As a radiologic technologist, adding to your professional knowledge is a good way to stay at the forefront of new developments in your field. Computed Tomography for Technologists is an in-depth course that provides information on the advances in the various CT scan disciplines. It also satisfies your continuing education credits.  Read on for more information on what the course covers. 

The Computed Tomography (CT) for Technologists Continuing Education Course

Computed Tomography contains helpful information for clinical CT practice. Throughout the course, technologists’ decision-making skills are refined. This ensures their CT practice is safe for the patient. The course is also geared to aid students in their preparation for the ARRT® registry exam.

ARRT® Course Content Categories

The CT for Technologists Course has been created around the ARRT® course content categories including:

  • Patient Care: Providing mental and physical support to patients throughout the consultation
  • Safety: Technologists learn techniques and protocols for operating CT equipment safely while protecting the patient and themselves
  • Image Production: Accurately positioning patients for images that clearly show the area under investigation
  • Procedures: Following the required protocols and medical procedures

The course is approved for 24 ARRT® Cat A Credit Hrs, features an online graded quiz and a certificate of completion.

CT Course Content 

The Computed Tomography technologist guide includes content that will update and sharpen your radiography abilities. The topics that are included cover the latest researched-based trends such as:

Radiation Dose Reduction For Patients 

Radiation exposure during CT scans is a risk that is weighed against the medical benefits of being able to see enough to analyze, diagnose, and correctly treat a patient’s ailment. Yet, as medical technology advances, new ways to achieve the same results with less risk are emerging. Computed Tomography for Technologists covers some of the latest information.

Scenarios Based On Real Life

The concepts covered in the course are illustrated and supported using real-life scenarios. Using actual clinical cases is an effective way to communicate new or improved ideas.  

Examination Protocols and Procedures 

Discover improved methods for reviewing major anatomical areas. Knowing how to cue your patient and position them properly according to the area you are scanning is the most effective way to achieve clear, useful, images for all types of scans. 

Key Technological Advances – Computed Tomography 

Here are key advances in the technology of computed tomography that complement the information in the Computed Tomography for Technologists Course. Each section of information that you add to your knowledge will broaden your career growth prospects.  

Volume CT Scanning

Data is acquired via a two-dimensional detector with a cone-shaped beam. It is then manipulated into a volume representation of the area scanned. This type of CT scan is widely used for creating images of the craniofacial complex.

CT Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy creates a real-time video to show movements inside of a body. X-rays pass through the body and areas of interest are viewed in real time. The radiologic imaging team looks after the patient’s safety through the procedure. It is commonly used for diagnosing:

  • heart or intestinal disease
  • to check on correct mastication and swallowing action
  • Guide medical procedures such as catheter placement, pacemakers, or other internally placed medical devices.
  • Guide injections into high-risk areas such as joints or the spine.
  • Assess the position of broken bones for healing. 

Fluoroscopy enables the healthcare providers to see functional movement. This is unlike the fixed images of other imaging techniques. 

Multi-Slice Spiral/Helical CT

A multi-slice spiral / helical CT scan reduces the amount of time it takes to perform a diagnostic evaluation. This type of scan allows rapid examination of the head, spine, chest, abdomen, and pelvis during a single examination session. Spatial and temporal resolutions are improved and there is flexibility in the selection of slice thickness. Multi-slice applications include the following: 

3-D Imaging

3D computed tomography creates detailed 3D models that can be rotated to be viewed from any angle.  The clinical applications most frequently used for 3-D CT as it currently stands, are:

  • The vascular system, specifically the occurrence of aneurysms
  • Orthopedic imaging, including complex fractures, skeletal lesions, and spinal scans
  • Virtual colonoscopy is gaining popularity

The benefit of 3-D imaging is that the patient’s anatomy is presented in a natural way that allows for the easy detection of anomalies.

Angiography 

Cardiac angiography allows doctors to make accurate diagnoses of the heart and surrounding vessels and anatomy. With cardiac issues, time can make a life-or-death difference to the patient. Reasons for a CT angiogram may include things such as:

  • aneurysms
  • narrowed blood vessels
  • abnormal brain blood vessel formations
  • injury-damaged blood vessels
  • blood clots in the lungs
  • evaluating blood vessel-fed tumors

Endoscopy

A computed tomography endoscopy is also known as a virtual procedure that makes use of CT technology to replace the need for a regular endoscopy that uses an internal camera to assess conditions of the large bowel. Using CT technology allows a full view of the bowel in most patients, unlike a traditional endoscopy.

ARRT® Registry Exam for Computed Tomography

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT®) examination is to test your knowledge and skills to work in the field of radiology safely and successfully. Any student who has completed an accredited two- or four-year program in radiographic science is eligible to sit for the exam.  How does taking the ARRT® computed tomography boards benefit you? Successfully completion means you are a Licensed Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist. Continuing your radiology education and being certified opens the door to potential employment in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and imaging centers. 

What Does The Exam Consist Of? 

The ARRT® exam is comprised of 220 exam questions. To pass, you need to answer 131 questions correctly. You may take the test three times to achieve a passing score.  

Scrubs New Title – Computed Tomography for Technologists

Adding Computed Tomography for Technologists to your professional knowledge is simpler than before. You can used it for your radiology continuing education, or to hone your skills for the computed tomography boards. Study in your own time, take the test online 24/7 and grow your professional resume.

Are you looking for a convenient way to stay up to date with the latest radiology knowledge and practices? Browse our radiology continuing education courses and contact Scrubs for info if you’d like to know more about what we offer.