Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
Program facts 
Explore a career in computed tomography (CT) with this 16-credit-hour certificate
program. Designed for registered radiologic technologists, this program teaches you
how to produce cross-sectional images of the body utilizing CT equipment to diagnose
abnormalities that are difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography.
Study the physics and instrumentation of CT, clinical procedures and protocols, patient
care and radiation safety. After graduating and successfully passing your qualifying
exam, you can explore career opportunities in a variety of health-care settings.
This is a limited-enrollment program. Please review this program's admission criteria and process. Please note: Harper College is offering this program at the single rate of tuition until Spring 2022 semester.
This 16 credit-hour, year-long certificate program prepares ARRT registered radiologic technologists to produce cross-sectional images of the body, utilizing computed tomography equipment, in order to diagnose abnormalities that are difficult to evaluate with conventional radiography. The program offers a combination of clinical and didactic educational experiences that will provide the student with the necessary knowledge and skills to become an entry-level CT technologist. Students will learn the physics and instrumentation of computed tomography, clinical procedures and protocols, patient care and radiation safety. Upon completion of the CT program, the radiologic technologist will be eligible for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Computed Tomography.
Because of the nature of clinical experiences and individualized instruction in this program, and specialized technology, and the equipment necessary to offer this program, a higher tuition rate is assessed for career specific courses. These include courses with the RAD prefix. Students pay 1.5 the regular rate of tuition.
Admission Requirements:
Computed Tomography is a limited enrollment program. For admission requirements, please contact the Admissions Outreach Office at 847.925.6700 or visit harpercollege.edu.
Students who apply for this limited enrollment program are obligated to meet current admission requirements and follow program curriculum as defined at the time of acceptance to the program.
First Semester
Hours Required: A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 238 | Sectional Anatomy for Imaging | 2 |
|
Description: Studies human anatomical structures in multiple imaging planes. Reviews images created by MRI and Computed Tomography as well as gross anatomical images. Focuses primarily on identification of normal anatomy, but also includes some pathological conditions. Discusses the role of MRI and CT in physiological imaging. Prerequisite: BIO 261 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
| RAD 260 | CT Procedures /Patient Care | 3 |
|
Description: Provides detailed coverage of procedures for CT imaging. Procedures include, but are not limited to, indications for the procedure, patient education, preparation, orientation and positioning, patient history and assessment, contrast media usage, scout image, selectable scan parameters, filming and archiving of the images. CT procedures will be taught for differentiation of specific structures, patient symptomology and pathology. CT images studied will be reviewed for quality, anatomy and pathology. CT procedures vary from facility to facility and normally are dependent on the preferences of the radiologists. Prerequisite: Admission into the Computed Tomography program and prior or concurrent enrollment in RAD 238 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 261. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
| RAD 261 | CT Principles I | 3 |
|
Description: Imparts the fundamentals of the physical principles and instrumentation utilized in computed tomography (CT) Reviews the historical development and evolution of CT. Physics topics covered include CT beam attenuation, linear attenuation coefficients, tissue characteristics and Hounsfield numbers application. Explains data acquisition and manipulation techniques and image reconstruction algorithms such as filtered back-projection. Explores CT systems and operations with full coverage of radiographic tube configuration, collimator design and function, detector type, characteristics and functions of the CT computer and array processor. Examines CT image processing and display from data acquisition through post-processing and archiving, and patient factors related to other elements affecting image quality as well as artifact production and reduction, and image communication. Prerequisite: Admission to the Computed Tomography (CT) Program is required or consent of instructor and prior of concurrent enrollment in RAD 238 with a grade of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 260. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 262 | CT Principles II | 2 |
|
Description: Continues the physical principles and instrumentation involved in computed tomography (CT). Physics topics covered include the characteristics of x-radiation, CT beam attenuation, linear attenuation coefficients, tissue characteristics and quality control procedures. Also includes an overview of the principles of radiation protection including the responsibilities of the radiographer for patients, personnel and the public. Incorporates radiation health and safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and health care organizations. Prerequisite: RAD 238, RAD 260 and RAD 261 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
| RAD 263 | CT Clinical Education I | 3 |
|
Description: Applies principles of computed tomography procedures under the supervision of qualified registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Emphasizes principles of exposure, image quality, patient care, radiation safety and other associated professional skills. Placement of clinical assignment is by program coordinator. NOTE: American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be completed prior to placement in a clinical rotation. Prerequisite: RAD 260 and RAD 261 with grades of C or better. Corequisite: RAD 262. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
First Semester
Hours Required: A grade of C or better in all coursework is required for all students.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| RAD 264 | CT Clinical Education II | 3 |
|
Description: Continues to apply the principles of computed tomography procedures under the supervision of a qualified registered American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) technologist. Emphasizes the principles of exposure, image quality, patient care, radiation safety and other associated professional skills. Placement of clinical assignment is by program coordinator. NOTE: American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification must be completed prior to placement in a clinical rotation. Prerequisite: RAD 262 and RAD 263 with grades of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
||
Students interested in radiological technology may also be interested in:
Please note: Certificate programs are open to those who have completed the AAS program in Radiologic Technology or are Registered Radiologic Technologists.
For more information about the CT Certificate program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.