Advanced QA, Regulations & Capstone Field Project

Syllabus

# CTM 130 - Advanced QA, Regulations & Capstone Field Project

## Course Description
This course provides comprehensive training in quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and practical application within advanced medical imaging service. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of American College of Radiology (ACR) accreditation requirements for CT, MRI, fluororadiology, and nuclear medicine modalities, including phantom testing protocols and image quality metrics. Emphasis is placed on understanding Joint Commission expectations for medical equipment management, safety, and documentation. The course culminates in a capstone field project, requiring students to plan, execute, and document a complex service intervention or quality assurance initiative on an advanced imaging system, adhering to industry best practices and regulatory standards. This course ensures graduates are prepared to maintain compliance and perform high-level service in critical imaging environments.

## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
*   Articulate the purpose and scope of ACR accreditation for CT, MRI, fluororadiology, and nuclear medicine imaging modalities.
*   Perform and document essential quality assurance phantom tests for advanced medical imaging systems according to established protocols.
*   Explain Joint Commission standards pertaining to medical equipment management, preventive maintenance, and safety reporting.
*   Develop and execute a comprehensive service plan for a complex medical imaging system, integrating regulatory compliance and safety considerations.
*   Analyze and interpret image quality metrics to identify potential system performance issues and recommend corrective actions.
*   Produce professional-grade technical documentation for service events, quality assurance activities, and regulatory audits.

## Topics by Week
**Week 1:** Introduction to Regulatory Bodies and Quality Assurance in Medical Imaging
**Week 2:** ACR Accreditation Overview: Process, Scope, and Modality-Specific Requirements
**Week 3:** CT Quality Assurance: Phantom Testing and Image Quality Metrics
**Week 4:** MRI Quality Assurance: Phantom Testing, Image Artifacts, and Field Homogeneity
**Week 5:** Fluororadiology Quality Assurance: Dose Management and Image Intensifier Performance
**Week 6:** Nuclear Medicine Quality Assurance: Gamma Camera Performance and Radiopharmaceutical Handling
**Week 7:** Joint Commission Standards for Medical Equipment Management and Safety
**Week 8:** Advanced Documentation Practices for Service, QA, and Regulatory Compliance
**Week 9:** Capstone Project Planning: Scope Definition, Risk Assessment, and Resource Allocation
**Week 10:** Capstone Project Execution: Advanced Troubleshooting and System Optimization
**Week 11:** Capstone Project Execution: Safety Protocols and Compliance Verification
**Week 12:** Capstone Project Reporting: Data Analysis and Technical Documentation
**Week 13:** Midterm review and Capstone Project Presentation Preparation
**Week 14:** Final exam review and Capstone Project Final Submission

## Grading
*   Knowledge Checks: 15%
*   Assignments and Labs: 30%
*   Quizzes: 25%
*   Final Exam: 30%

## Policies
*   **Attendance:** Regular attendance and active participation are expected. Students are responsible for all material covered in missed sessions.
*   **Late Submissions:** Assignments submitted after the deadline may incur a penalty unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor due to extenuating circumstances.
*   **Academic Integrity:** All work submitted must be original and adhere to Anode Technical Institute's academic honesty policies. Plagiarism or cheating will result in serious disciplinary action.
*   **Safety:** Strict adherence to all safety protocols and procedures is mandatory during lab sessions and any simulated field work. Failure to comply will result in immediate removal from the activity.
*   **Communication:** Students are encouraged to communicate with the instructor regarding any challenges or questions. Utilize the course messaging system or scheduled office hours.