VSPN COURSE:
TECH215-0912: Digital Radiography
INSTRUCTOR(S): Tara Wochesen, BS, RVT
COURSE OPEN: September 27-November 4, 2012
REAL TIME SESSIONS (RTS): September 27-November 4, 2012
Course RTS Times in Your Area:
World Clock Converter
Practice Sessions: In order to prepare you for a successful experience in your CE course, we request you attend a Practice Session prior to the first Real Time Session. Please arrive promptly at the start time; each Practice Session is up to 1 hour in length. For more information, please visit the
CE Practice Area.
*The instructor for this course will be using audio which will require you to have a headset or speakers to listen. If you have any concerns regarding your computer's audio capabilities, please be sure to attend one of the Practice Sessions.
Level and Prerequisites:
This
basic course is geared toward veterinary technicians knowledgeable in the mechanics and use of standard radiography machines and interested in learning how digital radiography works.
VSPN CE Course: This course has been submitted for RACE approval for veterinary technicians only.
Course Description:
As times change, we need to understand and utilize new technologies that are available. As clinics, hospitals, and teaching institutions are advancing radiography equipment to include digital radiography systems, it is imperative that technicians understand this technology and become an asset in utilizing it in practice. Digital radiography will provide benefits that can outweigh the costs as technology continues to improve. However, while providing a myriad of advantages, digital imaging has some weaknesses the user needs to be aware of. The course is
geared toward veterinary technicians knowledgeable in the mechanics and use of standard radiography machines and that are interested in learning how digital radiography works including the advantages and disadvantages, the equipment involved, options available, system requirements, and maintenance. Educating veterinary technicians is essential when considering moving a practice forward.
The benefits digital radiography can offer, combined with knowledgeable technicians will provide the best utilization of these technologies for an efficient, progressive hospital while keeping the focus on the health of your patients.
This course consists of four (4) ninety (90) minute Real Time Sessions, supplemental library materials, interactive message board discussions, a mandatory end-of-course test, and may include online multiple choice quizzes (after each Real Time Session).
Successful completion (scoring 80% or better) on the end-of-course test is required to earn a certificate of completion for the course.
*A portion of this course will be an audio presentation, please be prepared to listen.
Upon completion of this course, the participant should be able to
- describe how digital systems work.
- distinguish how a digital system differs from standard screen-film systems.
- discuss why digital radiography may benefit your hospital.
- identify what to look for before purchasing.
- discuss advantages and disadvantages associated with digital imaging.
- review image acquisition and post processing.
- interpret an apply technique requirements, including the effect mAs and kVp have on digital images.
- examine artifacts, over- and underexposure as they are quite different than with regular screen film.
- give examples of common problems with digital radiography including dose creep, over exposure, collimation, and radiation safety.
Course Materials: Course materials will be available
in the course library prior to each Real Time Session.
Required Textbook(s):
There is no required textbook for this course.
Recommended Textbook(s):
About the Instructors: Tara Wochesen has years of experience working in diagnostic imaging at a large teaching institution. She is responsible for teaching veterinary students, performing radiographs of both large and small animals, working with digital imaging, CT and nuclear medicine.
Course Outline:
Week 1: (Real Time Session October 4): How Digital Radiography Works
Content: We will begin by outlining how digital imaging works and the differences between current and older systems. We will also discuss the different systems available, including DR and CR. Discussion will also focus on determining hospital needs including digital software, pre and post processing, algorithms and other concepts associated with digital systems.
Week 2: (Real Time Session October 11):
Advantages and Disadvantages of Digital Radiography and Radiation Safety Review
Content: This week starts off with a review of kVp and mAs and will include looking at the differences in exposure and technique requirements for digital systems. We will also take a look at the benefits of digital systems in general, future applications as well as PACS. There can be specific problems associated with digital imaging, which include dose creep and increased repeats that will also be discussed. Radiation safety will be included in this lecture. Lastly, we will look at how we can prepare if and when the system fails.
Week 3: (Real Time Session October 18):
Digital Radiography in Practice, Evaluating Exposure and Recognizing Artifacts
Content: This section will focus on day-to-day functioning of the digital radiography system. This includes looking at artifacts, over exposure and underexposure and how to problem solve.
Week 4: (Real Time Session October 25):
Radiographic Positioning
Content: Regardless if you are using a digital system, we still need to take great radiographs! I will review some common positioning including thorax, abdomen and extremities as well as include a few more difficult types of exams such as angular limb, skyline and oblique views.
CE CREDITS: 6
Tuition: $120 ($108 early bird special if enrolled September 13, 2012).
*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).
NOTE: To ensure participants are ready and prepared for classes, enrollment will close when
the maximum number of participants is reached or at 5pm ET the day of the first
Real Time Session unless otherwise noted. If the first Real Time Session is on a
weekend, course enrollment will close on the Friday before the first Real Time Session.
*For more information on how online CE works, see the
Participant Resource Center.
Enrollment qualifications: VIN CE courses are open to
VIN member and non-member veterinarians. Veterinarians enrolling in a VSPN CE course
must be a VIN member. Veterinary support staff must be a VSPN member to enroll in a
VSPN CE or a VIN CE course open to VSPN member enrollment.
Each enrollee must be able to receive emails from @vspn.org
and @vin.com addresses. Email is our major form of communication with participants;
personal emails are highly recommended rather than clinic/hospital email addresses.
Each person is individually responsible for his/her own registration.
To ensure that all information received is secure and correct, please do not enroll
for a course on behalf of another individual.
For further assistance call 1-800-700-INFO (4636) or email (VIN CE)
CEonVIN@vin.com or (VSPN CE)
VSPNCE@vspn.org.
Please include the course title, your full name, and contact information in your correspondence.
*Note:
"This course is submitted for approval for 6 continuing education credits 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/VIN 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).
Course withdrawal and refund policy: A complete refund of the paid course price will be
issued when your withdrawal request is received prior to the listed start date of the course.
If you wish to withdraw after the start date please contact the VIN/VSPN office 1-800-700-INFO (4636)
to discuss eligibility for a pro-rated refund.
* Note: To ensure rapid handling of your request for withdrawal, we recommend that you
call the VIN/VSPN office at 1-800-700-INFO (4636).
*For more information on VSPN's upcoming CE courses, check the
VSPN Course Catalog.
Nanette R. Walker Smith, MEd, RVT, CVT, LVT
VSPN Content Director & CE Coordinator
VSPN CE Services: VSPNCE@vspn.org
1-800-846-0028 or 1-530-756-4881 or direct line to VIN/VSPN from the United Kingdom: 01452226154
Barb Burri (Barb@vspn.org); ext. 764 (New Hampshire)
Charlotte Waack (Charlotte@vspn.org); ext 193 (Illinois)
Chris Upchurch (Chris@vspn.org); ext 197 (Florida)
Darci Palmer (Darci@vspn.org); ext 179 (Alabama)
Debbie Bess (DBess@vspn.org); ext 178 (Nevada)
Jennifer Withrow (Jennifer@vspn.org); ext 159 (Virginia)
Nanette Walker Smith (Nanette@vspn.org); ext 187 (Colorado)
800.700.4636 | CEonVIN@vin.com | 530.756.4881 | Fax: 530.756.6035
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