Course Description
The student will receive further practice in radiography with emphasis on problem solving. Contrast media in radiography and advanced diagnostic imaging including ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, nuclear scintigraphy and infrared thermography are discussed. Patient preparation for both basic and advanced techniques is included. Enrollment is limited to students in the Veterinary Technology Program.
Course Content
The major topics in this course include the following:
- Evaluation of radiographic technique
- review of quality and positioning of radiographic views
- common radiographic artifacts
- processing errors
- components of a diagnostic X-ray
- formulation of technique charts
- Radiographic studies in the equine species
- portable and mobile X-ray units
- positioning the portable x-ray unit and the cassette
- techniques for developing radiographs in the field
- Special radiographic techniques and studies
- positive and negative and combined contrast techniques used for esophageal, upper GI and colonic studies
- use of iodinated contrast media for urinary tract, neurologic and cardiovascular studies
- other uses for contrast media in radiography
- Advanced imaging techniques
- digital radiography
- ultrasound
- computed tomography
- magnetic resonance imaging
- nuclear scintigraphy
- infrared thermography
- Radiotherapy
- indications and implications
- use as a treatment modality
Learning Activities
This course includes three hours of classroom and laboratory instruction per week with additional practicum placements.
Means of Assessment
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 pass this course. Evaluation will be based on quizzes and assignments, practical evaluations including a final practical examination, at least one midterm and a final written examination.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:
- Formulate radiographic technique charts and discuss quality assurance in the radiology suite.
- Discuss handling, storage and the legal ownership of radiographs.
- Perform digital radiography and prepare digital radiographs for archiving, transport or transmission.
- Explain and demonstrate special radiographic techniques for the digestive and urinary systems, including the upper GI series, intravenous pyelogram and retrograde cystogram.
- Discuss the fundamentals of ultrasonography and other specialized imaging techniques including CT, MRI, nuclear scintigraphy and infrared thermography.
- Discuss radiotherapy and nuclear medicine and their applications in veterinary medicine.
- Perform diagnostic radiography of the horse and discuss application to other large animal species.
Textbook Materials
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.