Rotation Description

Radiology technologist students from Middlesex Community College and Regis College rotating through Lahey’s Department of Radiology will focus on clinical aspects of diagnostic radiology. At the same time, students will gain knowledge in the practical aspects of obtaining images in general radiology. In their second year, students will rotate to other institutions to gain further experience with additional types of general diagnostic equipment.

Goals and Objectives

The student will:

  1. Acquire a thorough understanding of how images are obtained using ALARA (as low as reasonably accepted), in conjunction with radiation safety.
  2. Take into consideration the condition of the patient and develop a logical, orderly and compassionate approach to obtaining diagnostic images.
  3. Gain an understanding of what is involved in patient preparation for, and experience during, radiologic examinations and procedures.
  4. Obtain a basic understanding of radiation safety and the fundamental physics of imaging.
  5. Correlate didactic work with image acquisition and anatomy encountered.
  6. Gain exposure to the various subspecialty areas of diagnostic radiology.

Method of Instruction

The student will:

  • Spend two days per week on clinical rotation in their first year,
  • Spend 10 weeks on clinical rotation between their first and second years,
  • Spend three days per week on clinical rotation in their second year, for a total clinical rotation time of 1,800 hours.
  • Be trained in all aspects of proper positioning and radiation safety.
  • Be assigned to work stations supervised by registered technologists under the direction of a clinical instructor. Areas of assignment will include plain film radiography, intravenous pyelography (IVP), fluoroscopy, OR and portable studies.

Student Evaluation

The student will:

  • Be monitored continuously throughout the clerkship by a clinical instructor.
  • Be evaluated using CBO (competency based objectives).
  • Be evaluated based on attendance.
  • Be evaluated based on other factors such as curiosity, enthusiasm, professionalism, organization, problem solving and interpersonal skills.