Course

Veterinary Radiography

Faculty
Science & Technology
Department
Veterinary Technology
Course code
VTEC 2109
Credits
3.00
Semester length
15 weeks
Max class size
30
Method(s) of instruction
Lecture
Lab
Course designation
None
Industry designation
None
Typically offered
Fall

Overview

Course description
This course covers all aspects of veterinary radiography. Topics include the theoretical aspects of radiography, radiation safety, patient handling techniques, correct positioning for radiography and evaluation of radiographs.
Course content
  1. Terminology and principles of veterinary radiography
  2. Radiation safety and safety practices
        - proper use of radiography equipment and accessories
        - proper use and maintenance of personal protective equipment
  3. Generation of radiographs for evaluation
        - positioning techniques for small animals
        - exposure variables and techniques
        - radiographic studies of body regions
  4. Development, storage and handling of radiographs
        - use of screens and grids for radiography
        - routine identification procedures
        - proper storage of unexposed and exposed films
        - automatic processing of radiographic films
  5. Types and maintenance of radiographic equipment
        - care and maintenance of the X-ray unit
        - the processor, screens and personal protective equipment
        - proper storage, maintenance and disposal of dark room processing fluids
Learning activities

Instructional activities may include online pre-recorded videos, webinars, open book quizzes, radiograph assignments and evaluations, case studies, labs using cadavers and live animal labs.

Means of assessment

Evaluations will be carried out in accordance with Douglas College Evaluation Policy. The instructor will present a written course outline with specific evaluation criteria at the beginning of the semester. A final minimum cumulative grade of “C” or 60% is required, in both lecture and lab components, in order to progress in the Veterinary Technology program.

Evaluation will be based on:

Assignments and Quizzes        25-60% (no assessessment >20%)

Laboratory Midterm                5-15%

Lecture Midterm                     5-20%

Final Lab Exam                      10-20%

Final Lecture Exam                 10-20%

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course successful students will be able to:

  1. Explain the formation and principles of X-rays.
  2. Explain the function of an X-ray machine and the principles of radiographic image formation.
  3. Implement and maintain appropriate radiation safety measures.
  4. Operate an X-ray machine.
  5. Position companion animals for routine radiographic evaluations that ensures diagnostic quality.
  6. Store, handle, label and process radiographic film.
  7. Operate and maintain an automatic radiographic film processor.
  8. Perform regular checks and maintenance on accessory radiographic equipment.
Textbook materials

Consult the Douglas College Bookstore for the latest required textbooks and materials.

Requisites

Prerequisites

VTEC 1201 and VTEC 1202 and VTEC 1203 and VTEC 1204 and VTEC 1205

Students in the Veterinary Technology program are required to maintain a minimum grade of (C) in all courses in order to progress in the program.

Corequisites

No corequisite courses.

Equivalencies

No equivalent courses.

Course Guidelines

Course Guidelines for previous years are viewable by selecting the version desired. If you took this course and do not see a listing for the starting semester / year of the course, consider the previous version as the applicable version.

(Current)

Course Transfers to Other Institutions

Below are current transfer agreements from Douglas College to other institutions for the current course guidelines only. For a full list of transfer details and archived courses, please see the BC Transfer Guide.

Institution Transfer details for VTEC 2109
There are no applicable transfer credits for this course.

Course Offerings

Fall 2025

CRN Days Instructor Status
Maximum seats
30
Currently enrolled
21
Remaining seats:
9
On waitlist
0
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2143
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2145
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
12:20
Building
Coquitlam - Bldg. A
Room
A2143
Times:
Start Time
8:30
-
End Time
10:20
Section notes

VTEC 2109 001 is restricted to the Full-time VTEC cohort only.