Program Overview

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Introduction to the CT/VI Emphasis Program

The CT/VI Emphasis program is part of the Diagnostic Imaging Radiography track, offered by the School of Health Professions at MD Anderson Cancer Center. This program combines didactic and clinical education experiences to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take the advanced registry examination in CT, administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Program Overview

The CT/VI Emphasis program is a three-year track or a one-year pre-certified track leading to a Bachelor of Science degree. The program focuses on computed tomography and vascular interventional radiography, using radiation and advanced patient care skills to produce vascular images for diagnosis.

Administration

The program is led by:

• Program Director: Advanced Imaging Programs: William Undie, Ed.D., R.T.(R)(T)(ARRT)
• Associate Program Director: Computed Tomography, Vascular Interventional and Mammography: Claudia Tamara, D.D.S., R.T.(N)(CT)(ARRT), CNMT
• Executive Advisor: Aurelio Matamoros, M.D., Professor, Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Accreditation

All programs in the School of Health Professions are regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS). Upon completion of the program, students will qualify for examination and certification from the ARRT.

Mission and Goals

Mission

The mission of the Diagnostic Imaging Program is to provide the highest quality of education to diagnostic imaging students through formal didactic and state-of-the-art clinical experiences.

Vision

The program aims to be the premier educational program in diagnostic imaging by providing innovative curricular, clinical, and continuing education services.

Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

The program has several goals, including:

1. Patient Care Focus: Students will develop patient care focus by providing superior patient care.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     1. Students will provide empathetic professional patient care.
     2. Students will demonstrate judicious use of radiation and patient care skills.
2. Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate critical thinking skills in the clinical environment.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     1. Students will competently perform non-routine procedures.
     2. Students will appropriately evaluate images.
3. Lifelong Learning: Students will adopt a philosophy of lifelong learning through continuing education and professional involvement.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     1. Students will demonstrate continued competency through lifelong learning.
     2. Students will demonstrate a sense of professionalism and desire to learn.
4. Core Values: Students will embrace the MD Anderson core values of caring, integrity, and discovery.
   • Student Learning Outcome: Students will demonstrate the core values of caring, integrity, and discovery.
5. Effective Communication: Students will communicate effectively in a variety of settings.
   • Student Learning Outcomes:
     1. Students will use effective oral communication in clinical settings.
     2. Students will communicate effectively during oral presentations of projects.

Clinical Affiliations

The program has affiliations with several medical institutions in Texas, providing students with a variety of clinical settings and experiences. These include:

• The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Houston Methodist Hospital - TMC
• Medical Clinic of Houston
• Memorial Hermann
• Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center
• St. Luke's Health
• Texas A&M University, College of Veterinary Medicine, College Station
• Texas Children's Hospital

Curriculum

The curriculum for the CT/VI Emphasis program includes:

Three-Year Track Seniors (42 SCH)

• Fall Semester (12 SCH):
  • DI 4300: Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences (3)
  • DI 4351: CT Physics I (3)
  • DI 4352: CT of the Nervous System (3)
  • DI 4393: CT Internship I (3)
• Spring Semester (15 SCH):
  • DI 4301: Research Project (3)
  • DI 4353: CT Physics II (3)
  • DI 4354: CT of the Chest, Abdomen & Pelvis (3)
  • DI 4358: Vascular/Non-Vascular Interventional Procedures (3)
  • DI 4394: CT Internship II (3)
• Summer Semester (15 SCH):
  • DI 4355: Special Topics in CT & VI (3)
  • DI 4356: CT of the Extremities (3)
  • DI 4357: CT Comprehensive Review (3)
  • DI 4359: VI Comprehensive Review (3)
  • DI 4395: CT Internship III (3)

One-Year Track Seniors (47 SCH)

• Fall Semester (15 SCH):
  • DI 4300: Research Techniques in Radiologic Sciences (3)
  • DI 4351: CT Physics I (3)
  • DI 4352: CT of the Nervous System (3)
  • DI 4393: CT Internship I (3)
  • HS 3270: Fundamentals of Writing and Critical Thinking (2)
  • HS 4102: Professionalism and Leadership in Health Care (1)
• Spring Semester (16 SCH):
  • DI 4301: Research Project (3)
  • DI 4353: CT Physics II (3)
  • DI 4354: CT of the Chest, Abdomen & Pelvis (3)
  • DI 4358: Vascular/Non-Vascular Interventional Procedures (3)
  • DI 4394: CT Internship II (3)
  • HS 4100: Health Care Ethics (1)
• Summer Semester (16 SCH):
  • DI 4355: Special Topics in CT & VI (3)
  • DI 4356: CT of the Extremities (3)
  • DI 4357: CT Comprehensive Review (3)
  • DI 4359: VI Comprehensive Review (3)
  • DI 4395: Internship III (3)
  • HS 4111: Medical Law (1)

Resources

• Diagnostic Imaging Student Handbook
• Diagnostic Imaging CT & VI Clinical Policies Manual
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
• International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM)
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)