Written by Lois E. Romans
Introduction to the basic concepts of CT physics and fundamentals, as well as the application of these principles in the clinical setting will be discussed.
A brief history will be included in this course. Patient Communication, and Patient Preparation will be discussed.
Course Outline: History of Radiation Leading to CT, CT Scanner Designs, Benefits of CT, Overview of CT (X-Ray production, Attenuation of X-Rays, Detectors, Image Reconstruction, Image Display and Archiving. Patient Communication, Patient Preparation.
Expected Duration to Complete: 1 week (5 hours of Lectures). AHRA/ARRT 6 CE category A credits.
CT Physics and Instrumentation
The goal on this course is to introduce the student to the major CT hardware components and their role in generating computer tomography images.
An understanding of the function of the hardware components is important in order to comprehend the formation of CT images. This course will be a presentation of how CT images are formed. We examine the scanning methods that allow us to learn about the tissues inside the patient's body, learn how the anatomical detail is measured and how that information is turned into an image. Then study digital cross-sectional images in more detail and we will show how multiple shades of gray are used to represent the tissues depicted in the images. Post-processing techniques such as MPR (Multi-planar Reconstruction), MIP (Maximum Intensity Projection), and 3D Surface rendering are also discussed. This course is geared to introduce the parameters that the operators (technologists) have at their disposal at the operator's console to manipulate the image appearance (contrast, density, and detail). We will also examine common anomalies, or artifacts, found on CT images and how to avoid them.
Course Outline: The Operator's Console, The Host Computer, The Scan Computer, The Scan Controller, The Digital-to-Analog Convertor, Gantry and Table Controllers, The High Voltage Generator, The CT X-ray tube, Collimators, Detectors, The Amplifier and the ADC, The Array processor, PACS. Collection Attenuation Information (Localizers, Conventional Scanning, Helical Scans), Image Reconstruction (Filtered Back Projection, Cone Beam Reconstruction, Digital Cross-sectional Images, The Gray Scale), Post Processing Techniques (Retrospective Reconstruction, Multiplanar Reconstruction, 3D Surface Reconstruction). Factors that influence Parameter Selection (Contrast, Resolution, Noise, Dose). Commonly Adjusted Parameters (mAs, KVP, Slice Thickness, Table Increment, Pitch, Reconstruction Interval, Field of View, Image Matrix, Reconstruction Filter), Common Artifacts and How to Avoid them (Beam Hardening Artifact, Partial Volume Artifact, Motion Artifact, Metal Artifact, Ring Artifact), Final Image Presentation (Windowing the CT image-Window Width, Widow Level-, Applying a Display Filter, magnifying the CT Image)
Expected Duration to Complete: 2 weeks (10 hours of Lectures). AHRA/ARRT 18 CE category A credits
CT Radiation Safety & Dosimetry, IV Procedures, Contrast Agents
This course is geared to introduce very important safety aspects of CT. First, radiation safety aspects that must be followed when running a CT scanner. We will also study the several pharmaceutical compounds that can be injected or ingested into the patient's body. Finally, adverse reaction to IV or PO agents will be studied, as well as emergency procedures that need to be well known and performed if the patient experiences complications during the CT study.
Course Outline: Radiation Concerns (Measuring the Harmful Effects, Minimizing the Patient Dose-mAs, kVp, Anatomical Coverage, Slice Thickness, Table Increment, Pitch-, Occupational Exposure), Contrast Agent Concerns (What is Contrast Media?, IV Contrast Agents-Types, Warnings, Timing of Injections, Common Adverse reactions-, Oral Contrast Agents, Intrathecal Contrast Agents, Intra-articular Contrast Agents), Emergency Procedures (Code Procedures- Cardiac Arrest, Seizure, Stroke, Shock), Vital Signs (Temperature, Pulse, Blood Pressure), Special Pediatric Care (Sedation, Minimizing Dose, Contrast Administration.
Expected Duration to Complete: 1 week (4 hours of Lectures). AHRA/ARRT 6 CE category A credits.
CT Procedures, Cross-Sectional Anatomy & Pathology
The goal this course is to introduce the student to the procedures for imaging various anatomical structures utilizing CT. Emphasis on the Central Nervous System (Brain and Spine) Body, Musculoskeletal and Vascular Imaging protocols. Normal anatomy will be discussed as well. This course will also be a presentation of the most common pathologies to be found during CT scanning. The normal anatomy will be compared to the abnormal findings as well. Special imaging techniques will be discussed to demonstrate the pathology. Students will be expected to present cases in class for discussion.
Course Outline: Introduction Neuro, Brain, Cranial Nerves, Pituitary Gland, Introduction Spine, Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar, Introduction MSK, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Knee, Foot & Ankle, Introduction Body, Abdomen and Pelvis.
Course will be held on Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm
Expected Duration to Complete: 1-week (6 hours of Lectures) AHRA/ARRT 12 CE category A credits.
CT Registry Review
This is an intensive Registry Review and preparation. It follows the format of the ARRT Examination, with emphasis on Review, questions, and answers. Mock Registry Examination will be given and graded.
Course Outline: Patient Care, Physics and Instrumentation, and Imaging Procedures.
Complementary weekly access with instructors to review any topic in need of clarification. This is scheduled on Mondays 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Students will request specific topics for discussion.
