The Department of Radiologic Sciences prepares students for roles as practitioners of diagnostic medical imaging and provides an opportunity for upward mobility within the profession. As this field has become more advanced and complex, there exists a need for proficient, multi-skilled radiologic science professionals. These essential healthcare professionals not only operate sophisticated equipment to produce optimal diagnostic images but also must have the knowledge to identify normal and abnormal anatomy, and are responsible for the well-being of patients in their care.

Cardiac Sonography

Cardiac Sonography is a safe procedure using high-frequency sound waves to diagnose cardiovascular disease. It produces a real-time view of the heart chambers, valves, muscle and blood vessels. A Cardiac Sonographer, also referred to as an echocardiographer, is a highly skilled professional who is instrumental in the evaluation of congenital and acquired cardiac abnormalities and associated complications. Cardiac Sonography can be used to determine causes for chest pain, establish a baseline for reference in tracking chronic heart conditions, evaluate the effects of heart disease, diagnose narrowed or leaking heart valves, determine the need for intervention and evaluate the effectiveness of previous treatment.

Computed Tomography

Computed Tomography (CT), commonly referred to as CAT Scan, uses x-rays to produce high-resolution sectional images of the human body. G. N. Hounsfield, a senior research scientist at EMI Limited in England, developed CT in 1972, which he called "computerized axial transverse scanning." CT produces a thin cross-sectional image of the body, known as a tomographic slice, by acquiring a set of data from multiple angles with a fan-shaped x-ray beam. Today CT still serves as the "work-horse" of the radiology department in tomographic imaging because of its relatively low cost. Recent innovations include spiral/helical and "multi-slice" ultrafast CT scanning techniques.

General Sonography

General Sonography, commonly called ultrasound, is a diagnostic medical procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues, or blood flow inside the body. A diagnostic medical sonographer is a highly skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to create these images that are interpreted by physicians for medical diagnosis. Sonographers have extensive, direct patient contact. They must be able to interact compassionately and effectively with people who range from healthy to critically ill. General Sonography includes the abdomen, pelvis, obstetrics, breast, superficial structures and associated blood vessels. It is also used to guide fine needle, tissue biopsy to assist in taking a sample of cells from an organ for lab testing.

Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

Cardiac Catheterization is a specialized study of the heart and coronary artieries. Under x-ray guidance, the Cardiologist inserts a tiny catheter into a chamber or vessel of the heart to perform diagnostic or treatment procedures. The Invasive Cardiovascular Technologist studies the theory of techniques used in diagnosis treatment and follow-up of cardiovascular disease in patients.They assist in all phases of cardiac catheterization procedures, as well as care of patients during procedures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses low energy electromagnetic waves in conjunction with a magnetic field to create high-resolution images of the human body. MRI offers superior inherent tissue contrast resolution, direct multiplanar imaging capability and multiparametric image intensity, without bone artifacts and without producing adverse biologic effects. It is a dynamic field still in its infancy with ample opportunities for growth and advancement.

Medical Dosimetry

Medical Dosimetry is a sub-specialty of radiation oncology that deals with treatment planning, dose measurement, dose calculations and quality assurance of radiotherapy treatment designed to treat cancer.  Medical dosimetrists plan and calculate ionizing radiation under the direction of a medical physicist.  Primary duties include tumor localizations, providing immobilization devices and radiation protection, planning or fabricating modifying devices, calculating equipment setting, aligning beams, detecting equipment problems and assisting in inserting radioactive substances into body cavities for the treatment of cancer.  Some medical dosimetrists are also involved in clinical research for the development and implementation of new techniques.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine studies involve the administration of small amounts of radioactive material, followed by imaging of the emitted gamma radiation by specialized scanning equipment. These studies demonstrate the physiologic and functional status of the body under various pathologic conditions, and contribute to earlier identification of abnormalities. Recently the Nuclear Medicine field has expanded to include molecular imaging using PET, and fusion imaging using hybrid scanners, such as PET/CT. Besides clinical imaging, other nuclear medicine applications include radionuclide therapy and in vitro studies.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy involves treating diseases with penetrating beams of high energy radiation.  Radiation therapists are highly skilled members of the cancer management team.  They are responsible for recording, interpreting and administering the treatment prescribed by radiation oncologists.

Radiography

Radiography is an indispensable diagnostic tool of modern medicine. It is the art and science of using x-rays to produce images of the tissue, organs, bones and vessels of the body. The radiographer is responsible for accurately positioning the patient and applying only the amount of radiation necessary to produce high-quality images. The radiographer understands the characteristics of radiation, its biological effects and the methods of reducing patient and operator exposure while obtaining optimal diagnostic information for the radiologist.

Vascular Sonography

Vascular Sonographers assist physicians in the diagnosis of a wide variety of disorders affecting the vascular system. Using a wide range of instrumentation, Vascular Sonographers acquire and record information related to blood vessel anatomy and physiology. Although ultrasound instrumentation is most commonly used, a wide variety of other instruments may also be used to measure parameters such as blood pressure, limb volume changes, and oxygen saturation. Segments of the vascular anatomy typically examined include the cerebral, peripheral, and the abdominal circulation.