X-Ray Tech Course

Lesson 1 • Atomic Structure and Radiation Basics

Covers atomic models, electron shells, and ionising vs. non-ionising radiation. Establishes the physics vocabulary needed throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • X-Ray Production Principles

Explains how electrons interact with the anode to produce bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation. Links tube design to the X-ray emission spectrum.

Lesson 3 • Electromagnetic Spectrum and X-Rays

Places X-rays within the electromagnetic spectrum and compares wavelength, frequency, and energy. Reinforces why X-rays penetrate tissue.

Lesson 1 • X-Ray Generator Types

Compares single-phase, three-phase, and high-frequency generators by ripple and output efficiency. Prepares students to choose the right generator for clinical tasks.

Lesson 2 • Imaging Accessories and Support Equipment

Reviews Bucky tables, upright stands, mobile units, and fluoroscopic equipment. Prepares students to configure the room for diverse radiographic procedures.

Lesson 3 • Grids, Collimators, and Beam Restrictors

Covers grid ratios, collimator types, and their roles in scatter reduction and field limitation. Links proper use to improved image contrast and reduced patient dose.

Lesson 4 • Exposure Factors: kVp, mA, and Time

Defines kilovoltage peak, milliamperage, and exposure time and their effects on image density and contrast. Students manipulate these factors to optimise image quality.

Lesson 1 • Patient Dose Reduction Strategies

Applies collimation, optimal kVp, and repeat-rate reduction to minimise patient dose. Reinforces that every technical choice has a direct dose consequence.

Lesson 2 • Personnel Dosimetry and Monitoring

Reviews film badge, TLD, OSL, and electronic dosimeters for occupational monitoring. Students interpret dosimetry reports and identify overexposure indicators.

Lesson 3 • ALARA Principle and Dose Limits

Defines ALARA and occupational and public dose limits set by radiation protection bodies. Students apply limits to justify exposure decisions.

Lesson 4 • Shielding and Protective Devices

Covers lead aprons, thyroid shields, gonadal shielding, and structural barriers. Connects shielding selection to patient anatomy and procedure type.

Lesson 1 • Radiographic Density and Contrast

Defines optical density, radiographic contrast, and the factors that control each. Students adjust exposure factors to achieve diagnostic density and contrast.

Lesson 2 • X-Ray Interactions with Matter

Details photoelectric absorption, Compton scatter, and coherent scatter and their imaging implications. Explains why tissue composition determines subject contrast.

Lesson 3 • Image Receptor Systems

Compares film-screen, computed radiography (CR), and digital radiography (DR) receptor technologies. Connects receptor choice to dose efficiency and workflow speed.

Lesson 4 • Spatial Resolution and Recorded Detail

Examines focal spot size, OID, SID, and receptor resolution as determinants of recorded detail. Links geometric factors to sharpness in the final image.

Lesson 1 • Quality Control in Digital Imaging

Establishes QC tests for flat-panel detectors, monitors, and CR readers including artefact detection. Students perform and document routine QC procedures.

Lesson 2 • Exposure Indicators and Technique Optimisation

Defines vendor-specific exposure index values and target ranges for CR and DR systems. Students use exposure indicators to identify under- and overexposure.

Lesson 3 • Digital Image Acquisition Fundamentals

Explains pixel matrix, bit depth, and dynamic range in digital radiography systems. Connects acquisition parameters to image quality and storage requirements.

Lesson 4 • Image Processing and Enhancement

Covers edge enhancement, gradation processing, noise reduction, and window/level adjustment. Links processing choices to diagnostic visibility of specific anatomical structures.

Lesson 1 • Abdomen Projections and Positioning

Details supine AP, upright AP, and lateral decubitus abdomen projections and their clinical indications. Links patient position to detection of free air and fluid levels.

Lesson 2 • PA and Lateral Chest Projections

Covers patient alignment, inspiration timing, SID, and central ray for PA and lateral chest views. Connects proper technique to visualisation of lung fields and mediastinum.

Lesson 3 • Anatomical Terminology and Body Planes

Establishes directional terms, body planes, and surface landmarks used in positioning. Provides the spatial language required for all positioning chapters.

Lesson 1 • Trauma Positioning Modifications

Adapts standard projections for immobilised, non-ambulatory, and post-surgical patients. Reinforces maintaining diagnostic quality while minimising patient movement.

Lesson 2 • Lumbar Spine and Sacrum Positioning

Details AP, lateral, oblique, and spot lumbar projections plus sacrum and coccyx views. Links central ray angulation to intervertebral disk space visualisation.

Lesson 3 • Upper Extremity Projections

Covers PA, lateral, and oblique projections of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, and shoulder. Emphasises joint alignment and rotation for diagnostic bone and joint visualisation.

Lesson 4 • Cervical and Thoracic Spine Positioning

Covers AP, lateral, and oblique cervical spine views plus AP and lateral thoracic spine projections. Addresses trauma precautions and swimmer's lateral technique.

Lesson 1 • Genitourinary and Biliary Procedures

Details intravenous urography, cystography, and T-tube cholangiography positioning and timing. Connects contrast timing to opacification of renal collecting systems and bile ducts.

Lesson 2 • Radiation Protection in Fluoroscopy

Applies pulsed fluoroscopy, last-image-hold, and distance rules to minimise dose during real-time imaging. Reinforces that fluoroscopic dose rates exceed static radiography significantly.

Lesson 3 • Contrast Agent Pharmacology

Classifies iodinated and barium contrast agents by osmolality, ionic charge, and viscosity. Connects agent properties to clinical selection and adverse reaction risk.

Lesson 4 • Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopic Procedures

Covers upper GI series, barium enema, and small bowel follow-through positioning and technique. Links fluoroscopic spot image timing to mucosal detail visualisation.