Classes this Semester

Just in case you're curious, these are the classes I have this semester. They seem like they may be a little more difficult than last semester.

Radiologic Positioning (Lecture) - This is a continuation of the same class we had last semester. Last semester we covered positioning for the upper and lower extremities, the shoulder girdle, the pelvic girdle and the lumbar spine. This semester we will continue with the thoracic and cervical spine, boney thorax (ribs and sternum), internal chest viscera (lungs, heart, trachea, etc), cranial bones, facial bones, sinuses, Upper GI, Lower GI, KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder) and specials (angiography, CT, MR cardiac cath). A lot on our plate.

Radiologic Positioning (Competency Lab) - where we actually practice and test off on all the different positions mentioned above.

Essentials of Radiation Biology and Protection - in this class we learn how radiation effects the body and how to properly protect oneself and one's patients from unnecessary exposure.

Patient Care - here we learn a lot of the "hands on" aspects of caring for patients such as how to set up and maintain a sterile field, how to catheterize, how to insert an IV, how to administer contrast drugs, how to give barium enemas and of course a refresher in CPR.

Radiologic Techniques - this class teaches us how, based on patient size, age and gender, to set the proper radiation values when making an x-ray image (i.e. how much radiation to use and how much "force" to give the radiation).

Radiation Physics - this class gives us a basic understanding of the physics involved in producing x-ray images, such how x-rays are produced, how they interact with different forms of matter and how to control the radiation so as to produce a quality image but with as little exposure to patient as possible.

So this is what i have ahead of me this semester. Truthfully, some of the classes seem a little daunting, but i am sure that if i work hard, i will learn all I need to and get good grades in the process. Wish me luck.