DIPLOMA IN X-RAY TECHNOLOGY

UNIT 1: Fundamentals of Radiography & Human Anatomy

Theory

• Introduction to X-Ray Technology and diagnostic radiography
• History and development of X-ray imaging
• Role and responsibilities of an X-Ray Technologist
• Anatomical terminology and body planes
• Skeletal system and major bones
• Basic cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive anatomy
• Introduction to radiographic procedures
• Professional ethics and patient confidentiality

Practical

• Identification of major bones and anatomical landmarks
• Anatomical positioning practice
• Introduction to radiography equipment
• Patient identification and communication
• Basic radiography-room workflow
• Preparation of radiographic room and accessories

UNIT 2: Physics of X-Rays & Radiation Principles

Theory

• Basic concepts of physics for radiography
• Structure of the atom
• Electromagnetic radiation
• Production of X-rays
• X-ray tube and components
• X-ray beam characteristics
• Factors affecting X-ray intensity and quality
• Interaction of X-rays with matter

Practical

• Identification of X-ray tube components
• Demonstration of X-ray machine controls
• Understanding exposure factors
• kVp and mAs concepts
• Radiation-beam observation
• Basic equipment operating procedures under supervision

UNIT 3: Radiographic Equipment & Image Formation

Theory

• X-ray machine components
• Control console
• X-ray tube and generator
• Collimators and filters
• Grids and image receptors
• Digital radiography systems
• Computed radiography fundamentals
• Image formation and image quality

Practical

• Equipment identification
• Machine start-up and shutdown procedures
• Collimator operation
• Image-receptor handling
• Digital image acquisition workflow
• Basic exposure-setting exercises
• Equipment cleaning and routine checks

UNIT 4: Patient Care, Positioning & Radiographic Procedures

Theory

• Patient preparation for X-ray examinations
• Patient communication and comfort
• General positioning principles
• Radiographic anatomical landmarks
• Routine radiographic examinations
• Mobility and transfer considerations
• Infection prevention
• Documentation and patient safety

Practical

• Patient positioning demonstrations
• Chest and thoracic positioning
• Upper-limb positioning
• Lower-limb positioning
• Abdomen and pelvis positioning
• Spine positioning
• Use of positioning aids
• Preparation and documentation of examinations

UNIT 5: Radiation Protection & Safety

Theory

• Principles of radiation protection
• Radiation hazards
• ALARA principle
• Time, distance and shielding
• Radiation-protection equipment
• Occupational exposure
• Patient radiation safety
• Pregnancy-related safety considerations
• Monitoring and documentation

Practical

• Proper use of lead protective equipment
• Radiation-area safety checks
• Collimation practice
• Exposure optimization exercises
• Dosimeter awareness
• Radiation-safety checklist
• Safe positioning and shielding procedures

UNIT 6: Advanced Radiographic Positioning & Special Procedures

Theory

• Advanced positioning principles
• Skull and facial-bone radiography
• Spine radiography
• Pelvis and hip imaging
• Trauma radiography principles
• Portable/mobile X-ray concepts
• Special radiographic views
• Contrast-study awareness and safety

Practical

• Skull positioning demonstrations
• Facial-bone positioning
• Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine positioning
• Pelvis and hip positioning
• Trauma-positioning techniques
• Portable X-ray workflow demonstration
• Special-view practice under supervision

UNIT 7: Digital Radiography, Image Quality & Processing

Theory

• Digital radiography principles
• Image receptors and detectors
• Image-processing concepts
• Exposure and image-quality factors
• Spatial and contrast resolution
• Noise and artefacts
• Digital image storage and transmission
• Introduction to PACS and DICOM

Practical

• Digital image acquisition
• Image-processing workflow
• Identification of image artefacts
• Image-quality assessment
• Correct positioning for repeat reduction
• Basic PACS workflow demonstration
• Image documentation and archiving

UNIT 8: Contrast Media, Special Imaging & Emergency Radiography

Theory

• Introduction to contrast-enhanced radiography
• Types and general uses of contrast media
• Patient preparation principles
• Contrast-safety awareness
• Recognition of possible adverse reactions
• Emergency and trauma imaging
• Portable radiography
• Infection-control considerations

Practical

• Contrast-procedure workflow observation
• Patient preparation checklist
• Emergency-radiography simulation
• Portable X-ray equipment setup demonstration
• Trauma-patient positioning
• Infection-control procedures
• Emergency documentation

Contrast administration should only be performed by appropriately authorized healthcare professionals according to institutional protocols.

UNIT 9: Quality Assurance, Equipment Maintenance & Professional Practice

Theory

• Quality assurance in radiography
• Quality control principles
• Equipment performance monitoring
• Preventive maintenance
• Image reject/repeat analysis
• Common equipment problems
• Documentation and reporting
• Professional ethics and communication

Practical

• Radiographic image-quality checklist
• Reject/repeat analysis
• Equipment inspection
• Basic maintenance procedures
• Quality-control documentation
• Safety inspection
• Reporting equipment issues
• Patient-service and communication practice

UNIT 10: Integrated X-Ray Technology Practicum

Theory

• Complete radiographic workflow
• Patient preparation and safety
• Selection of appropriate radiographic procedures
• Positioning and exposure principles
• Image-quality assurance
• Radiation protection
• Documentation and record management
• Professional responsibilities and career development

Practical

• Complete chest X-ray procedure
• Upper- and lower-limb radiography
• Spine radiography
• Abdomen and pelvis procedures
• Skull/facial radiography
• Trauma and portable X-ray workflow
• Radiation-protection procedures
• Digital image processing
• Image-quality evaluation
• Supervised clinical radiography practicum

FINAL PROJECT

Radiographic Imaging & Radiation Safety Project

Students will complete a supervised project demonstrating the complete workflow of a selected routine X-ray examination.

Project Components

1. Selection of an approved radiographic examination
2. Study of relevant anatomy
3. Patient preparation
4. Patient identification and communication
5. Appropriate positioning
6. Equipment preparation
7. Exposure-factor documentation
8. Radiation-protection measures
9. Image acquisition
10. Image-quality evaluation
11. Identification of positioning or technical errors
12. Documentation and final presentation

Project Deliverables

• Project proposal
• Anatomical study
• Positioning guide
• Procedure checklist
• Radiation-safety checklist
• Sample/approved radiographic images
• Image-quality assessment
• Clinical logbook
• Final project report
• Practical demonstration and viva

Important: All X-ray exposure must be performed only in an appropriately equipped and authorized facility under qualified supervision and according to applicable radiation-safety regulations.