Radiology Operator Course

Lesson 1 • Regulatory and Safety Framework

Outlines radiation protection regulations, operator licensing requirements, and facility compliance standards. Operators understand their legal and ethical obligations.

Lesson 2 • Image Formation and Quality Factors

Explains how exposure factors affect image contrast, density, and sharpness. Operators connect technical parameters to diagnostic image quality.

Lesson 3 • Types of Medical Imaging Modalities

Introduces X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, and nuclear imaging. Operators learn where each modality fits in clinical diagnostic workflows.

Lesson 1 • Emergency Radiation Procedures

Prepares operators for radiation spills, equipment malfunctions, and overexposure events. Correct emergency response prevents escalation and ensures regulatory compliance.

Lesson 2 • Protective Equipment and Shielding

Covers lead aprons, thyroid shields, gonadal shielding, and structural barriers. Operators select and inspect protective equipment for each imaging scenario.

Lesson 3 • Patient Dose Optimisation Techniques

Applies collimation, technique selection, and repeat reduction strategies to minimise patient dose. Operators balance diagnostic quality with the lowest achievable exposure.

Lesson 4 • Radiation Monitoring and Dosimetry

Teaches use of personal dosimeters, area monitors, and dose tracking systems. Operators learn to interpret readings and respond to elevated exposure alerts.

Lesson 1 • Equipment Quality Control Procedures

Covers daily, weekly, and periodic QC tests for radiographic units. Operators detect equipment drift early to maintain consistent image quality and patient safety.

Lesson 2 • Digital Imaging Receptors and Systems

Covers computed radiography, direct digital radiography, and PACS integration. Operators process, label, and transmit images within the digital workflow.

Lesson 3 • Exposure Parameter Selection

Teaches selection of kVp, mAs, SID, and grid ratios for standard projections. Operators apply technique charts to achieve consistent diagnostic image quality.

Lesson 4 • X-Ray Unit Components and Controls

Identifies generator types, tube components, collimators, and control panels. Operators understand how each component affects image output and equipment safety.

Lesson 1 • Patient Assessment and Communication

Covers patient identification, history screening, and informed consent. Operators establish trust and gather clinical information that guides safe imaging decisions.

Lesson 2 • Abdominal and Spinal Positioning

Addresses AP abdomen, lumbar spine, and cervical spine projections with critical centering points. Operators apply immobilisation aids and breathing instructions for motion-free images.

Lesson 3 • Chest and Thoracic Positioning

Teaches PA, AP, and lateral chest projections with correct centering and exposure. Operators recognise positioning errors that compromise pulmonary and cardiac evaluation.

Lesson 4 • Extremity and Skeletal Positioning

Covers upper and lower extremity projections, joint spaces, and trauma adaptations. Operators adjust positioning for immobile or injured patients without compromising image quality.

Lesson 1 • Criteria for Diagnostic Image Quality

Establishes acceptance criteria for exposure, positioning, and artefact levels across modalities. Operators apply standardised criteria to make consistent accept-or-repeat decisions.

Lesson 2 • Repeat and Reject Analysis

Covers data collection, categorisation, and trending of repeated images by cause. Operators use reject analysis to identify systemic errors and target corrective training.

Lesson 3 • Radiographic Quality Improvement Process

Applies PDCA cycles and peer review to sustained image quality improvement. Operators contribute data and participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives.

Lesson 1 • Upper GI and Barium Procedures

Covers esophagram, upper GI series, and small bowel follow-through positioning and technique. Operators coordinate patient preparation, barium administration, and fluoroscopic spot imaging.

Lesson 2 • Genitourinary and Interventional Fluoroscopy

Addresses cystography, voiding cystourethrogram, and basic interventional fluoroscopic support. Operators manage sterile technique, catheter handling, and radiation dose in procedural settings.

Lesson 3 • Fluoroscopic Equipment and Controls

Covers image intensifiers, flat-panel fluoroscopy systems, and dose rate controls. Operators configure pulsed fluoroscopy and last-image-hold features to minimise patient dose.

Lesson 4 • Contrast Reaction Recognition and Response

Trains operators to identify mild, moderate, and severe contrast reactions and initiate response. Rapid recognition and escalation prevent patient harm during contrast procedures.

Lesson 1 • CT Image Review and Artefact Recognition

Trains operators to assess image quality, identify artefacts, and determine if repeat acquisition is needed. Early artefact recognition prevents misdiagnosis and unnecessary repeat scans.

Lesson 2 • CT Contrast Administration and Timing

Covers IV contrast injection rates, bolus timing, and phase acquisition for CT angiography. Operators coordinate power injector settings with scan delay to optimise vascular enhancement.

Lesson 3 • CT System Components and Geometry

Covers gantry, detector arrays, slip-ring technology, and reconstruction geometry. Operators understand how scanner design affects spatial resolution and dose efficiency.

Lesson 4 • CT Dose Management and Optimisation

Applies dose-length product tracking, iterative reconstruction, and protocol auditing to reduce CT dose. Operators use dose reports to identify outliers and justify protocol adjustments.

Lesson 1 • Bariatric and Non-Standard Patient Imaging

Covers technique adjustments, equipment weight limits, and positioning aids for bariatric patients. Operators maintain image quality and patient dignity in non-standard body habitus cases.

Lesson 2 • Interventional Radiology Operator Support

Prepares operators to assist in angiography, biopsy, and drainage procedures under fluoroscopic guidance. Operators manage sterile fields, contrast delivery, and real-time imaging support.

Lesson 3 • Trauma Radiography Protocols

Covers primary survey imaging, cervical spine clearance, and whole-body trauma CT protocols. Operators prioritise speed and diagnostic completeness in time-critical trauma scenarios.

Lesson 4 • Pediatric Imaging Adaptations

Addresses dose reduction strategies, immobilisation techniques, and age-specific protocols for pediatric patients. Operators balance diagnostic adequacy with heightened radiation sensitivity in children.