TECH161-0808 : Radiology - A Clear Overview

INSTRUCTOR:
Tara Wochesen, BS, RVT

DATES:
August 28-October 5, 2008
Real Time Sessions: Thursday evenings, September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2008; 8:00pm-9:30pm ET (USA)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Radiology is not simply black and white! A clear overview of the basic fundamentals of radiology including digital radiography and basic positioning of small animals will be the focus of this course. The course is geared toward participants including experienced or newly graduated veterinary technicians or experienced veterinary assistants. Small animal general practice or emergency medicine staff will find this course offers a comprehensive overview of radiographic principles including technique evaluation, film quality, common artifacts and problem solving. Proper patient restraint and positioning is a necessity when it comes to producing diagnostic, quality radiographs; therefore, a large part of the course content will focus on these.

The course will be presented in four (4) 90 minute real time interactive live sessions and will include online handouts, quizzes, and message board discussion interaction with both the instructor and other course participants. Ms. Wochesen has years of experience in teaching radiology to veterinary students with both large and small animals including digital radiography, and nuclear medicine imaging.

Upon completion of this course, participants should

• have an understanding of how x-rays are produced.
• be knowledgeable about the equipment used, including technical factors, how to troubleshoot, processing principles and radiation safety.
• know the different types of radiography systems (screen-film, digital, computed radiography) and the advantages and disadvantages of these systems.
• be aware of the various methods of chemical and manual restraint and proper use of restraint devices.
• be able to evaluate which position, view, and technique can be used to optimize time and safety for both the patient and radiographer while minimizing stress to the patient.
• have a better understanding of positioning for specialized views including hip and elbow certification, skull radiographs and TPLO views.

TEXTBOOKS: There are no required texts for this course.
The instructor recommends the following text for adjunctive reading:

• Lavin, L.M (2007). Radiography in Veterinary Technology, 4th ed. Elsevier Health. VIN Store: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=91430
• Thrall, D.E. (2007). Textbook of Veterinary Diagnostic Radiology, 5th Ed. Elsevier Health. VIN Store: https://store.vin.com/custom/edit.asp?p=82464

COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1: X-ray production, films, screens, and processing
Content: Understanding x-ray production and tube anatomy is essential in order to problem solve, and produce the best possible radiograph. We will briefly review these principles, as well as study kVp, mA-s, density and contrast. We will discuss and evaluate a number of films, interpreting film quality, positioning, density and contrast. Common artifacts will also be considered.

Week 2: Digital and computed radiography
Content: As technology continues to dominate, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of digital radiography. Evaluation of different types of systems, storage, practicality and expense will also be looked at.

Week 3: Positioning-restraint and exposure
Content: This will be the first of 2 parts based on patient positioning. First, an overview of restraint, both manual and chemical, will be reviewed; restraint devices will also be discussed. This weeks' focus will be on common exams, including thorax, abdomen and extremities.

Week 4: Positioning-special films and series
Content: This weeks' focus will be on pelvic radiographs, including information needed for OVC/ OFA hip certification. Other less, common positions will be reviewed including TPLO views, shoulders, skull, and other specialty views.

LIBRARY MATERIALS: Library materials will be made available prior to the topic week so participants will have plenty of time to prepare for the real time sessions and discussion.

MESSAGE BOARD DISCUSSIONS: Message board discussions regarding the topic presented will begin on the day the course opens and continue for one week following the last real time session. These discussions will be held in the VSPN CE course area.

CE HOURS: 6

TUITION:
$117 ($105.00 early bird special if registered before August 4, 2008).
*Students currently enrolled in and taking at least 2 classes or 5 units at an AVMA accredited or CAAHT approved Veterinary Technician Program may be eligible to receive a 50% discount off the regular rate for this course (upon verification of student status). You must include the following information in the comments section of the CE enrollment form in order to be eligible for this discount: your program director's name and contact information (email/phone) and school name.

** NOTE: Registration will be closed when the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first real time session.

• Minimal computer requirements for participating in VSPN and VPSNCE
  

• How To's of Online CE

• Polices & Procedures

TO REGISTER:

1. Each person must individually be a registered member of VSPN (www.vspn.org). Membership in VSPN is free.
2. To enroll in any VSPN CE course click on the ENROLL NOW link below the course title on the right side of the page at www.vspn.org/CE
3. Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org and @vin.com addresses. This is our major form of communication with participants. It is highly recommended that course participants use their own, personal emails rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
4. VIN Member veterinarians SHOULD NOT register for their staff. Please have the staff member register through VSPN. Please email VSPNCE@vspn.org if you have questions.

Note: "This course has been submitted for approval for 6 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions which recognize AAVSB RACE approval; however participants should be aware that some boards have limitations on the number of hours accepted in certain categories and/or restrictions on certain methods of delivery of continuing education. Call VSPN CE at 1-800-700-4636 for further information." (Attendees are encouraged to check with their licensing jurisdiction(s) for information regarding recognition by their board).

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COURSE WITHDRAWAL AND REFUND POLICY: Withdrawal prior to the listed start date of a course entitles the registrant to a complete refund or a credit toward a future VSPN or VIN CE course, whichever is preferred. Withdrawal within 1 week after the listed start date (i.e. including no more than one real-time session) entitles the registrant to a credit toward any future VIN CE course. (Does not apply to courses with only one real-time session.) After the first real-time session, a registrant may withdraw due to special circumstances and receive prorated credit towards a future VIN course. These requests will be handled on an individual basis. The amount of the prorated credit will be determined based on 65% of the time remaining in the course at the time of withdrawal. It is not possible to withdraw retroactively.
Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you call the VIN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).

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** For More Information on VSPN's upcoming CE Courses, check out http://www.VSPN.org/CE

Nanette R. Walker Smith, M.Ed., RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator
VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950, ext 187

Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org), ext 193
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org); ext 197
VSPN CE Services
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-297-4950

[ CE MAIN | COURSE CATALOG | RACE/GETTING CREDITS | ONLINE CE HOW TO | SUGGEST A COURSE | VIN MAIN ]

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