VTEC 2113: Veterinary Technology Diagnostic Imaging
AVAILABLE IN CANADA ONLY FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN THE VETERINARY TECHNOLOGY DIPLOMA OPEN LEARNING PROGRAM
Students develop practical knowledge of the principles and techniques for generating diagnostic images. Students practice positioning, restraint and safety techniques as well as the appropriate storage, logging, recording, charting and quality assurance methods involved in data collection.
Learning outcomes
- Articulate the principles and fundamentals for various forms of x-ray production and image formation such as, ultrasonography, CT, Endoscopy and MRI
- Position companion animals and equine patients for routine radiography studies
- Generate x-rays of companion animals using the x-ray apparatus while implementing safety measures
- Recognize and evaluate technical errors and artifacts, their causes and prevention, on a radiograph
- Formulate radiographic technique charts for equipment
- Perform regular care, storage and maintenance of radiographic equipment and accessories
- Discuss legal ownership of radiographs and their proper handling regarding client privacy
Course topics
- Module 1: Radiation Safety
- Module 2: X-rays and X-ray Production
- Module 3: X-ray Beam and Radiographic Image
- Module 4: Accessory Radiology Equipment & Recording the Image
- Module 5: Artifacts and Technical Errors
- Module 6: Digital Radiography
- Module 7: Legal Ownership, Automatic Processing, and Equine & Large Animal Radiographs
- Module 8: Contrast Studies
- Module 9: Ultrasonography
- Module 10: Alternate Imaging Modalities
- Module 11: Technique Charts
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Ayers, S. (2012). Small animal radiographic techniques and positioning. Wiley-Blackwell.
Type: Textbook: ISBN 978-0-813-81152-9
The following textbook would have been purchased in VTEC 1101. Students who did not take VTEC 1101 and/or don't already own the required textbook, will need to purchase it. To do so, please contact Enrolment Services at student@tru.ca or 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (Kamloops, BC), and 1.250.852.7000 (International).
- Bassert, J. M. (2022). McCurnin’s clinical textbook for veterinary technicians (10th ed.). Elsevier. Type: Textbook. ISBN: 9780323722001
Additional requirements
- Computer with Internet access
- Video recording device
Optional materials
Students may also find the following resource useful for looking up any terms in the course with which are not familiar:
- Aiello, S. E., & Moses, M. A. (Eds.). (2016). The Merck veterinary manual (11th ed.). Merck & Co.
ISBN-13: 978-0911910612 (This textbook is available online at: Merck Manual, Veterinary Manual)
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 60% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1: Personal Shielding | 4% |
| Quiz 1: Radiation Safety and X-ray Basics | 2% |
| Assignment 2: Contrast and Density | 3% |
| Quiz 2: X-ray Beam and Image, Abdomen and Thorax | 2% |
| Quiz 3: Radiographic Views | 1% |
| Assignment 3: Case Study—Thorax (Feline) | 6% |
| Assignment 4: Artifacts | 3% |
| Assignment 5: Spine and Skull | 3% |
| Quiz 4: Accessory Equipment and Image Chemistry | 2% |
| Quiz 5: Artifacts, Spine and Skull | 2% |
| Quiz 6: Digital Radiography | 2% |
| Assignment 6: Radiology Suite Demo | 6% |
| Quiz 7: Processing, Equine and Thoracic Limb | 2% |
| Quiz 8: Contrast Studies | 2% |
| Assignment 7: Contrast Studies | 6% |
| Quiz 9: Ultrasonography | 2% |
| Quiz 10: Alternate Imaging Modalities and Pelvic Limb | 2% |
| Assignment 8: Case Study—Pelvis (Canine) | 6% |
| Assignment 9: Technique Charts 4% | 4% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
