Radiological Science

Collection Development Policy: Radiological Sciences & Medical Imaging

Subject Librarian: Rhonda Culbertson

Purpose of policy: The collection development policy for Radiological Sciences & Medical Imaging guides the development and management of resources to support the programs.

Program Description

The Division of Radiography and Medical Imaging is designed to prepare students as competent, professional radiologic technologists within the regionally served area. The curriculum educates the radiographer to become adept in the performance of any diagnostic radiographic procedure. Courses in radiographic principles, radiographic procedures, clinical application of theory, digital imaging, radiation protection, and general education are included in the curriculum. Students also receive instruction in the theory and practice of the Tarr diagnostic imaging modalities in addition to diagnostic radiography.

Upon graduation, the student is sufficiently prepared to successfully pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination.

Courses

Cover anatomy, physiology, general psychology, microbiology, elementary chemistry, clinical radiography, medical terminology, pathology, radiographic procedures, radiobiology and protection, medical imaging, ultrasound physics, computed tomography, diagnostic imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound.

Areas of Established Specialization

The teaching focus for the Division of Radiologic Sciences (Radiography) is medical imaging. The areas of specialization include diagnostic radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography and cardiac and interventional imaging.

New and Expanding Areas of Interest

The field of medical imaging is always expanding as technology continues to advance and evolve. It is important for the program faculty to stay abreast of current imaging practice and have access to current literature and online resources. A new focus for the department will be the inclusion of a dedicated track of study in cardiac imaging and interventional imaging.

Recent Changes in Courses Taught, Program Focus or Faculty Interest

Recent changes include the incorporation of several online courses in the BS in Medical Imaging Technology (BSMIT) Program. The AS in Radiography Program is undergoing a transition and course curriculum continues to be revised to more appropriately reflect current trends and current practice in medical imaging.

Degrees Offered

• Associate of Science in Radiography (AS)
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Imaging Technology (BSMIT)

Clientele

The primary clientele are the undergraduate students and faculty in the Department of Radiography and Medical Imaging.

Accreditation

The program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The American Medical Association (A.M.A.), the American Society of Radiologic Technologists 9ASRT), and AEIRS (Association of Educators in Radiologic Technology), and the American College of Radiology (ACR) serve as collaborating agencies in the accreditation process.

Scope and Collection Guidelines

The collection consists of materials in a variety of formats specific to radiography and medical imaging but also includes general health sciences information resources. The focus is basic through advanced undergraduate level. Research level publications are collected selectively.

Formats Collected

Scholarly monographs, journals, professional/practitioner trade journals, and media. The preference for materials is online access/subscriptions when possible.

Formats Excluded

Pamphlets, newsletters, and article reprints.

Language

The collection is primarily in English.

Geographic Coverage

All geographic areas are covered.

Chronological Periods Collected

Priority is given to current publications. Older materials are routinely weeded from the collection.

Subject Emphases

Focus of the collection is on radiography and medical imaging. The areas of specialization include diagnostic radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography and cardiac and interventional imaging.

Current Collecting Priorities

Electronic and digital materials based on areas of established specialization stated above. Study guides for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification examination.

Subjects Collected Selectively

None.

Reference

Reference materials are selected by the subject librarian for the health sciences following the parameters of the collection policy.

Interdisciplinary Considerations

There is overlap in the collection of materials that support the health sciences programs. Standard medical reference sources apply to all areas of health science practice.

Location

Materials are housed in the Schurz Library. Works specifically about the discipline are primarily classified in the RC 78 schedule of Library of Congress system. However, any of the materials in the R-RZ classification may be relevant. Many resources are available electronically through the library’s website and subject guide for medical imaging.