Radiography Course

Lesson 1 • X-Ray Beam Interactions with Matter

Details photoelectric absorption, Compton scatter, and coherent scatter in tissue. Connects interaction types to image contrast and patient dose.

Lesson 2 • Atomic Structure and Radiation Physics

Covers atomic models, electron shells, and ionization relevant to X-ray generation. Provides the physical framework for all subsequent imaging concepts.

Lesson 3 • Units and Quantities of Radiation

Defines exposure, absorbed dose, equivalent dose, and effective dose using SI units. Establishes measurement language used throughout radiation protection and dosimetry.

Lesson 1 • Grids, Collimators, and Accessories

Explains scatter reduction devices and beam-limiting equipment used in clinical practice. Demonstrates how accessories directly improve image contrast and reduce dose.

Lesson 2 • Image Receptor Systems

Compares film-screen, computed radiography (CR), and digital radiography (DR) receptors. Connects receptor choice to image quality and workflow efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Equipment Quality Assurance

Introduces QA testing protocols for kVp accuracy, timer precision, and focal spot size. Ensures students can maintain equipment performance within accepted tolerances.

Lesson 4 • X-Ray Tube Design and Function

Examines cathode, anode, and housing components and their operational roles. Grounds equipment selection decisions in tube performance characteristics.

Lesson 1 • Biological Effects of Radiation

Distinguishes deterministic and stochastic effects and their dose-response relationships. Provides the biological rationale for all radiation protection measures.

Lesson 2 • Patient Dose Reduction Techniques

Covers collimation, shielding, technique optimization, and repeat rate reduction for patients. Directly reduces unnecessary patient exposure through evidence-based practice.

Lesson 3 • ALARA Principle and Dose Limits

Applies the ALARA framework and occupational and public dose limits to clinical decisions. Connects regulatory standards to practical exposure reduction strategies.

Lesson 4 • Personnel Monitoring and Shielding

Explains dosimetry badge use, shielding materials, and controlled area design. Equips students to evaluate and maintain safe working environments.

Lesson 1 • Automatic Exposure Control Systems

Covers AEC detector placement, backup time settings, and density adjustment controls. Enables consistent exposure across varying patient sizes and anatomical regions.

Lesson 2 • Technique Charts and Their Use

Explains fixed-kVp and variable-kVp technique chart construction and clinical application. Standardizes exposure selection to reduce variability and repeat rates.

Lesson 3 • Exposure Factor Relationships

Analyzes how kVp, mA, time, and SID interact to control image density and contrast. Builds the quantitative reasoning needed for technique selection.

Lesson 1 • Digital Image Processing and Display

Covers windowing, leveling, edge enhancement, and post-processing tools in digital systems. Demonstrates how processing choices affect diagnostic information visibility.

Lesson 2 • Spatial Resolution and Recorded Detail

Examines focal spot size, motion, OFD, and SID as determinants of recorded detail. Connects geometric and motion unsharpness to clinical image sharpness.

Lesson 3 • Noise, Artifacts, and Distortion

Identifies quantum mottle, structured noise, and common artifacts in digital and film images. Enables systematic troubleshooting of image quality problems.

Lesson 4 • Systematic Image Critique Method

Applies a structured four-criteria critique framework to evaluate clinical radiographs. Develops consistent quality assessment habits applicable to all projections.

Lesson 1 • Lumbar Spine and Sacrum

Covers AP, lateral, oblique, and L5-S1 spot projections of the lumbar spine and sacrum. Addresses angulation adjustments for lumbar lordosis and sacral curvature.

Lesson 2 • Abdominal Radiography

Addresses supine, upright, and decubitus abdominal projections and their clinical indications. Connects patient condition to projection selection for acute abdominal series.

Lesson 3 • Chest Radiography Projections

Covers PA, AP, and lateral chest projections including positioning criteria and evaluation standards. Forms the clinical foundation for the most frequently performed radiographic examination.

Lesson 1 • Pelvis and Hip Radiography

Details AP pelvis, AP hip, frog-leg lateral, and cross-table lateral projections. Addresses trauma positioning modifications for suspected hip fractures.

Lesson 2 • Upper Extremity Projections

Covers fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, humerus, and shoulder projections with positioning details. Builds systematic upper limb imaging competency from distal to proximal.

Lesson 3 • Lower Extremity Projections

Addresses toes, foot, ankle, tibia-fibula, knee, and femur projections with evaluation criteria. Progresses from distal foot anatomy to proximal femur imaging.

Lesson 4 • Skull and Facial Bone Projections

Covers PA, lateral, Towne, and Waters projections for skull and facial bone evaluation. Connects projection selection to specific anatomical structures of clinical interest.

Lesson 1 • Fluoroscopy Principles and Dose Management

Explains image intensifier and flat-panel fluoroscopy systems, pulsed fluoroscopy, and dose metrics. Applies dose management strategies to minimize fluoroscopic exposure.

Lesson 2 • Contrast Reactions and Patient Safety

Identifies mild, moderate, and severe contrast reactions and the radiographer's response role. Prepares students to recognize emergencies and support clinical intervention.

Lesson 3 • Contrast Media Fundamentals

Classifies positive and negative contrast agents by composition, viscosity, and clinical use. Establishes the pharmacological and physical basis for contrast-enhanced imaging.

Lesson 4 • Gastrointestinal Contrast Examinations

Covers upper GI series, small bowel follow-through, and barium enema procedures and positioning. Connects fluoroscopic spot imaging to diagnostic evaluation of GI pathology.