Course description
The X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator plays an important role as a member of the health care team in a Physician office or clinic. Theory and practical application in the fundamentals of anatomy and physiology are taught as well as an introduction to specific disease processes and trauma which affect the various body systems, with emphasis placed on the respiratory and skeletal systems. Students are certified to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The responsibilities of an X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator include: positioning of the chest, torsoskeleton, skull, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, knee, foot and ankle. Students are also taught to perform venipuncture, injections, urinalysis, electrocardiography, and X-ray film processing. The responsibilities listed for X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator are not the same as the responsibilities of a Radiologic Technologist (RT). The duties of a Radiologic Technologist include the same positioning requirements as the X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator, but the Radiologic Technologist responsibilities include positioning of the abdomen. Contrast media ultrasound and nuclear medicine may be performed by a Radiologic Technologist and require an ARRT certification to specialize. Please note that these additional responsibilities of the Radiologic Technologist listed above cannot be practiced by the X-ray Technician (Limited Scope).
Students study theory and concepts of radiographic physics and are taught patient care procedures as well as basic office administrative procedures. This program equips the graduate with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the varied and expanding requirements of an entry level X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator. This program provides the background which enables a student to assume a responsible entry-level position as an X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator. Upon passing the Florida State Examination for Basic Machine Operator, the graduate is able to work as a licensed Basic X-Ray Machine Operator.
The Program provides the foundation for a graduate to find expanded long term career opportunities. Graduates of this program are taught increased communication skills that will give the graduates a competitive edge. The knowledge gained in this program, combined with work experience, may provide future entry-level opportunities in managing an office. Graduates of the Diploma Program may secure such specific positions as X-ray Technician / Basic Machine Operator or Back Office Assistant.
It is recommended that the prospective student verify certification requirements of the state if he / she is residing.
Classroom procedures
Each course stands alone as a unit of study and is not dependent upon prerequisite training. A student may enter the program at the beginning of any course and continue through the sequence until completion of all courses.
Externship
The externship is undertaken following the successful completion of all classroom courses. The externship rotation consists of 320 clock hours, averaging eight hours a day, five days per week, for eight weeks and incorporates work-related experience in both X-ray and back office settings. This externship is unpaid.
