Course Description
Being able to employ radiation protection techniques begins with comprehending the basic principles of radiation physics. Understanding how electrons are produced and the process of photon creation from electron interactions at the anode target are the first steps. Although the X-ray beam characteristics change as the energy varies, the properties of X-ray photons are consistent with other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Photons leave the port window and travel towards the patient where they will interact with the atoms that make up a patient’s anatomy. These interactions depend on the energy delivered. The result of the interaction will affect patient radiation dose and the resulting radiographic image. The biological effects of radiation exposure can cause short-term or long-term effects. As a result, radiologic technologists must understand how to reduce the potential for these effects to occur through technical factors, patient positioning, and equipment dose reduction options and protection strategies. In addition to protecting patients, personnel should also protect themselves from scatter radiation by following the 3 cardinal rules of radiation protection: time, distance, and shielding.

Learning Objectives
After completing this  course, the participant should be able to:

• EXPLAIN how X-rays are produced inside an X-ray tube.
• IDENTIFY the 2 target interactions that create X-ray photons.
• SUMMARIZE X-ray beam characteristics and properties.
• COMPARE the various types of photon interactions with matter and how they affect the image and radiation dose.
• INTERPRET the SI units of measurement in radiology.
• SUMMARIZE the characteristics that cause cell radiosensitivity.
• OUTLINE the short-term and long-term somatic effects of radiation.
• EXPLAIN ways to minimize patient and personnel radiation exposure.

Categories: Radiology, X-ray/Radiography/Fluoroscopy, Radiation Safety/Protection

In order to receive CE credit, you must first complete the activity content. When completed, go to the "Take CE Test!" link to access the post-test.

Submit the completed answers to determine if you have passed the post-test assessment. You must answer 18 out of 24 questions correctly to receive the CE credit. You will have no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete the post-test.

Participants successfully completing the activity content and passing the post-test will receive 2.5 ARRT Category A credits.

Approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for ARRT Category A credit.

Approved by the state of Florida for ARRT Category A credit.

Texas direct credit.

This activity may be available in multiple formats or from different sponsors. ARRT does not allow CE activities such as Internet courses, home study programs, or directed readings to be repeated for CE credit in the same biennium.

Category	Content Area	Credits
Bone Densitometry	Patient Care	0.25
Cardiac Interventional	Image Production	0.5
Computed Tomography	Safety	1.25
Nuclear Medicine	Safety	2.25
Radiation Therapy	Safety	2.25
Radiography	Safety	2.5
Radiologist Assistant	Safety	2.5
Vascular Interventional	Image Production	0.5

Category	Subcategory	Credits
Bone Densitometry	Patient Bone Health, Care, and Radiation Principles	0.25
Cardiac Interventional	Image Acquisition and Equipment	0.5
Computed Tomography	Radiation Safety and Dose	1.25
Nuclear Medicine	Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, and Regulations	2.25
Radiation Therapy	Radiation Physics and Radiobiology	1.75
Radiation Therapy	Radiation Protection, Equipment Operation, and Quality Assurance	0.5
Radiography	Radiation Physics and Radiobiology	2
Radiography	Radiation Protection	0.5
Radiologist Assistant	Patient Safety, Radiation Protection and Equipment Operation	2.5
Vascular Interventional	Image Acquisition and Equipment	0.5