Advanced Radiation Safety & Imaging Physics

Syllabus

# CTM 105 - Advanced Radiation Safety & Imaging Physics

## Course Description
This course provides biomedical equipment service technicians with advanced knowledge of radiation safety principles and imaging physics pertinent to computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluororadiology, and nuclear medicine modalities. Students will explore dose metrics such as CT Dose Index (CTDI) and Dose Length Product (DLP), understand the principles of radiation shielding design, and gain proficiency in the use of various radiation survey instruments. The curriculum emphasizes practical application of radiation protection standards, regulatory compliance, and safe work practices specifically tailored for service and maintenance activities on advanced medical imaging equipment, ensuring technician safety and patient protection in clinical environments.

## Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
*   Explain fundamental principles of radiation interaction with matter and biological effects relevant to medical imaging.
*   Calculate and interpret common radiation dose metrics, including CTDI and DLP, for various imaging modalities.
*   Evaluate and specify appropriate radiation shielding requirements for imaging suites based on regulatory guidelines and equipment specifications.
*   Operate and interpret readings from various radiation survey instruments for routine checks and incident response.
*   Apply ALARA principles and implement radiation safety protocols during service, maintenance, and calibration of imaging equipment.
*   Identify and mitigate radiation hazards specific to CT, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine systems.

## Topics by Week
**Week 1:** Introduction to Ionizing Radiation and Imaging Modalities
**Week 2:** Radiation Quantities, Units, and Dosimetry
**Week 3:** Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation
**Week 4:** Principles of Radiation Protection and ALARA
**Week 5:** CT Dose Metrics: CTDI and DLP
**Week 6:** Fluoroscopic Dose Metrics and Patient Protection
**Week 7:** Radiation Shielding Design and Materials
**Week 8:** Radiation Survey Instrumentation and Calibration
**Week 9:** Radiation Safety in Nuclear Medicine
**Week 10:** MRI Safety: Static, Gradient, and RF Fields
**Week 11:** Regulatory Compliance and Radiation Safety Programs
**Week 12:** Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
**Week 13:** Midterm review
**Week 14:** Final exam review

## Grading
*   Knowledge Checks: 15%
*   Assignments and Labs: 30%
*   Quizzes: 25%
*   Final Exam: 30%

## Policies
Students are expected to adhere to all Anode Technical Institute academic integrity policies. Active participation in discussions and timely submission of all assignments are crucial for success. Accommodations for disabilities will be provided in accordance with institutional guidelines upon request.