Computed Tomography Program

Computed tomography technologists operate advanced imaging equipment to obtain computer generated sectional images of the human body. CT technologists must be able to provide quality patient care while working closely with the radiologist in a fast-paced, high volume area.

Students enrolled in the CT program will complete the Introduction to MRI / CT, Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology and CT Physics courses. In addition, the student will complete a minimum of 450 clinical hours to be done at two approved sites. Upon completion of coursework, clinical hours and required competencies, the student will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) CT certification exam.

To practice in the state of Ohio as a CT technologist you must be a registered as a radiographer by the ARRT and carry a radiologic license from the Ohio Department of Health. Many hospitals and imaging centers are now requiring their CT technologists be registered in CT by the ARRT.

COURSES

MRI 101 - Introduction to CT / MRI
Provides the student with information necessary to enter into the computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging clinical setting. Topics to include: history, screening procedures, safety precautions, contrast agents used, contraindications, equipment operated, processing of images, routine examinations and protocols utilized, image artifacts and compensation. Students will also receive an introduction to the physics associated with each modality. This course serves as a prerequisite to the clinical course and Physics, unless permission is granted from the program coordinator. (2 Semester Credits)

This course has been divided into two parts, one specific to CT and one specific to MRI. Please follow this link to view a sample schedule: 2013 Introduction to CT MRI Schedule.pdf

MRI 102 – Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology
Presents the radiologic technologist with fundamental anatomy and pathology associated with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The anatomical structures will be demonstrated in the axial, sagittal and coronal imaging planes. Anatomy covered includes the head, neck, face, spine, thorax, abdomen, pelvis, upper and lower extremities. (3 Semester Credits)

CT 103 – CT Physics
Provide an overview of the physics associated with computed tomography. Topics will include: terminology associated with CT, the history and generations of CT, EBCT, spiral scanning and multirow scanning, equipment, image processing, filters and algorithms, image quality, image noise, advanced CT imaging options, artifacts, contrast administration, quality assurance, radiation risk factors and dose. (3 Semester Credits)
Prerequisite: MRI 101 – Introduction to CT / MRI or permission from the program coordinator

Clinical Courses:
The clinical component of the CT program is 450 hours. Clinical hours must be completed at two different approved sites. Students are assigned to clinical sites during the first semester of the program based on site availability and student needs.

CT 200 – CT Clinical I
Supervised sessions emphasizing development of CT skills. Practical application of safety screening, contrast administration, positioning and image acquisition. Clinical experience in hospital environment to total 225 hours.
Prerequisite: MRI 101 – Introduction to CT / MRI or permission from the program coordinator

CT 201 –CT Clinical II
Supervised sessions emphasizing increased development of CT skills. Emphasis on enhanced student knowledge of CT technique selection, anatomy and pathology demonstration and image quality. Practical application of safety screening, contrast administration, positioning and image acquisition on advanced examinations. Clinical experience in hospital environment to total 225 hours.
Prerequisite: CT 200 – CT Clinical I

Students are responsible for completing specified competencies and fulfilling ARRT requirements.

Clinical Sites

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus and Family Health Centers

Hillcrest Hospital

Euclid Hospital

Huron Hospital

South Pointe Hospital

Ashtabula County Medical Center

MetroHealth Medical Center

Akron Children's Hospital

Akron General

Summa Health System

Credits may not transfer to institutions of higher learning

SCHEDULE
Classes are offered during the day or evening hours and meet once a week according to the following schedule:

Introduction to MRI/CT
Tuesday: May 14 - July 30, 2013 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Thursday: May 16 - August 1, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology
Wednesday: May 15 - July 31, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday: May 17 - August 2, 2013 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

CT Physics

Wednesday: August 28 – Dec. 18, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday: January 8 - April 30, 2014 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

TUITION AND FEES:     Beginning May 2012

Individual Courses
Introduction to CT/MRI:  $330
Cross Sectional Anatomy and Pathology:  $495
CT Physics:  $495

Clinical

CT Clinical Course: $990

Supplemental Fees
Course Fee:  $25
Clinical Fee:  $25
Corporate Health Fee:  $30

Application Fee (non-refundable): $20

Total Program Cost - Tuition & Fees: $2460

*The tuition and fees are subject to change upon due notice to the students.

ADMISSION

Individuals applying to the School of Diagnostic Imaging shall:

Be a registered technologist in radiography, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy, or a student in the final year of one of the aforementioned programs.
Provide a copy of ARRT or equivalent license.
Students without ARRT or equivalent registration, must provide school transcripts and receive approval from CT/MRI program coordinator.
Have good eyesight either naturally or through correction. They must be able to see the printed words in a radiographic textbook and be able to read and accurately interpret the numbers on a chart.
Possess the ability to hear instructions and respond to verbal requests by patient/customers.
Be able to lift a minimum of thirty (30) pounds and possess the ability to support up to 175 pounds. Must assist, support and move patients from wheelchairs and carts onto radiographic examination tables which requires the use of their backs and muscles.
Be able to move around and stand with hands free for long periods of time as radiographers work while standing, sometimes for hours at a time.
Possess good verbal and nonverbal communication skills as evidenced by the application and interview process. Must verbally instruct patients and be able to express concern and empathy for patients.
Must perform data entry with dexterity and accuracy.
Students must be physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the objectives of the radiography program. The school will make reasonable accommodations to assist a student with a disability to advance through the program. Students must have sensory function adequate for patient assessment and care. They must possess the physical status needed to provide all aspects of care in a safe manner. (Please see Special Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Policy in Student Policy and Procedure Manual)
Cleveland Clinic does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities, on the basis of age, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, color, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ethnicity, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Cleveland Clinic administers all programs and services without regard to disability, and provides reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified disabled individuals.
Transfer Credits: Students may transfer up to 3 semester hours into the program upon approval from the program coordinator. The student is required to provide a transcript from the previous institution and may be required to provide a course syllabus. Students may not transfer the Introduction to Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging course. This course must be completed at the School of Diagnostic Imaging.
Venipuncture: Required of all students prior to clinical experience. Offered by the Nursing Education Department through the School of Diagnostic Imaging.

Application

Applications will be accepted until maximum capacity is reached, upon which students will be put on a waitlist or offered admission for the following year. Application forms can be downloaded from the website or may be obtained from the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Health System by calling 216-692-7523. Submit your completed form to the Program Coordinator with a non-refundable $20 application fee. Upon acceptance, there is a $100.00 acceptance fee/tuition deposit which is applicable toward first semester tuition. Fifty percent of the acceptance fee/tuition deposit will be refunded if the school is notified at least 3 weeks prior to the start of the class. Check or money order should be made payable to the School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic. All applicants must provide a current e-mail address with their application. Students must access the program learning management system via e-mail and no application will be processed without a valid and current e-mail.

Please send the application, application fee, and a copy of your ARRT or equivalent license or your radiology school transcripts (students only) to:

School of Diagnostic Imaging

Cleveland Clinic Health System

CT/MRI Program

18901 Lake Shore Blvd.

Euclid, Ohio 44119

Application Form

The 2013 CT / MRI Program is FULL. All applicants will be put on a waitlist or deferred to 2014.

Please click here to view the CT/MRI Program Student Application.

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