops the potential of each student to become a productive, responsible, and professional member of society, as well as a skilled member of the health care workforce.
• To prepare competent entry-level CT technologists in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills) and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• To provide our students with open access and a supportive environment that encourages student success in the classroom, laboratory, and on the externship site.
• To encourage professionalism, integrity, and high standards in students.
• To adhere to professional standards incorporating legal and ethical responsibilities of a CT Technologist.
• To prepare students to organize, to prioritize, and to delegate care by communicating effectively with members of the medical team.
• To apply knowledge of specific disease conditions in the prevention, treatment, and wellbeing of the patients.
• To prepare students to take the national exam to become Registered CT Technologist RT(R)(CT).

HOW THE CT PROGRAM WORKS

The CT program is offered through a partnership with other Michigan Community Colleges in the EPiC Consortium. Each college enrolls students in the program under their admission criteria and each awards the degree according to that college’s completion requirements.

Students in the program complete CT courses delivered in an online environment by one of the EPiC colleges through Michigan Colleges Online (micollegesonline.org). Clinical education courses are arranged through the EPiC Consortium’s Program Director in collaboration with the CT departments of affiliating hospitals, clinics or other CT provider facilities. These experiences are developed to meet the established objectives and eligibility requirements of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and prepare students to complete the CT certification exam.