This course includes three hours of classroom and laboratory instruction per week with additional practicum placements.
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
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.
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.
A list of required and optional textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of each semester.
Successful completion of Year 1 of the Veterinary/Animal Health Technology Program
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