X-ray Machine Operators Examination Preparation Course

"The Principles of Radiographic Production and Radiation Safety"

QRC developed this examination preparation course for x-ray operators who are attempting to pass the Minnesota Department of Health requirements in order to take x-ray examinations in the state of Minnesota. This seminar was created in Feburary of 1996 prior to any approval of any state approved tests for x-ray operators. This x-ray machine operators examination preparation course has been extremely successful is aiding thousands of operators in passing their examinations.

This is two day course that has been approved by the ASRT for 16 hours of category A continuing education credits. This course is presently conducted on a monthly basis.

The following is the course outline for The Principles of Radiographic Production and Radiation Safety:

Day 1

• Proper use of x-ray equipment:

• Electromagnetic radiation spectrum
• Sources of radiation
• Characteristics of x-rays
• Atoms
• Ionizing radiation
• X-ray production
• Basic electrical terms
• Basic electricity as applied to the tube
• The x-ray tube parts and their function
• Components of the x-ray system
• Grid types, purpose and technique conversion
• Buckys
• Function and interaction of mA, exposure time, (mAs) kVp and distance
• Qualities of a radiograph
• Controlling factors of a radiograph
• Contrast scales
• Intensifying screen compatibility and relative speed
• Cassettes
• Image production
• Identification of image failure

 Darkroom and Film Processing

• Manual processing / time temperature processing
• Automatic film processing
• Components of automatic processing
• Processing chemicals
• Proper storage of x-ray film and chemicals
• Proper film handling
• Identification of film artifacts and their causes
• Safe lights 

Day 2

• Quality Control Procedures

• Sensitometry and Densitometry
• Troubleshooting sensitometry and densitometry problems
• Darkroom fog tests
• Film intensifying screen contact tests
• Intensifying screen speed match or uniformity testing
• Monitoring of lead protective devices

• Radiation Safety

• Terminology
• Occupational permissible dose
• Non occupational permissible dose
• Genetic effects of radiation
• Somatic effects of radiation
• Short term effects of radiation
• Long term effects of radiation
• Factors that influence the effects of radiation
• Patient immobilizing techniques and equipment
• Patient and film holding
• X-ray machine operator protection and devices
• X-ray room shielding and barriers
• Personnel radiation monitoring devices
• Interpretation and maintenance of personnel monitoring reports

• Post course examination:
  

• A mock test is administered at the end of the course to evaluate the level of retention of the material presented.
  

Seminar slide presentation - Coming soon.

Study guide - Examples of the seminar.

Registration form, cost, & dates

Map to seminar site