Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title VT 1610: Diagnostic Imaging

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 5 (1 lecture, 4 lab)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) VT 1410, VT 1710, VT 1810, and VT 2900
Other requirements All prior veterinary technician courses should be completed with a grade of C or better.
MnTC Goals (if any) NA

Course Description

This is a lecture and laboratory course covering the practical and theoretical aspects of diagnostic imaging in veterinary medicine. This course covers basic principles of x-ray physics, radiation safety, radiographic equipment and accessories, patient positioning, and legal requirements. The course will also include practical application of proper positioning to obtain diagnostic quality radiographs. In addition to routine radiography, the following topics will be included: trouble shooting radiographic quality, use of contrast media, sonography, dental radiography, special imaging techniques and development of a radiographic technique charts.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

December, 2023

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Radiation Safety
  2. Protection
  3. Standard precaution procedures
  4. Recognizing faulty equipment operations
  5. Radiation monitoring devices
  6. Laws Regulating Veterinary Medical Imaging
  7. Quality Assurance
  8. Quality control
  9. X-ray records and filing and storing
  10. Film identification
  11. Principles of Imaging
    1. Physics of X-ray generation
    2. Terminology
    3. History
    4. Techniques charts
  12. Function and Anatomy of X-ray Machines
  13. X-ray tube anatomy
  14. Stationary machines
  15. Portable machines
  16. Dental machines
  17. Digital Equipment
  18. Cleaning and maintenance
  19. Instrument controls
  20. Exposure variables
  21. Positioning of patients
  22. Terminology
  23. Positioning aids
  24. Soft tissues
  25. Thoracic limb
  26. Pelvic limb (including OFA applications/positioning)
  27. Skull
  28. Spine
  29. Large animal
  30. Avian and Exotics
  31. Dental radiography
  32. Radiographic Quality
  33. Density
  34. Contrast
  35. Detail
  36. Distortion
  37. Exposure
  38. Techniques charts
  39. Special Diagnostic Imaging
  40. Ultrasound
  41. Contrast studies
  42. MRI
  43. CT
  44. Nuclear Medicine

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of basic radiographic theory and terminology.
  2. Demonstrate radiation safety while taking quality diagnostic radiographs of canines, felines, and equines using general principles of animal positioning and radiographic technique charts.
  3. Demonstrate use of stationary, dental, and portable radiographic machines and digital equipment.
  4. Understand and perform routine contrast media studies.
  5. Explain how technical artifacts are generated and demonstrate how they are prevented when taking radiographs.
  6. Demonstrate proper use of radiographic logs, reports, files, and records.
  7. Demonstrate proper use and maintenance of imaging equipment.
  8. Identify concepts and terms relating to exposure and control factors, such as density, contrast, exposure equations, directional terms, and critique points of radiographs.
  9. Demonstrate quality control tests required by state regulatory agencies.
  10. Understand alternatives to radiography such as CT, Nuclear Medicine, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography, Endoscopy, and Radiation Therapy.
  11. Demonstrate an understanding of the modifications of diagnostic imaging techniques as they apply to mice or rats, guinea pigs, lizards, and amphibians

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

NA

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Critical Thinking
Students will think systematically and explore information thoroughly before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion.

Special Information (if any)

The initial lab session explains and familiarizes the student with general safety hazards and safety equipment to the lab. During the pre- lab discussion, the hazardous characteristics of any materials used during a lab are discussed. In addition, if the lab involves any potentially infectious or zoonotic material, the students will be instructed on the proper use and disposal. The instructor will direct all students to where necessary protective equipment while working with any hazardous chemicals. A copy of Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used is available in the lab.