La educación es la llave que abre las puertas de las oportunidades
Limited X-ray Machine Operator Exam Preparation
Course Duration:
6 weeks (12 sessions)
Weekly schedule: 2 sessions per week, 2.5 hours each session.
Course Goals:
Prepare students for the LXMO licensure exam.
Provide a solid understanding of radiographic principles, anatomy, equipment, safety, and positioning.
Enhance problem-solving skills related to radiographic procedures and patient care.
Familiarize students with sample questions and practical scenarios from the licensure exam.
Week 1: Introduction and Basic Principles of Radiography
Session 1:
Topic: Introduction to Radiography and Professional Ethics
Overview of the LXMO licensure process.
Introduction to the field of radiography and professional responsibilities.
Importance of ethics in patient care and radiology practice.
Key Concepts: ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable), patient consent, and HIPAA.
Workbook Exercises: Review of ethical scenarios and professional conduct questions.
Session 2:
Topic: Basics of Radiation and Image Production
X-ray production: Components of the X-ray tube, mechanics of X-ray generation, and basic physics concepts.
Properties of X-rays: Penetration, absorption, and interaction with matter.
Introduction to image receptors and basic radiographic quality.
Workbook Exercises: Questions on X-ray production, safety, and image formation.
Week 2: – Patient Care, Communication, and Radiation Protection.
Session 3:
Topic: Patient Care and Communication
Techniques for effective patient communication, addressing patient concerns, and positioning for comfort.
Basic infection control, handling of patients with special needs.
Patient positioning aids and techniques.
Key Concepts: Body mechanics, patient confidentiality, and patient transfer methods.
Workbook Exercises: Review of patient care scenarios and correct positioning methods.
Session 4:
Topic: Radiation Safety and Protection
Principles of radiation protection: Time, distance, shielding.
Safe practices for both patients and radiologic technologists.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) and lead shielding techniques.
Key Concepts: Dose limits, occupational exposure, and ALARA principles.
Workbook Exercises: Radiation safety guidelines, calculations for shielding, and dose limits.
Week 3: Radiographic Equipment and Digital Imaging
Session 5:
Topic: Radiographic Equipment and Controls
Basic components of X-ray machines and control panels.
Imaging settings: kVp (kilovoltage), mA (milliamperage), exposure time, and their effects on image quality.
Key Concepts: Technical factors, exposure technique charts, and common troubleshooting issues.
Workbook Exercises: Equipment labeling, calculations for exposure, and troubleshooting exercises.
Session 6:
Topic: Introduction to Digital Imaging
Differences between film and digital systems.
Image receptors: CR (Computed Radiography) vs DR (Digital Radiography).
Image quality factors: Spatial resolution, contrast, noise, and artifacts.
Key Concepts: PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System), image storage, and retrieval.
Workbook Exercises: Compare image quality in different radiographic systems, practice labeling and adjusting digital images.
Week 4: Radiographic Procedures and Image Evaluation
Session 7:
Topic: Chest, Abdomen, and Extremity Radiography
Radiographic positioning for chest, abdomen, and extremities.
Anatomy recognition and correct imaging angles for optimal results.
Key Concepts: AP (Anterior-Posterior), PA (Posterior-Anterior), lateral views, and oblique projections.
Workbook Exercises: Practice positioning using diagrams and identifying anatomical landmarks.
Session 8:
Topic: Image Evaluation and Error Correction
How to assess radiographs for positioning errors, under/overexposure, and artifacts.
Common imaging mistakes and their correction.
Key Concepts: Acceptable image quality, repeat analysis, and problem-solving techniques.
Workbook Exercises: Evaluation of sample radiographs, identifying errors, and proposing corrective actions.
Week 5: Anatomy, Physiology, and Specialized Imaging
Session 9:
Topic: Anatomy and Physiology for Radiographers
Focused review of anatomy relevant to limited radiographic practice: Chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, upper and lower extremities.
Review of key physiology concepts tied to radiographic images.
Workbook Exercises: Anatomy labeling exercises, matching X-rays with anatomical structures.
Session 10:
Topic: Specialized Radiographic Procedures
Imaging techniques for trauma patients, pediatric patients, and the elderly.
Adjusting positioning techniques and exposure settings for special cases.
Workbook Exercises: Case studies on positioning for non-standard patients, review of advanced positioning for trauma.
Week 6: Mock Exams and Review
Session 11:
Topic: Mock Exam and Test-Taking Strategies
Full-length mock exam covering all sections.
Review of time management, multiple-choice strategies, and common pitfalls in exam questions.
Workbook Exercises: Answer key and explanations for the mock exam, tips for handling difficult questions.
Session 12:
Topic: Final Review and Q&A
Comprehensive review of key concepts, with focus on weak areas identified in the mock exam.
Open session for student questions, clarification, and group discussion.
Workbook Exercises: Final practice with questions on weak topics, reinforcement of key concepts.
Materials:
Textbook: "Radiography Essentials for Limited Practice" (by Bruce W. Long, Eugene D. Frank, Ruth Ann Ehrlich)
Workbook: Workbook associated with the textbook.
Supplementary Materials: Digital PACS access, anatomy flashcards, positioning charts, radiographic equipment simulator (if available).
Assessment:
Participation in workbook exercises (20%)
Performance on two mock exams (40%)
Final practical skills assessment (40%)