RAIT 361 - Clinical Practicum Positron Emission Tomography 1

12 CR

Provides the opportunity to develop required competencies for certification in Positron Emission Tomography. Course includes approximately 396 hours in one or more PET departments and clinics. Students work with combined PET/CT scanners. Course does not address clinical training in computed tomography. This course is intended to meet the degree requirements of the Technology and Nuclear Medicine concentrations as well as the requirements of the Positron Emission Tomography certificate of the Radiation & Imaging Sciences program. Grading: Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.

Recommended: RAIT 359 or other PET preparatory coursework within the past 12 months.
Prerequisite(s): Admission into the Radiation & Imaging Sciences BAS program AND permission of the instructor.

Course Outcomes

Evaluate appropriate equipment function using daily quality control results.
Evaluate and interpret requisitions, and develop an appropriate protocol to respond to physician’s order.
Verify that correct information is present to allow for insurance reimbursement.
Prepare the patient for procedure, including verification of patient history and other details, blood glucose testing, and answering patient questions.
Administer the PET radiopharmaceutical and other medications as directed, using appropriate radiation safety precautions.
Monitor patient before, during and after the procedure, depending on the protocol and medications administered.
Process and evaluate images and identify anatomy based on image interpretation; label and display according to accepted practices.
Perform image fusion and determine standardized uptake values as necessary.
Analyze ethical issues relating to nuclear medicine procedures and demonstrate ethical behavior and attitude in the clinical setting.
Demonstrate empathy towards all kinds of patients encountered in the PET suite.
Demonstrate effective communication skills with patients and co-workers
Assess the indications and contradictions for given PET and PET/CT procedures based on specific case studies.

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