Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology

Program Overview

If you’re interested in a career in health care - one that lets you work in rural communities and offers excellent earning potential - Saskatchewan Polytechnic’S Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology program will interest you.

Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists (CLXTs) are unique. You’re trained in medical laboratory, X-ray procedures and electrocardiography, so you need to be comfortable working with medical imaging and laboratory equipment. But you also need to be comfortable working with people because positioning and touching patients, as well as talking with them, is an important part of your job.

The Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology program is a two-year diploma program offered at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatoon Campus, Idylwyld Dr. You’ll develop the knowledge and skills you need to perform laboratory tests, general radiography and electrocardiograms. Your studies will focus on:

anatomy and physiology
clinical chemistry, hematology, urinalysis
electrocardiography
image acquisition
laboratory procedures and quality management
lab result correlation
patient care
radiographic procedures

Being a CLXT demands high standards and good empathy, so Saskatchewan Polytechnic also helps build professional skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication. When you graduate, you’ll be eligible to work as a CLXT and apply for membership in the Saskatchewan Association of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technicians (SACLXT).

Extensive Hands-On Learning

Saskatchewan Polytechnic uses hands-on learning to help you build your knowledge and skills. An in-depth clinical simulation prepares you for three real-world practicums. The first gives you experience in operating radiographic equipment to obtain diagnostic images, the second in performing electrocardiographs and the third in conducting routine laboratory procedures. By the time you graduate, you’ll have 29 weeks of supervised clinical experience.

Note that your clinical experiences can take place anywhere in the province.

Diploma to Degree

Use your Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology diploma to ladder into a degree program at the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada or Athabasca University (Alberta). A degree is usually required if you are interested in moving into management or teaching positions.

Learning Environment

Each year, 20 students are accepted to this program. Students will experience a mix of traditional lectures, web-assisted learning, practical labs and clinical practicums that will increase in length as the program progresses.

For this program, there is a heavy workload with 15 - 20 hours/week of homework. Classes are Monday - Friday with variable hours between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Clinical practicum hours will coincide with health care hours. Clinical practicum hours can start as early as 7 a.m.

Lectures and Practical labs: Saskatoon

Clinical Practicum Experiences:
Clinical practicum placement may occur at any approved site in Saskatchewan.
Note: all sites require a rotation at a secondary site to meet program requirements

29 weeks at a location outside of Saskatoon
- 1 week in rural rotation at a secondary site
- 28 weeks in second year at an approved site within Saskatchewan.
- Alternate sites may be required in second year to meet program requirements.

Clinical practicum experiences are assigned by the Medical Diagnostics Committee on Practicum Placements (COPP). There are limited clinical placements in each location. Enrolment in the program will require acceptance of a clinical placement anywhere within Saskatchewan. Clinical placements are determined during the program closer to the dates for practicum experiences.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

Combined laboratory and X-ray technologists can work in either rural or urban communities, but you’ll find your skills most ”in demand” in rural areas. In rural hospitals and health centres, you’ll use the full range of your skills and play an integral role on health care teams.

International applicants are not currently considered for admission.

Potential Careers

Sample Job Title	NOC Classification¹	Earning Potential²
Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologist	Medical Laboratory Technologists (3211)	$60,000 - $83,200

What's the Work Like?

As a student and in this profession, you may

When taking x-rays, as a CLXT professional and student you are required to:

Use Personal Protective Equipment to protect yourself from ionizing radiation (i.e. X-rays).
Communicate clearly with the patient what you are going to do as well as what you need the patient to do.
Touch the patient to position them correctly.
Assist the patient with removing hearing aids and dentures when required.
Comfort and assist patients who may be fearful, have dementia or be in pain.
Assist patients who are nauseous, vomiting or have diarrhea.
Assist the patient with mobility challenges using lifting and transferring techniques.
Perform x-rays in trauma situations where patients have severe injuries and are bleeding.
Work with expensive digital x-ray equipment to obtain images that assist physicians with patient outcomes.

When doing laboratory testing, as a CLXT professional and student you are required to:

Use Personal Protective Equipment to protect yourself from biohazardous materials, including blood and other body fluids such as urine and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF).
Perform capillary punctures and venipunctures (i.e. insert needles) to collect blood samples.
Prepare samples, such as blood, body fluids and tissues for diagnostic testing.
Work with expensive, computerized equipment, as well as manual tests to obtain test results.
Make critical decisions as to the accuracy and validity of patient test results before reporting to the physician who uses the results to aid with patient diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
Perform routine diagnostic tests in the clinical chemistry and hematology departments.

When performing ECGs, as a CLXT professional and student you are required to:

Communicate clearly with the patient what you are going to do as well as what you need the patient to do.
Touch the patient to position the ECG leads correctly.
Communicate results to physicians.

Every day:

Use Personal Protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves when dealing with patients and equipment.
Manipulate heavy equipment.
Lift assessor equipment weighing up to 10 kg.
Wear 3-4 kg lead apron for extended periods of time.
Stand for the majority of an 8 hour shift.
Manage and prioritize workloads across departments (X-ray, lab & ECG).
Communicate professionally with a variety of people including:
- Patients and their families;
- Other CLXTs and CLXT students;
- Radiologists;
- Nurses;
- Doctors;
- Other health professionals, such as Medical Laboratory Technologists (MLTs), etc.

Personal qualities of workers in this field

Interests
Interests describe what people enjoy doing often in the course of a day. Individuals in this program often enjoy:

Working in an ever-changing and demanding health care environment.
Working with things such as machines, tools and equipment.
Using my hands to make or fix things.
Using my body to do physical work.
Examining and investigating difficult questions.
Learning about scientific skills and information.
Talking about feelings.
Working with details.
Organizing and tracking information.
Following orderly routines.
Meeting clear standards for performance.
Persuading or directing others (for example, instructing and convincing patients to move injured body parts).

Values
Values describe what the potential students have a high regard for, what gives meaning to their work and their lives, and what things they will work hard for:

Taking a realistic, concrete approach to problems and dealing with things.
Seeing a finished product or visible results from their efforts.
Developing excellence and a high level of competence in a scientific or math-based field.
Being able to work and think independently.
Building harmonious relationships.
Accuracy plus organization in work.
A strong work ethic and commitment to professional development.

Aptitudes/strengths
Aptitudes or strengths are natural abilities, talents and general suitability for learning in a particular field. An example is a musical aptitude/talent where people have a natural ability; therefore, it is easier for them to develop skills in this area. Another example is mechanical ability. People with this natural talent are able to learn mechanical skills more easily than others who lack the suitability.

Mechanical ability - understanding and using the principles involved in building and repairing things
Physical ability - talent for physical movement and coordination
Scientific ability - understanding scientific principles, investigating and problem solving using the scientific method
Mathematical ability - understanding the theory and processes of mathematics
Spatial ability - can visualize what something will look like from drawing, diagram or blueprint
Verbal communication ability - speaking or writing so others can learn from you
Ability to pay careful attention to detail
Sound body and mind

Entrance skills
A skill is learned and developed. It is the learned capacity to do something that has been practiced and worked on until it can be done easily. It is expected that individuals entering the program will have developed a reasonable level of skill in the following areas in order to successfully complete the program:

Strength, coordination and endurance
Manual skills that involve eye/hand coordination and manipulating things with my hands or fingers
Understanding how machines and equipment work
Working with mathematical ideas and knowledge of basic mathematics processes
Analyzing information to help solve problems
Getting along well with others
Making decisions which affect others
Keeping accurate records
Working on computers to perform data analysis
General skills include analytical and critical thinking skills, time management skills, prioritizing skills, flexibility and adaptability
Ability to follow verbal or written instructions
Self-motivated and independent

Essential skills of workers in the field

The purpose of this section is to give you an understanding of this career field and to help you make more informed career decisions
There are 9 skill categories with examples of how workers use them on the job. The categories are: Reading, Using Documents, Writing, Math, Oral Communication, Thinking Skills, Working with Others, Computer Use and Continuous Learning. This section is based on the more detailed Essential Skills developed by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

Reading text (1 of 9 essential skills)

Emails, interoffice memos, newsletters, safety manuals, policies and procedures manuals, and medical and scientific journals
Requisitions from doctors on which tests to perform
Forms to obtain information on tests

Using documents (2 of 9 essential skills)

Using documents refers to tasks that involve a variety of information displays in which words, numbers, icons and other visual characteristics appear. It may involve reading, writing and/or creating.

Interpreting quality of x-ray, ECG and laboratory results
Read work schedules and complete time sheets
Complete patient requisition forms
Complete specimen tracking logs
Pull information out of graphs and charts
Document work where required on forms

Writing (3 of 9 essential skills)

Must be legible
Fill in time sheets
Write short explanatory letters, interoffice memos and email messages about work progress and concerns
Record procedure information
Record information when collecting blood and other specimens
Write essays and articles for journals
Write reports for analytical use
Accuracy in transcription

Math (4 of 9 essential skills)

Conduct complex mathematical calculations - whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents, rates, ratios and proportions when calculating solution dilutions, reagent preparation and dilution, calculating molarity of chemical compounds and any math that is involved with chemistry, physics and molecular biology
Some of the measurement instruments used include:
- Clocks (analog and digital);
- pH meters;
- scales;
- thermometers;
- centrifuge;
- tachometer;
- auto-analyzers;
- graduated cylinders; and
Ability to use a scientific calculator.

Oral communication (5 of 9 essential skills)

Communicate with patients to get information, to give information and/or to reassure them
Communicate with other health care workers (such as coworkers, supervisors, nurses and doctors)
May give presentations to coworkers, students, professional associations and conferences
Communication may be difficult when there is noise from trauma, when the patient’s first language is not English, with some physical and/or mentally disabled patients, with fearful patients, with young children who cannot talk and with patients under the influence of alcohol and drugs

Thinking skills (6 of 9 essential skills)

Problem solving (1 of 5 thinking skills)

Deal with lab equipment and machinery breakdowns - troubleshoot
Investigate problems with turnaround time
Deal with missing x-ray films and specimens
Prioritize patients according to levels of care needed
Deal with personality conflicts in ever changing and high stress work environments
Deal with hierarchy of roles and influence (for example, technicians versus doctor)

Decision making (2 of 5 thinking skills)

This refers to making a choice among options. Decision making occurs during problem solving but not all decision making is part of problem solving. Therefore, it is presented as a separate thinking skill. For example, buyers for retail outlets regularly make decisions about which suppliers to buy from and they select among the options for particular types of merchandise. This is not problem solving.

Decide whether x-ray film is acceptable in terms of quality, anatomy and diagnostic value
Decide whether specimen is normal or abnormal
Select the appropriate equipment for certain procedures
Decide on what order to take the images and how to take images - may need to adapt normal procedures to fit patient's condition
Decide on what order to take specimens
Decide when to refuse service
Decide when to retest
Decide when to ask for help (such as in completing certain procedures and moving and lifting patients)
Use professional judgment to determine benefits versus risks for the patient

Job task planning and organizing (3 of 5 thinking skills)

Although duties are usually assigned and scheduled by the supervisor, the technologist will usually organize his/her own daily schedule
Work is often organized within priorities
Emergencies often disrupt a work schedule
Work is coordinated with other coworkers for certain tests

Significant use of memory (4 of 5 thinking skills)

Where you were in a procedure when you were interrupted
What procedures are used for which tasks
The name of tests and where tests should be forwarded
Past interactions with patients when working with patients
The location of supplies and equipment and which ones to use
Specific doctor protocols
Techniques and how to adapt

Finding information (5 of 5 thinking skills)

Use reference and procedure manuals, and scientific and medical journals
Use institutional and computer databases
Talk to other health care workers (such as coworkers, supervisors, nurses and doctors)

Working with others (7 of 9 essential skills)

May work mainly alone or as part of a team (depending on the department size and shift)

Computer use (8 of 9 essential skills)

Basic knowledge and operation of computerized equipment
PAC system (Picture Archiving Communication) and digital radiography - you will not be certified to use computerized equipment such as a CT or MRI, fluoroscopy equipment or mobile radiography equipment
Database to access patient information
Ability to use specialized computer software (for example, Lab Information System -LIS to enter and access patient information)

Continuous learning (9 of 9 essential skills)

Learning is through on the job training, from coworkers, employer sponsored training and by attending conferences

Further investigate this program choice as a career

Talk with CLXTs in the field and conduct informational interviews.
Volunteer in a health care environment.
Visit the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science website.
Check out the Government of Canada’s Career Handbook for Medical Laboratory Technicians.

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s): September

Length: 80 weeks

Year 1 - 40 weeks (effective July 2014); Year 2 - 40 weeks (effective July 2015)

NOTE: Effective for the 2016 intake, the First Qualified/First Admitted admission method applies to this program.

Locations

Saskatoon

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 with a minimum grade of 70% in English Language Arts A30, English Language Arts B30, Foundations of Math 30 or Pre-Calculus 30*, Physical Science 20*, Chemistry 30 and Biology 30
English Language Requirement

*Previous Saskatchewan mathematics and physics requirements also accepted:

Minimum of 70% in Math B30
Minimum of 70% in Physics 20

Note

Physics 30 will not be substituted for Physical Science 20 or Physics 20.
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of CPR Health Care Provider (HCP), CPR Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR Level 'C' AED or equivalent certification upon admission into the program. CPR certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of completion regardless of the length of time indicated by the provider of the card or certificate. Recertification may be required during your studies. The cost of CPR certification is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search upon admission into the program. At the discretion of the practicum agency, you may be declined access to a clinical or work placement based on the contents of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search. The cost of the Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Search is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants are required to provide current immunization records and meet Saskatchewan Polytechnic immunization requirements prior to entry into clinical practicums.
Accepted applicants will be required to provide evidence of Transferring Lifting Repositioning (TLR®) certification upon admission into the program. TLR® certification is valid for three (3) years from the date of completion. Recertification may be required during your studies. The cost of TLR® certification is your responsibility.
Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of current N95 respirator mask testing upon admission into the program. N95 respirator mask testing is valid for two (2) years from the date of completion. Retesting may be required during your studies. The cost of N95 respirator mask testing is your responsibility.
Effective July 1, 2019: Accepted applicants are required to provide evidence of 2015 WHMIS Globally Harmonized System (GHS) certification upon admission into the program. Recertification will be required every three years to remain current. The cost of WHMIS certification is your responsibility.

Special Admission

Applicants who do not possess the academic qualifications for a program may be admitted if evidence of probable success can be established through a special admission assessment. Interested individuals should still apply. Applicants are automatically considered for special admission. However, some specific admission requirements may still need to be met. Refer to the ACCUPLACER© cut scores for this program below, and review additional details concerning Special Admission.

ACCUPLACER©

250 Arithmetic
252 Elementary Algebra
256 Reading
250 Sentence
5 WritePlacer

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake.

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year.

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as books and supplies. For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program, click here to access the Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus Tuition and Fee Schedules.

Year 1 - $10,300
Year 2 - $9,600

Additional programs costs that students are responsible for include:

CPR C/AED (Health Care Provider) – recognized by the program for two years from date of certification. If expires during programming student must recertify.
- approx. $75 to $125
Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
- approx. $75
Immunizations
- no cost if immunizations are completed with Sask Polytech health nurse.
- completed outside of Saskatchewan Polytechnic range from $90 to $120 for Hepatitis B series
Mask FIT Testing
- N95 - approx. $75 to $125
- Mask Fit testing is recommended to be updated annually, however, it is mandatory to be updated every two years. If expiry date occurs during programming student must re-submit proof of testing to the program. Cost of re-testing is the student's responsibility.
Transfer, Lift, Reposition (TLR)
- approx. $100 to $185

Courses

Expand All +

Year 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

APHY 191

Anatomy and Physiology 1

You will explore the structure and function of organs and systems in the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous and endocrine systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Equivalent Course(s): APHY 191CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

APHY 282

Anatomy and Physiology 2

Building on the knowledge gained in APHY 191 (Anatomy and Physiology 1), you will continue your study of the structure and function of the normal human body. Your studies will focus on the cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary and reproductive systems.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 38.0
Prerequisites(s): APHY 191
Equivalent Course(s): APHY 282CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

CHEM 176

Clinical Chemistry 1

Your studies will focus on the principles and application of analytical techniques. These include basic light measuring systems, electrochemistry and laboratory automation. You will develop the skills needed to produce valid analytical results to assess blood gases, electrolytes, carbohydrates and renal function.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 70.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, APHY 282(concurrent), PROC 180(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

CHEM 184

Urinalysis

You will perform and assess chemical and microscopic urinalysis.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 23.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, APHY 282(concurrent), PROC 180(concurrent)
Equivalent Course(s): CHEM 184CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

CHEM 279

Clinical Chemistry 2

You will learn advanced light measuring techniques, as well as enzymology and immunoassay theory. You will develop the skills needed to produce and assess valid results.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 50.0
Prerequisites(s): CHEM 176, IMMU 183(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ECRD 180

Electrocardiography

Your studies will focus on the theoretical aspects required to perform electrocardiograms. The course content includes recording techniques, recognizing artifacts and identifying remedies to minimize them, and recognizing basic cardiac arrhythmias.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): ECRD 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

ETHC 181

Patient Care in Radiography 1

You will learn the radiographer’s role in basic patient care when performing medical imaging procedures. You will learn about documentation in health care, isolation and transmission based precautions, and assessment of patients’ physical status. You will apply transferring techniques and learn about patient personal care assistance, identification of emergency procedures and recognition of basic medical accessory equipment.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Prerequisites(s): INFC 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

ETHC 185

Professional Practices 1

You will receive an introduction to health care and health care delivery systems. You will study the legal and ethical issues faced by health care professionals. You will discuss interpersonal and employability skills required in health care professions with an emphasis on teamwork, communication and stress management. You will learn methods to deal with grief and loss, in addition to skills and techniques for critical thinking and conflict management.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 42.0
Equivalent Course(s): ETHC 185CE, HUMR 182
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

ETHC 280

Professional Practices 2

You will study health care organizational behaviour and the skills required for leadership/management roles. You will discuss co-operative work relationships, conflict resolution, budgeting, strategic planning, the collective bargaining process and workload measurements. You will develop workplace documents and demonstrate job search techniques.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

HEMA 179

Hematology

You will focus on laboratory procedures performed routinely in the clinical laboratory. These include the theory and use of hematology analyzers and the assessment of peripheral blood films.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 74.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, PROC 180(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group

HEMA 192

Introductory Hemostasis

You will study secondary hemostasis and fibrinolysis. You will learn to perform, assess and correlate common screening tests used to detect and monitor treatment of hemostasis disorders.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 35.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, PROC 180(concurrent), IMMU 183(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

IMMU 183

Immunology

You will study the body's innate and acquired defense mechanisms. Your studies will focus on the involvement of the immune system in various disease states and clinical conditions. The course also provides an introduction to the principles of antigen-antibody reactions and their application in many laboratory tests.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180
Equivalent Course(s): IMMU 183CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

IMRC 182

Image Recording Introduction

Your studies will focus on the fundamentals of radiographic processing. You will learn about screen and film combinations, operating and maintaining processors, film fault analysis, darkrooms and facets of quality control relating to x-ray film processing.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

IMRC 183

Image Acquisition & Processing

You will learn the factors affecting radiographic qualities and how to develop a technique chart. You will study the theory of how modern radiographic equipment works, as well as the theory and application of digital image acquisition, processing, archiving, and quality control.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 53.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

INFC 180

Infection Control and Safety

You will study the transmission of microorganisms, blood-borne pathogens (i.e. hepatitis virus and HIV), routine practices, isolation procedures, immunization for medical workers, sterilization and disinfection, biohazard waste, safety and WHMIS.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 25.0
Equivalent Course(s): INFC 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

MTER 180

Medical Terminology

You will learn to use the prefixes, suffixes and combining forms from which medical terms are derived. You will also learn to use medical abbreviations.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 10.0
Equivalent Course(s): MED 161, MTER 180CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Print Distance Individual, Prior Learning

PHYS 184

Physics

You will be introduced to physics concepts applicable to the principles of operating x-ray generating equipment, image formation, and radiation protection.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 38.0
Equivalent Course(s): PHYS 184CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online

PROC 180

General Laboratory Practice

You will receive the theory and practice required to perform basic procedures in a laboratory. The course content includes laboratory glassware, use of balances, centrifuges, thermal equipment, pH meters, microscopes and solution preparation with related calculations.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Prerequisites(s): INFC 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Prior Learning

PROC 181

Specimen Collection and Handling

You will learn how to collect, handle and transport various laboratory specimens to ensure the quality of laboratory results. The collection of blood specimens will be emphasized. You will practice capillary and venous collection on adults at various sites in the community.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): INFC 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

QC 194

Quality Management

You will receive an overview of methods used to ensure the quality of laboratory results. Quality assurance and quality control techniques will be emphasized.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab

RDGR 179

Radiographic Technique 1

You will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the appendicular skeleton.
Credit Units: 5
Course Hours: 68.0
Prerequisites(s): RGAN 180(concurrent)
Corequisites(s):
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RDGR 180

Radiographic Technique 2

Building on the theory and skills learned in RDGR 179 (Radiographic Technique 1) you will learn the theory and develop the skills of radiographic positioning and image critique for the axial skeleton.
Credit Units: 4
Course Hours: 60.0
Prerequisites(s): RDGR 179
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

RGAN 180

Radiographic Anatomy

Your studies will focus on identifying the skeletal, thoracic, abdominal and respiratory anatomy in radiographic images. Topographical anatomy will be discussed to aid in radiographic positioning.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 44.0
Prerequisites(s): MTER 180, APHY 191(concurrent), APHY 282(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

RSAP 180

Radiation Science and Apparatus 1

You will be introduced to the function and operation of basic x-ray equipment in producing radiation. You will also study quality control and how it is applied in a practical setting.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): PHYS 184(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

Year 2 - Semester 1

Code

Name/Description

Credits

PATH 179

Radiographic Pathology 1

You will learn how to identify the pathological conditions of specific body systems as demonstrated on radiographs. At course completion, you will be able to use the required radiographic qualities to adequately illustrate the pathology in question.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 33.0
Prerequisites(s): RGAN 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

PATH 181

Laboratory Result Correlation

You will focus on the role of the laboratory in diagnosis and disease management. The course content includes the analyses used and brief descriptions of common disorders involving the various body systems. You will use this information to help you define the role of the laboratory in disease diagnosis and management. This information will assist you to detect possible discrepancies in laboratory test results.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 40.0
Prerequisites(s): HEMA 179, CHEM 279(concurrent), HEMA 192
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Prior Learning

QC 193

Best Practices in Point of Care Testing

You will study roles and responsibilities of the health care team in point of care testing (POCT). You will learn steps necessary to implement POCT, principles of quality management and correlation of POCT results.
Credit Units: 1
Course Hours: 15.0
Equivalent Course(s): QC 193CE
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

RDBG 184

Radiobiology and Protection

You will be introduced to radiobiology and protection. You will acquire the knowledge and develop the skills needed to practice basic radiation protection during radiological examinations. The course content includes the biological effects of ionizing radiation, basic radiation protection principles and concepts, radiation monitoring, radiation protection guidelines and safety regulations, and techniques of minimizing patient dose during diagnostic imaging.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 30.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online, Print Distance Group, Prior Learning

RDGR 283

Advanced Radiographic Technique 1

You will learn about radiographic techniques used for localizing foreign bodies in the human body. You will discuss variations in techniques used for pediatric and geriatric patients. You will also learn the basic principles used in trauma radiography and mobile radiography.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 32.0
Prerequisites(s): RDGR 180
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Lab, Online

SIMU 280

Clinical Simulation

You will participate in a 140 hour simulation that will help prepare you for your clinical experience. The course will focus on skill development in x-ray, laboratory and ECG. The experience will assist you to correlate your theory to real patient and laboratory situations. You will demonstrate your ability to prioritize, organize and implement procedures in all disciplines. Your ability to apply professional practice will be stressed.
Credit Units: 9
Course Hours: 140.0
Prerequisites(s): CHEM 184, ECRD 180, ETHC 181, ETHC 185, ETHC 280, IMRC 182, IMRC 183, PATH 179, RSAP 180, PATH 181, QC 193, PROC 181, QC 194, RDBG 184, RDGR 283
Potential Learning Method(s): Lab/Practical, Online, Print Distance Group

Year 2 - Semester 2

Code

Name/Description

Credits

CLIN 190

Clinical Radiography

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. Upon successfully completing your clinical experience, you will be able to perform routine projections/views for the abdomen and specified skeletal and respiratory systems. You will also know how to operate radiographic equipment and critique resulting radiographs. You must demonstrate appropriate patient care and radiation safety and protection.
Credit Units: 39
Course Hours: 582.0
Prerequisites(s): SIMU 280
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

CLIN 193

Clinical Laboratory

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. You will have the opportunity to become competent in performing routine laboratory procedures by various methodologies. You will gain experience in the daily operation of the hematology and chemistry laboratory. You will also apply the previous skills you learned to perform, evaluate and report routine laboratory results.
Credit Units: 31
Course Hours: 468.0
Prerequisites(s): SIMU 280
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum

CLIN 198

Clinical ECG

You will participate in a supervised clinical experience at an assigned clinical site. Upon successfully completing this experience, you will be able to competently perform ECGs.
Credit Units: 2
Course Hours: 37.0
Prerequisites(s): SIMU 280 or SIMU 100
Potential Learning Method(s): Clinical/Practicum, Prior Learning

PLAR & Transfer Credit

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways and through many different means. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training. A detailed Candidate Guide, which includes a self-audit for all PLAR-ready courses, has been developed for this program. This information guides a candidate through all steps in the PLAR process.

Transfer Credit

Many Sask Polytech students benefit from transferring course credit. You may be eligible to transfer credit from or to another college or university. Learn more about Transfer Credit.

Athabasca University

Graduates of this program may be eligible for block transfer of 60 credit units into the Bachelor of Science Post Diploma program or 30 credit units toward BSc (PD) with Majors in Applied Mathematics, Computing Information Systems and/or Human Science.

University of Regina and First Nations University of Canada

Graduates of this program may be eligible for a block transfer of 60 credit hours to the Faculty of Kinesiology or Health Studies or Faculty of Arts at the University of Regina or the First Nations University of Canada.

Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. You don't have to be a brainiac to receive a student award. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships