PACS Infrastructure and Networking

PAC 110 delves into the architectural elements crucial for reliable and efficient imaging operations in a healthcare setting. Topics include server roles, data storage strategies, vendor-neutral archive principles, and the intricacies of diagnostic display technology. The course also covers critical networking concepts, robust backup and disaster recovery methodologies, and fundamental cybersecurity practices to safeguard sensitive patient data. Practical labs reinforce theoretical knowledge, preparing students for real-world PACS administration challenges.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

PAC 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Introduction to PACS Infrastructure: Overview and Core Componentslecture

02PACS Server Architectures and Roleslecture

03Storage Tiers: Short-Term, Mid-Term, and Long-Term Strategieslecture

04Hands-on Lab: Storage Configuration and Data Flow Simulationlab

05Vendor-Neutral Archive (VNA) Concepts and Benefitslecture

06Diagnostic Workstations: Hardware, Software, and Performance Considerationslecture

07Display Calibration Principles and Quality Control for Medical Imaginglecture

08Hands-on Lab: Midterm Review and Diagnostic Workstation Configurationlab

09Networking Fundamentals for Imaging Systems: Protocols and Topologieslecture

10Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) in Healthcare Imaging Environmentslecture

11Hands-on Lab: Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting Simulationlab

12Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning for Imaging Datalecture

13Cybersecurity Best Practices for Imaging Infrastructurelecture

14Capstone Administration Project: Designing a Secure and Scalable PACS Infrastructureassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Introduction to PACS Infrastructure: Overview and Core Components","Week 2: PACS Server Architectures and Roles","Week 3: Storage Tiers: Short-Term, Mid-Term, and Long-Term Strategies","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: Storage Configuration and Data Flow Simulation","Week 5: Vendor-Neutral Archive (VNA) Concepts and Benefits","Week 6: Diagnostic Workstations: Hardware, Software, and Performance Considerations","Week 7: Display Calibration Principles and Quality Control for Medical Imaging","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Midterm Review and Diagnostic Workstation Configuration","Week 9: Networking Fundamentals for Imaging Systems: Protocols and Topologies","Week 10: Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) in Healthcare Imaging Environments","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Network Monitoring and Troubleshooting Simulation","Week 12: Backup and Disaster Recovery Planning for Imaging Data","Week 13: Cybersecurity Best Practices for Imaging Infrastructure","Week 14: Capstone Administration Project: Designing a Secure and Scalable PACS Infrastructure"]