Advanced Health Education Center

Introduction

In the rapidly changing medical environment, diagnostic procedures are becoming more and more sophisticated. Where once interpretation of lab values and cardiac activity were the sole territory of physicians and critical care nurses, it is now becoming almost mandatory for anyone involved in patient care to be able to recognize potentially life threatening situations.

In Radiology, it is becoming a standard of patient care for cardiac monitoring to be used, not only in Nuclear Medicine and Special Procedures, but now also in Diagnostic Imaging, MRI, and CT, as well as other special situations.

This course is not designed to teach intervention of life threatening dysrhythmias, but to familiarize the Radiology Technologist with the cardiac dysrhythmias that do require immediate intervention, and those that are not emergent or urgent.

Objectives: 

At the conclusion of this course: the participant will be able to: 

1. List the lobes of the brain. 
2. Understand the functions each lobe. 
3. Identify the protective covers (layers) of the brain. 
4. Explain the structure of the blood-brain barrier and its functions in reference to the brain.  
5. Define what the Circle of Willis and its four main parts. 
6. Recognize normal brain anatomy in CT and MRI images. 
7. Understand what cerebrospinal fluid is, its flow and how it works. 
8. Recognize abnormal pathology in CT and MRI as it relates to cerebrospinal fluid.  
9. Discuss what the Corpus Callosum is and its functions.  
10. Identify the where the Corpus Callosum is on CT and MRI images.  
11. List cells of the Peripheral and Central Nervous Systems 
12. Identify functions and association areas of the Cerebral Cortex. 
13. List the 12 cranial nerves and their sensory/motor functions.  
14. Explain the 4 types of hemorrhages of the head. 
15. Recognize the different types of hemorrhages in CT and MRI images. 
16. List the organs of the endocrine systems and their functions. 
17. Explain the relationships of different hormones.

Course Objectives: 

COURSE SUMMARY: This course is designed to improve the mammographer's positioning skills and procedures for CC, MLO, Supplemental Views and Male Patient Imaging.  The course is often requested as part of accreditation requirements for mammography positioning.  Any radiographer may take this course to learn or refresh their skills.  A good review of QC for images is included.  The faculty for this course is a qualified MQSA mammography trainer.

Objectives:

1. List the standards for positioning the routine views.
2. Identify the step that will assure adequate visualization of posterior tissue on the CC view.
3. Describe the adequate muscle pattern on the MLO view.
4. Evaluate the images for optimal compression.
5. Discuss the importance of consistent positioning.
6. Evaluate the images for motion or geometric blur.
7. Discuss PNL measurement and how to use it.
8. Obtain adequate IMF on the MLO.
9. Understand how to  correct positioning deficiencies
10. Discuss proper positioning of the augmented patient
11. Discuss compression on the augmented patient
12. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable technical factors
13. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the cranio-caudal view
14. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the mediolateral oblique
15. List three positioning techniques

Course Description:

It is critical for healthcare provides to continuously improve their skills and enhance their knowledge to deliver quality patient care. The nuclear cardiology CME course is essential for clinicians to receive an in-depth overview of the guidelines associated with nuclear and PET cardiology including radiopharmaceuticals, imaging equipment, quality control, and radiation safety practices.

Participants can expect to:

• Knowledge: Acquire the fundamental nuclear medicine and PET knowledge needed to incorporate/improve nuclear cardiology assessments into their scope of clinical practice to produce quality images while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.
• Competence: Be competent with imaging technology and radiation exposure to patients.
• Performance: Perform patient care utilizing technology and safety equipment to effectively reduce radiation exposure to patients and other healthcare professionals.

Course Description:

It is critical for healthcare provides to continuously improve their skills and enhance their knowledge to deliver quality patient care. The nuclear cardiology CME course is essential for clinicians to receive an in-depth overview of the guidelines associated with nuclear and PET cardiology including radiopharmaceuticals, imaging equipment, quality control, and radiation safety practices.

Participants can expect to:

• Knowledge: Acquire the fundamental nuclear medicine and PET knowledge needed to incorporate/improve nuclear cardiology assessments into their scope of clinical practice to produce quality images while minimizing radiation exposure to patients.
• Competence: Be competent with imaging technology and radiation exposure to patients.
• Performance: Perform patient care utilizing technology and safety equipment to effectively reduce radiation exposure to patients and other healthcare professionals.

Course Topics:

Module 1: Nuclear Pharmacy

• Radiation Detection Equipment
• Hot Lab QC
• Radiation Safety
• Radiation Safety Programs
  

COURSE SUMMARY: This course is designed to improve the mammographer's positioning skills and procedures for CC, MLO, Supplemental Views and Male Patient Imaging.  The course is often requested as part of accreditation requirements for mammography positioning.  Any radiographer may take this course to learn or refresh their skills.  A good review of QC for images is included.  The faculty for this course is a qualified MQSA mammography trainer.

Objectives:

1. List the standards for positioning the routine views.
2. Identify the step that will assure adequate visualization of posterior tissue on the CC view.
3. Describe the adequate muscle pattern on the MLO view.
4. Evaluate the images for optimal compression.
5. Discuss the importance of consistent positioning.
6. Evaluate the images for motion or geometric blur.
7. Discuss PNL measurement and how to use it.
8. Obtain adequate IMF on the MLO.
9. Understand how to  correct positioning deficiencies
10. Discuss proper positioning of the augmented patient
11. Discuss compression on the augmented patient
12. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable technical factors
13. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the cranio-caudal view
14. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the mediolateral oblique
15. List three positioning techniques

Outline:

1. Define Human Trafficking and Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
2. Explain the difference between Human Trafficking and Smuggling
3. Discuss types of trafficking and vulnerability factors
4. Describe traffickers' profiles and their recruitment tactics
5. Discuss statistics of victims - globally and locally
6. Health Impact-types of injuries to assist in identification
7. Describe strategies in aiding in identification and assessment.
   • Explain Patient-Centered Approach
   • Discuss examples of appropriate language
   • Explain importance of documentation
8. Creation of check list to assist in identifying victims of human trafficking or smuggling
9. Resources for Healthcare to aid in recognizing, intervening and referring trafficking victims.
   • National Human Trafficking Hotline
   • State Agencies (Texas)

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the types of human trafficking in the United States.
• Be better able to identify victims of human trafficking in health care settings.
• Create an objective 'check list' to aid in determining if patient is a victim of human trafficking/smuggling.
• Identify resources for reporting suspected victims of human trafficking.

This learning activity is a five part PowerPoint video presentation expertly narrated by Louis K. Wagner, Ph.D. DABR, FAAPM, FACR  There is a posttest at the end of each activity that should be completed before moving on to the next section.  All five posttests must be completed with a passing grade of 75% to print your CME certificate.   If you have slow internet service, you may find it more convenient to download the video for viewing on your computer.  **See computer equipment specifications below.

Are you ready to meet the new fluoroscopy requirements of 25 TAC 289.227 Use of Radiation Machines in the Healing Arts that went into effect May 1, 2013?  Our Radiation Safety Awareness Training course is designed to make it easy for you to meet the requirements and get the training for you and/or your staff.  This course is composed of eight hours of comprehensive training specific to the new requirements for individuals operating fluoroscopy equipment. The training is available on the AHEC’s website in five new narrated video presentations that total 8 hours CME.  Physicians and other healthcare providers completing all five parts of the course will receive a certificate of completion for 8 hours Category 1™ AMA PRA credit.  This course is designed to enhance your understanding of radiation as a valuable tool that must be managed well to protect patients and staff in today’s use of medical fluoroscopic equipment.  You will learn the principles of radiation protection and the biological effects of x-ray radiation.  You will improve your understanding of operation and principles of the fluoroscopic system to include exposure (air kerma) outputs, high level control options, dose reduction techniques and procedures for recording pertinent data.

In the field of Radiology, communication with people who have communicable diseases is unavoidable. Health Care Workers can reduce the risk of contracting diseases through education in the most commonly occurring types of pathological conditions. This lesson will help the radiographer distinguish the difference between Hepatitis A, B, non-infectious Hepatitis and Hepatitis C, and explain the radiographer’s role in diagnosing Hepatitis.

In the world of radiology, healthcare professionals are exposed to a multitude of diseases. Healthcare professionals can reduce the risk of contracting diseases and learn patient care for indidivuals that have neurological impairments through education. This home study will help the radiologic technologist identify five common diseases in the radiology department and how to work with patients with these illnesses.

A New Look at the Medical Marijuana Conundrum

Cannabis (marijuana) has a long history of use in medicine going back to 2900 BC where the Chinese considered it one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Throughout history there are recordings of the herb being used in oils and hemp grown for medicinal purposes. It was brought to North America with the Jamestown settlers and there is proof that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it on their farms.  It is predicted in the coming months and years that the political, social, and commercial interests in the cannabis industry will push for more legalization for medical marijuana. This reverse trend in public response will greatly change the horizon for medicine. It is inherent that as a segment of continuing education for the medical community that a discussion of the integration of medical marijuana into the treatment and care of patients be included.

Course objectives

• Be able to discuss breast anatomy & physiology
• Differentiate between congenital anomalies and pathology.
• List types of breast cancers and define what each is.
• Describe the mammographic appearance of breast pathology
• Describe the development of the breast and its changes that occur through a woman's lifetime.
• Be able to list the portions of a pathology report and describe what they contain.
• Describe the differences between invasive and noninvasive cancer.
• Recognize clinical presentations of the breast that are typical for certain types of breast cancers.
• Discuss the process known as cancer.
• Relate the impact of cancer on the U.S. population.

As a result of participating in this homestudy, the practitioner should be able to:

• Understand the etiology and pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress
  syndrome (ARDS).
• Understand the symptoms, the diagnostic criteria, and treatment strategies
  for ARDS.
• Understand the role of radiologic technologists in the diagnosis and treatment
  of ARDS.

Objectives: At the end of this home study the technologist will be able to:

1. Understand what type of disease Alzheimer's is
2. Discuss Lenz's Law
3. Understand the stages of Alzheimer's disease
4. Understand imaging modalities used for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
5. Understand the causes of dementia

Objectives: At the end of this home study the technologist will be able to:

1.Understand the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia

2.Identify the different stages of progression of the disease

3.Discuss common causes of dementia

4.Understand the differences between SPECT, PET and MR imaging and Alzheimer’s Understand where research for the cure is and possible prevention methods for patients with a history of the disease

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

37 million Americans suffer from various forms of arthritis (arthritis.com). Learn the cause, progression and risk factors of the disease as well as the effects and burden on the patient and family, and how certain imaging modalities have been the most useful tools.

Author:

Jera Roberts RT(R)(M)

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years.  Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Contrast media to improve medical imaging has been used for many years. However, these agents are not devoid of risks. Knowledge and preparation are the key to avoiding the perils of contrast administration. Familiarize yourself with the desired results of contast media administration and the potential adverse reactions that can occur when using contrast media. This activity reviews important patient assessment, vital sign concerns and other diagnostic signs important for imaging professionals to recognize.

Authors:

Deborah Phlipot Scroggins, B.Ed, R.T., (CV)(M)
Marilyn Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date.  Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years.  Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

Targeted information for bone density technology.

Comprehensive and practical information on topics ranging from technical descriptions of all FDA approved devices to a clinical overview of osteoporosis are found in this textbook. Learn what you need to know about the art and science of interpreting bone density data with a toolbox of information about the bone density procedure and equipment.

• An Introduction to Conventions in Densitometry
• Densitometry Techniques
• Skeletal Anatomy in Densitometry
• FDA-Approved Densitometry Devices
• Computer Basics
• The Importance of Precision
• Radiation Safety in X-Ray Densitometry
• Quality Control
• An Overview of Osteoporosis
• Interpretation of Bone Densitometry Data
• Considerations in Pediatric Densitometry
• Moving Beyond Bone Density With Bone Densitometers: Skeletal Morphometry and Body Composition Assessments

Join AHEC faculty Lesa Mohr, R.T.(R)(QM)(BD) for Part II-Modules 5-8 of the video series Bone Densitometry Principles and Procedures.  The Part II modules may act as a continuation of Part I, or you may take this module separately. 

You will begin with Module 5 in a look at the responsibilities for protocols and procedures for the MD and the technologist, along with guidance in creating a bone density questionnaire that is beneficial to the interpreting physician.  Module 6 will show you an overview of all the common diagnostic methods of measuring bone mass, with an emphasis on DXA.  You will surely improve your quality management with Module 7’s discussion and explanation of precision testing and quality control for DXA.  Module 8 provides a thorough positioning lesson on acquiring and analyzing routine DXA procedures with image evaluations.

Learn the “how” & “why” of the newest technologies for imaging. Using this narrated and animated program, you can build upon your x-ray knowledge to gain a genuine understanding of the fundamentals, applications, and value of this technology.

Course objectives

• Describe the CR Image Process
• Explain the difference between turbid phosphors and needle phosphors
• Discuss the differences between a single emulsion and dual emulsion plate.
• Relate formulation of imaging exposure techniques.
• Discuss the use of AEC with CR
• Compare and contrast film/screen capture vs. PSP capture.

Objectives:

At the completion of this course, the learner should be able to:

1.       List the eight ACR clinical image evaluation criteria for mammography

2.       Identify the most common positioning deficiencies and how to communicate the need for additional imaging to the mammography technologist

3.       Discuss how to optimize radiation safety in mammography

4.       Explain how implementing EQUIP initiatives can improve mammography qualiity

Ideal for residents starting in radiology and radiologic technologists, this concise manual is the perfect introduction to the physics and practice of CT and the interpretation of basic CT images. Designed as a systematic learning tool, it introduces the use of CT scanners for all organs, and includes positioning, use of contrast media, representative CT scans of normal and pathological findings, explanatory drawings with keyed anatomic structures, and an overview of the most important measurement data. Finally, self-assessment quizzes - including answers - at the end of each chapter help the reader monitor progress and evaluate knowledge gained. New in this fourth edition: - Updated examination protocols for multidetector CT and CT angiography - An extended chapter on dual source CT - A new chapter on contrast injectors

Objectives:

Course objectives

• Distinguish between analog and digital imaging
• Explain the difference between computed radiography and direct digital radiography
• Explain how CCD works
• Explain the difference between direct and indirect flat plate capture.
• Relate how a histogram graph is created.
• Discuss the creation of a digital image
• Define bit depth
• Define DQE
• Define MTF
• Discuss the relationship between DQE and MTF
• Explain DAP
• Discuss how a TFT array works
• Discuss the configuration differences between a CR system and a dDR system
• Discuss how digital images are displayed on a monitor

Introduction

Digital radiology is like teenage sex. It’s on everyone’s mind. Everyone is talking about it, but is anyone doing it? Understanding the new technology and its application to everyday imaging is complicated at best. The questions asked about the relevancy of the technology in today’s cost conscious healthcare market seem to fade in the rush to implement the technology regardless of the cost. It can be compared to the switch from the plastic medium of the 78 and 45 records to the music CD. At the time, the consumer was not given a choice, and the music industry said we would receive better reproduction of sound if we went digital. Long after the conversion had been made, and the old 78 and 45 records had become collector items, the industry admitted that the sound was worse on a CD than in the record medium. There had not been a whole lot gained by the switch. But nothing changed, and we continue with inferior sound produced and delivered on the music CD. So, how is it we are considering giving up film, the best recording medium available, and switching to an electronic recording medium?

Learning to position the breast into a diagnostic work of art is challenging and varies from patient to patient in order to optimize visualization of breast tissue. Positioning on an analog unit was the standard for many mammography technologists for many years. Enter full field digital mammography and the transition from positioning on a film bucky to a digital detector. With film screen you had two size image receptors which allowed you to position according to breast size. The digital detectors of today although they offer two field of views can be deceptive and most are thicker than a traditional bucky making it even more challenging to optimize positioning. Proper positioning is critical for breast cancer detection and the technologists should be aware of the difference when transitioning from positioning on a film screen image receptor to a full field digital detector. There are many factors to consider many of which will make the transition easier. Bottom line…film screen or digital image receptor the technologist must follow the proper standards for positioning and compression in order to achieve optimal imaging.

This presentation covers tips for positioning in digital mammography and includes information on proper body mechanics for mammography technologists. You will enjoy this informational light hearted presentation that will inspire you to always do the best you can! 

Course Topics:

• Positioning routine views
• Positioning on digital detectors
• Caveats of positioning on digital detectors
• Shifting paddles for the MLO views
• Steps for optimal positioning
• Body Mechanics in Mammography Positioning
• Champion Mammographer

Whether it is film screen mammography or digital mammography, mammography is one of the most demanding examinations in medical imaging requiring fine detail, high contrast, low patient motion, low noise images, and appropriate viewing conditions. Image quality is extremely important in digital mammography and it is essential to assure that the entire mammographic imaging system is functioning optimally. This includes the mammographic x-ray system, the digital image acquisition system, the mammography archival and communications system, the viewing area, and digital displays.

This enduring material will take you on a journey into the world of digital mammography quality control procedures. Explore why we do the QC testing and what the QC numbers mean.  You will understand digital mammography QC as it relates to different detector technologies.

Course Topics:

• Phantom Image Quality Control
• MTF Measurement
• System Resolution
• SNR Check
• CNR Test
• Display Device Calibration Check
• Flat Field
• Repeat Analysis/Visual/Compression
  
  • Printer
  • Comparison of QC Tests on Various Detector Technologies

**The CE home study is a video (MP4) of a presentation. A link will be emailed to you for you to access the video and posttests. See computer requirements below.

**This home study meets all 4 hours in Digital Radiography required by the regulations in the State of California.

This course was originally designed to meet the Digital Radiography portion of the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch 2013 CE licensure renewal rules for Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRTs). The new rules state that four of the 24 required hours obtained must be about digital radiography within the two years immediately preceding the expiration of your permit. However, all Radiologic Technologists will earn 4 hours of Category A credits at the completion of this home study.

**The CE home study is a video (MP4) of a presentation. A link will be emailed to you for you to access the video and posttests. See computer requirements below.

This course was originally designed to meet the Digital Radiography portion of the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch 2013 CE licensure renewal rules for Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRTs). The new rules state that four of the 24 required hours obtained must be about digital radiography within the two years immediately preceding the expiration of your permit. However, all Radiologic Technologists will earn 4 hours of Category A credits at the completion of this home study.

**This "Part 2" meets 2 of the 4 hours required by the new regulations in the State of California.

Discover current theory about the origin of HIV/AIDS, and treatment in this informational piece about one of the world’s leading healthcare epidemics. Detect the risk of occupational exposure, and learn of the virus’ disease process and pathology in this educational slideshow presentation. “Discovering HIV” sheds light on advances in HIV testing including at home rapid response exams and much more! Don’t miss an opportunity to gain insight and CE in taking a glimpse at “Discovering HIV”.

ECG’s Made Easy

You can learn to evaluate the rhythms of the cardiac cycle

Radiographers have found an increasing need to understand and evaluate the fundamentals of electrocardiography and rhythm recognition. This study begins with the basic anatomy of the heart, principles of electrical conduction, and associated cardiac terms. Recognition of waveform components and the appearance of a normal sinus rhythm will form the basis for continued study of atypical and pacemaker rhythms, as well as various degrees of atrioventricular blocks.

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Basic Electrophysiology
• Sinus Mechanisms
• Artrial Rhythms
• Junctional Rhythms
• Ventricular Rhythms
• Atrioventricular (AV) Blocks
• Pacemaker Rhythms
• Introduction to the 12-Lead ECG

Imaging Professionals

Examine your personal and professional ethics and learn problem solving

Ethical dilemmas are used to illustrate practical problem solving techniques that are relevant in today’s workplace. Basic concepts of law are reviewed and reinforced with real life examples. Increased knowledge and understanding about your personal legal liabilities is required in the current litigious society.

• An Introduction to Ethics
• Developing Personal Ethics
• Professional Ethics: Examining the Professional Codes
• Ethical Problem-Solving Techniques
• Patient Consent
• The Chemically Dependent Colleague
• Special Populations
• Charting and Documentation
• Basic Concepts of Medical Law
• Medical Legal Issues for the Practice of Medical Imaging
• Administrative Ethics

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.**

AHEC’s new “Initial Training in Mammography” video course is the ideal way to jump start your way to becoming a MQSA qualified mammographer. “Film Screen Modality Initial Training” meets the MQSA requirements for the modality specific training in film screen. You will receive a comprehensive overview of the in's and out's of film screen mammography.

This 8 hour video course begins with “Film Screen Quality Control” which provides a thorough review of the eleven film screen quality control procedures mandated by MQSA. With mammography image quality dependent on optimization of the entire imaging chain, this portion of the course is important to discuss. “Analog Technical Factors” will make you knowledgeable of how the technical factors affect image quality and how to make adjustments to optimize the image. Finally, “Analog Artifacts” will give you the opportunity to guess what the artifacts are and see visual examples of equipment, processor and patient introduced artifacts in the film screen environment.

For more information on the “Initial Training in Mammography Video Course”, please click here.

For information on the “Position with the Experts” portion of the initial training, please click here.

Authors:

Susan Sprinkle-Vincent, AAS, RT(R)(M)

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date.  Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years.  Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy.  AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

**Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

** Study Guides MUST be used with lectures. **

Course Topics

• Radiation Effects: Early History
  • Biologic Effects of X-ray Radiation
  • Dose Reduction Techniques
• Radiation Effects of the Recent Past
• • Principles of Radiation Protection
  • Biological Effects of X-ray Radiation
  • Dose Reduction Techniques
  • Procedures for Recording Pertinent Data on Patient Dose
• Understanding X-Rays
  • Principles of Radiation Protection
  • Biological Effects of X-ray Radiation
  • Principles of Fluoroscopic Systems
  • Operation of Fluoroscopic Systems used for Interventional Purposes
  • Dose Reduction Strategies
• Radiation Quantities
  • Biologic Effects of X-ray Radiation
  • Principles of Fluoroscopic Systems
  • Operation of Fluoroscopic Systems Used for Interventional Purposes
  • Fluoroscopic Exposure (air kerma) Outputs
  • Dose Reduction Techniques
  • Procedures for Recording Pertinent Data
• Fluoroscope Equipment Radiation Management
  • Limiting Radiation Exposure
  • Patient Size Affects on Radiation Delivery
  • Monitoring Radiation Exposure for Patient Managment and QC
  • Utilizing Protective Tools

**The CE home study is a video (MP4) of a presentation. A link will be emailed to you for you to access the video and posttests. See computer requirements below.

This course CAN be taken by Radiologic Technologists outside the state of California. However, this course was originally designed to meet the Fluoroscopic Radiation Safety portion of the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch 2013 CE licensure renewal rules for Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRTs). The new rules state that four of the 24 required hours obtained must be about fluoroscopic radiation safety within the two years immediately preceding the expiration of your permit for CRT’s and PA’s with a fluoroscopic permit.

**Part 2 – Meets 2 of 4 hours of the required CEs for the State of California.

According to The Joint Commission as of January 1, 2019, five (5) new Joint Commission elements of performance (EPs) focused on fluoroscopy will become effective. The new and revised fluoroscopy requirements were developed based on risks identified by diagnostic imaging experts and accredited ambulatory care and hospital customers. 

The new requirements are applicable to accredited to:

• Ambulatory care (AHC) organizations
• Office-based surgery (OBS) practices
• Hospital organizations that provide fluoroscopy services to their patients

This course is eight hours of comprehensive training specific to the new requirements for individuals operating fluoroscopy equipment. The training is five narrated video presentations. This course is designed to enhance your understanding of radiation as a valuable tool that must be managed well to protect patients and staff in today’s use of medical fluoroscopic equipment. You will learn the principles of radiation protection and the biological effects of x-ray radiation. You will improve your understanding of operation and principles of the fluoroscopic system to include exposure (air kerma) outputs, high level control options, dose reduction techniques, and procedures for recording pertinent data.

Objectives:

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Understand radiation as a valuable tool that must be managed well to protect patients and staff in today's use of medical fluoroscopic equipment
• Identify the principles of radiation protection and the biological effects of x-ray radiation
• Understand the operation and principles of the fluoroscopic system, including exposure outputs, high level control options, dose reduction techniques, and procedures for recording pertinent data

According to The Joint Commission as of January 1, 2019, five (5) new Joint Commission elements of performance (EPs) focused on fluoroscopy will become effective. The new and revised fluoroscopy requirements were developed based on risks identified by diagnostic imaging experts and accredited ambulatory care and hospital customers. 

The new requirements are applicable to accredited to:

• Ambulatory care (AHC) organizations
• Office-based surgery (OBS) practices
• Hospital organizations that provide fluoroscopy services to their patients

Course Description:

This course is designed to meet the Joint Commission and other accrediation requirements for Fluoroscopic Radiation Safety Training for physicians, physician assistants, and other ancillary personnel.  You will learn strategies to reduce radiation dose to both you and your patients, including the Image Wisely and Image Gently campaign recommendations that apply to fluoroscopy.  Best practices are stressed and explained.

Course Topics:

• Overview of Program
• General Operational Principles of Fluoroscopy
• What is a “Dose” of radiation and How is it Related to Fluoroscopy?
• Managing Machine Operation
• Monitoring Radiation Delivery to Patients

Screen-film image receptors have been the standard detector used in conventional mammography. Developments in detector technology and computers have altered the landscape of mammography.

Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) and advanced applications make it possible through digital imaging to incorporate automated computer-aided diagnosis, dual energy and 3D tomosynthesis have further improved diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. This material includes the theory or digital imaging specifically to mammography. The last modality to go digital! You will gain valuable knowledge and understand this amazing technology we use to save lives every day! 

Course Topics

• Indirect Conversion Detectors
• Direct Conversion Digital Detectors
• Field of View
• Detector Performance
• Applications
• Digital Mammography Detectors
• Digital Detector Technology
• Pixel Design for Digital Detectors
• Pixel Size Requirements
• Characterizing Detector Performance
• Dynamic Range
• X-ray Quantum Detection Efficiency
• Modulation Transfer Function (MTF)
• Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE)
• Automatic Exposure Controls
• Breast Compression
• Output Devices
• Digital Receptor Dynamic Range
• Digital Image Processing

Course Topics

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Classification of Magnets
• What Are We Imaging in MR?
• MR Scan Procedures
• Digital Images
• The Image Matrix
• Image Production
• The Relaxation Process

Course Topics

• Generational Diversity in the Workplace
• Demographic Imperative
• The Elderly: A Profile
• Aging
• Health and Healthcare
• Common vs. Normal
• Normal Changes with Aging
• Disease Processes
• Chronic Conditions and Geriatric Considerations
• Geriatric Trauma
• Mechanism of Injury: Motor Vehicle Crash, Physical Falls, Homicide
• Geriatrics Abuse and Neglect
• Trauma Injuries
• Geriatrics and the Radiographer
• Geriatric Radiographic Positioning
• Alterations for Radiographic Procedures
• Radiographic Enhancement Methods
• Patient Care of the Elderly

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

Adobe Flash Player [If you don't currently have Adobe Flash Player or if you are using an older version then click HERE]

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

Get your questions about AIDS answered in this course.

Complete, factual and current information is available in this course. The course topics answer many questions.

• Define HIV
• Define AIDS
• List the major means of transmission for HIV
• List the stages of progression from HIV to AIDS
• Discuss how AIDS can be prevented
• Explain the medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS
• List the major test for HIV and how they differ

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Recent data tells us that HIV/AIDS associated illnesses have caused the deaths of approximately 3 million people worldwide, including an estimated 500,000 children younger than 15 years of age. What is your risk as a healthcare worker taking care of patients? Learn about the disease process, treatments, and the impact of HIV/AIDS on healthcare workers.

Author:

Mark Struthers, BSRT,RT(R)(MR),CMRT,CIIP

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date.  Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years.  Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy.  AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

Women have breast augmentation for many reasons.  Some feel their breasts are small, that as a result of gravity or childbearing their breasts have lost volume or firmness. When a woman has reached her full maturity development and feels that a breast augmentation will bring her better satisfaction of herself.  The presence of implants makes imaging the breasts more challenging and, therefore, correctly positioning the breast for mammography is vital. The degree to which implants do obscure breast tissue depends on their position, density, and level of encapsulation.  This material will discuss imaging the augmented breast, complications of augmentation, compression do’s and don’ts and how to best visualize the breast tissue of these patients.  Imaging the reconstructed breast imaging tips will be also be addressed.  You will enjoy this material and gain valuable knowledge regarding this area of breast imaging.

Course Topics:

• Techniques for Breast Augmentation
• Mammographic Imaging of the Augmented Breast
• Risks and Complications of Breast Augmentation
• Mammographic and Sonographic Findings of Implant Rupture
• Mammography Guidelines for Women with Breast Implants
• Mammography Guidelines for Following Breast Reduction Surgery
• Breast Biopsy for Women with Implants
• Mammography after Lumpectomy
• Mammography After Subcutaneous Mastectomy
• Mammography After Simple (Total), Modified Radical, or Radical Mastectomy
• Breast Implant Adverse Events During Mammography
• Compression Do’s and Don’ts
• Technical Factor Applications

Introduction

The acute-care health facility provides all of the needed elements for infection spread - patients with an established illness, health-care personnel who may or may not follow infection control policies, equipment, food, water and microorganisms. Microorganisms include those brought into the health facility by the patient, as well as organisms that are already in existence at the health facility. As health care has changed its mode of operation in recent years, so has the patient population been altered. More individuals are scheduled for procedures as an outpatient. There are fewer in-patient admissions, but the hospitalized patient appears to be older. An increased number of surgical procedures are being performed, such as heart valve replacement, cardiac bypass grafting and orthopedic joint replacement. Immunosuppressive treatment for a condition such as transplant is more widely available.

Objectives:
1.       Understand the components of mammography accreditation as it relates to image quality
2.       Review the ACR Clinical image parameters
3.       Communicate clinical expectations to the mammography technologist

Objectives

• Recognize the appearance of equipment introduced artifacts.
• Recognize the appearance of processor introduced artifacts.
• Recognize the appearance of patient introduced artifacts.
• Determine if the artifact is coming from the processor or the mammography unit.
• Learn about processor pick-off and how to determine if it is pickoff or dust in the cassette.
• Troubleshoot film screen artifacts.
• Understand why equipment related artifacts happen.
• Understand why processor related artifacts happen.
• Understand why patient related artifacts happen and how to avoid them.

Whether the advanced level mammography registry examination is in your future, or you would like to formalize your understanding of positioning, regulations and concepts of mammography, this course will benefit you. The course provides students with a thorough review of mammography regulations and rules as well as relevant clinical applications that can quickly be transferred to the workplace. The content is reflective of the ARRT content specifications and provides ample opportunity for students to interact with expert mammography faculty with proven success in preparing students for advanced level practice.

The understanding of breast anatomy, physiology and pathology is imperative to being a successful mammographer.  The ability to recognize pathology on the mammogram will enhance perfection.  This course will discuss the mammographic appearance of benign and malignant lesions.  Classifying calcifications for diagnosis is critical and the mammography technologist must have the ability to recognize what may be the only sign of breast cancer on the mammogram.  Staging and treatment will round out this comprehensive look at pathology for the mammographer. 

Course Topics:

• Benign vs malignant masses
• Classifying calcifications
• In-situ vs invasive breast cancer
• Ductal vs lobular carcinoma
• Invasive breast cancers
• Primary and secondary signs of breast cancer
• Breast cancer in young women
• Breast cancer statistics
• Breast cancer treatment
• Breast cancer staging
• BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Breast cancer prognosis

COURSE SUMMARY: This course is designed to improve the mammographer's positioning skills and procedures for CC, MLO, Supplemental Views and Male Patient Imaging.  The course is often requested as part of accreditation requirements for mammography positioning.  Any radiographer may take this course to learn or refresh their skills.  A good review of QC for images is included.  The faculty for this course is a qualified MQSA mammography trainer.

Objectives:

1. List the standards for positioning the routine views.
2. Identify the step that will assure adequate visualization of posterior tissue on the CC view.
3. Describe the adequate muscle pattern on the MLO view.
4. Evaluate the images for optimal compression.
5. Discuss the importance of consistent positioning.
6. Evaluate the images for motion or geometric blur.
7. Discuss PNL measurement and how to use it.
8. Obtain adequate IMF on the MLO.
9. Understand how to  correct positioning deficiencies
10. Discuss proper positioning of the augmented patient
11. Discuss compression on the augmented patient
12. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable technical factors
13. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the cranio-caudal view
14. Critique a mammographic image for acceptable positioning criteria for the mediolateral oblique
15. List three positioning techniques

This course covers the “Special Procedures” performed in the mammography suite.  The why and how is explained with examples to enhance the information.  This course will prepare the mammography technologist for on the job hands on training with a thorough explanation of each procedure.  These procedures covered are the ones we preform to make a diagnosis following the imaging findings. The technologist plays a critical role in patient care in these procedures, where the patient is anxious and concerned with the results they may be facing as a result of the procedure.   

Course Topics:

• Galactography
• Pneumocystogram
• Pre-Operative Needle Localization
• Stereotactic Core Biopsy

Mammography image quality is dependent upon optimization of the entire imaging chain.  The quality control procedures for film screen mammography are critical to the mammography image and ultimately the diagnosis of the image.  This course provides a thorough review of the eleven film screen quality control procedures mandated by MQSA.  The required frequencies,  operating limits and image quality will be discussed in this course.

Course Topics:

• Darkroom Cleanliness
• Screen Cleaning
• View Box cleaning
• Visual Checklist
• Repeat Analysis
• Fixer Retention
• Darkroom Fog
• Screen film contact
• Compression
• Processor Sensitometry
• Phantom Image

This home study comes on a DVD.

**This webinar is for 1 AMA PRA Category 1™. NO Category A credit is available for RTs at this time.**

You will appreciate this one hour webinar designed to give you a clearer understanding of how your organization may comply with the new Texas requirements for establishing a Radiation Protocol Committee (RPC) and meeting the fluoroscopy requirements.  Louis K. Wagner, Ph.D. will walk you through the most asked questions and answers for setting up your program in the simplest way possible.  Even if you already have begun the process or established your plan, you will benefit from the experience and understanding from this highly experienced Medical Physicist. 

At the completion of this course, the learner will be able to:

• Understand that need for a Radiation Protocol (RPC) according to the rule
• Identify the required members of the RPC
• Discuss the intent of rule to protect patients and staff during the use of fluoroscopic equipment
• Identify the date the RPC must be established  and the date the training must be completed.
• Name the frequency that the RPC must meet according to the regulation
• List the professionals who are exempt from the rule
• Identify the number of hours of fluoroscopic radiation safety  training required by the rule for all non-exempt users

Faculty: Louis K. Wagner, Ph.D., DABR, FAAPM, FACR

• Professor of Radiology
• Chief Physicist
• Dept. of Diagnostic and Interventional Imaging
• University of Texas Medical School, Houston, TX

CME Credit

Advanced Health Education Center is accredited by the Accreditation Council For Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Advanced Health Education Center designates this Enduring material for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Minimum system requirements for online and video-based Home Study

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

This course is designed to help MRI technologists meet the prepublication requirements set forth by Joint Commission for diagnostic MRI safety elements.  The course is useful to all technologists wishing to verify or improve their knowledge of current available safety methods for diagnostic MRI procedures.

Course Topics:
·         Synopsis MR
·         Looking at New Technology
·         Patient Considerations
·         Safety
·         Contrast Pros & Cons
·         The Role of MRI Safety Officer

Course Topics

• Fundamentals of MRI
• MRI System Design
• MRI Challenges and Safety
• MRI Signal Generation
• Image Acquistion and Tissue Characteristics for MRI
• Building a Basic Pulse Sequence

ARRT Structured Education Requirements

Beginning January 1, 2016, candidates for post-primary certification and registration are required to document completion of structured education related to the content specifications.

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Course Topics

• Different Types of Magnets
• MR System Overview
• Coils
• Electronic Support for Magnets
• Display/Console
• Shielding

The CE activity is a video of live presentation and a post test with multiple choice questions that is to be completed online. If you have a slow internet service you may find it more convenient to download the video for viewing on your computer. **See computer equipment specifications below.

Join AHEC faculty Stewart Bushong, M.D. for this video of MRI Today and Tomorrow.  This recorded conference was planned for the today’s practicing MRI Technologist with topics that are relevant to the technologist’s daily practice. The cutting edge technology in MRI reflects the “new face” of skills needed by today’s MRI Technologist. The faculty will discuss the development of MRI and MRA.  Where is MRI today and where is it going?  This presentation will touch on the explosion of new technology in MRI and reinforce the fundamentals of how MRI is used in diagnosis and treatment planning!   This MRI CEU class will benefit ARRT MRI technologists and ARMRIT MRI technologists as well as Radiologic Technologists wishing to learn more about MRI.

Course Topics

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging – Where It Is and Where It Is Going

• The Development of MRI and MRA

• Components of an MR Imaging System

• The Musical Score for Various MRI Pulse Sequences

• Image Characteristics from 0.5T to 3T and Above

• QC Program for MRI

Author: 

Stewart Bushong, M.D.

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

This online home study contains an embedded lecture module that can also be viewed in a pop-up window.**

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

Adobe Flash Player [If you don't currently have Adobe Flash Player or if you are using an older version then click HERE]

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

IBM’s Watson made history on the game show Jeopardy as it skunked it’s human competitors and opened a new venue for the addition of supercomputers to our decision making process in medicine. The intertwining of the brain and the mind are explored as we look at what makes us “tick”. The root causes of addictive behaviors, the effects of traumatic brain injuries, chemical imbalances and more contribute to the mysteries of the brain and the life of the mind. This lesson opens a new chapter for the future role of radiology. 
 
•  The lobes of the brain and the influence they maintain on behaviors
•  Relationships that occur when supercomputers mirror the brain’s actions
•  Components of the addiction process and how the brain controls our actions
•  How our imaging technology is important to the mapping of brain functions
•  The significance of “Watson”
•  Compare the brain and mind differences

Author:

Marilyn Sackett, M.Ed, R.T.(R), FASRT

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

Mammography positioning can be extremely challenging.  Proper positioning is critical for breast cancer detection.  The technologist must follow the proper standards for positioning and compression in order to achieve optimal imaging.  The routine mammogram consists of two projections each which demonstrate specific areas of the breast.  The focus of the technologist should always be to adequately image all the breast tissue and understand how to tailor the examination for difficult to position patients.  This presentation begins with the basics of positioning and compression followed by detailed instruction of positioning the craniocaudal (CC) view.  Each step in positioning the CC view is critical and there are consequences when a step is not followed through.

Objectives:

• Recognize optimal positioning of the CC view
• Discuss the steps required for properly positioning the CC view
• Understand proper hand maneuvers used when positioning the CC view
• Describe the critical steps used when positioning the CC view
• Properly critique the CC view
• List the objective of the CC view
• Understand breast anatomy visualized on the CC view
• Describe the tissue not imaged on the CC view
• Demonstrate proper positioning of the CC view
• Describe the technologists role in positioning the CC view
• List the steps for proper positioning of the CC view
• Demonstrate how to correct suboptimal positioning of the CC view
• List the most common positioning deficiencies of the CC view

Mammography positioning can be extremely challenging.  Proper positioning is critical for breast cancer detection.  The technologist must follow the proper standards for positioning and compression in order to achieve optimal imaging.  The routine mammogram consists of two projections each which demonstrate specific areas of the breast.  The focus of the technologist should always be to adequately image all the breast tissue and understand how to tailor the examination for difficult to position patients.  This presentation teaches the detailed instruction of positioning the mediolateral oblique (MLO) view.  Each step in positioning the MLO view is critical and there are consequences when a step is not followed through.

Objectives:

• Recognize optimal positioning of the MLO view
• Discuss the steps required for properly positioning the MLO view
• Understand proper hand maneuvers used when positioning the MLO view
• Describe the critical steps used when positioning the MLO view
• Properly critique the MLO view
• List the objective of the MLO view
• Understand breast anatomy visualized on the MLO view
• Describe the tissue not imaged on the MLO view
• Demonstrate proper positioning of the MLO view
• Describe the technologists role in positioning the MLO view
• List the steps for proper positioning of the MLO view
• Demonstrate how to correct suboptimal positioning of the MLO view
• List the most common positioning deficiencies of the MLO view

Mammography as a diagnostic procedure requires additional views above and beyond the routine CC and MLO in order to demonstrate or rule out pathology.  Although it is not required but recommended a diagnostic mammogram is typically done with an interpreting physician onsite to monitor the examination as the technologist performs it.  However if in a region without an onsite radiologist the technologist must be able to perform diagnostic and supplemental views to demonstrate an abnormality so the radiologist can make a diagnosis and understand which of these views will give the physician the information.  Supplemental views are also used for difficult routine mammography when it is not possible to properly image the patient in the two routine views due to body habitus. There are a number of diagnostic and supplemental views used in mammography to reduce superimposition, help the radiologist characterize calcifications and visualize an abnormality in two planes.  This lesson discusses these views, how to perform them and their value in breast cancer detection.

Part II of this lesson also includes how to position the non-conforming patient and imaging the male breast.

This course is designed to help CT technologists meet the prepublication requirements set forth by Joint Commission for diagnostic CT radiation safety elements.  The course is useful to all technologists wishing to verify or improve their knowledge of current available radiation dose reduction methods for diagnostic CT procedures.

Course topics include:

• Goals of the Alliance for Radiation Safety and the Image Gently Campaign
• Radiation dose reduction strategies that can be implemented by the technologist
• Case studeis as they realte to radiation induced injury
• Risk associated with increased cancer incidence related to CT scanners
• ALARA concepts in regards to head CT of pediatric patients

The CE activity is a video of pre-recorded presentation and a post test with multiple choice questions that is to be completed online. If you have slow internet service, you may find it more convenient to download the video for viewing on your computer. **See computer equipment specifications below.

Whether you are a registered technologist needing a refresher or a non-technologist in a healthcare facility, you will enjoy this basic radiation safety video course that was recorded from a “live” class.  You will cover the topics needed for basic radiation safety, the role of the radiation safety program and the effects of ionizing radiation. Also covered will be radiation detection and personal protection methods related to ionizing radiation.  This course is designed to meet the four hours of radiation safety needed by non-technologists performing bone densitometry in the State of Texas, but is equally beneficial to the radiologic technologist wanting a refresher course in radiation safety.

Improve your skills in diseaseevaluation and radiographic changes with case studies

Excellent presentation of information to assist you in evaluating the changes that occur in patients as a result of pathology. Symptomology , treatment, and the radiologic procedure of choice to visualize the disease, along with changes in body habitus that affect imaging are presented in a reader-friendly format.

• Introduction to Pathology
• The Skeletal System
• The Respiratory System
• The Abdomen and Gastrointestinal System
• The Hepatobiliary System
• The Urinary System
• The Reproductive System
• The Cardiovascular System
• The Hemopoietic System
• The Central Nervous System
• Traumatic Disease

Introduction

The number sixty-five has been established in this country as the designation of old age, mature, senior citizen, third-ager or becoming elderly. Age sixty-five represents a time for retirement and the finishing of one's lifetime tasks. Sixty-five is a convenient way to categorize people into a group, but is not indicative of an individual's mental ability, physical capability or state of overall health. The aging process is affected by many factors such as lifestyle, occupation, heredity and culture.

The population of age 65 and over is increasing in the United States and has tripled since 1900 (Torres 181). In 1986, there were twice as many individuals under age 18 as older people. By 2030 it is estimated that the two groups will be about equal in number. The fastest growing segment of the elderly population in the United States is age 85 and over. From 1960 to 1990, this group increased by 274% (Pfizer 4). Reasons for increased longevity in this country include, but are not limited to, better living conditions, vaccines for infectious disease, isolation of infectious patients, improved nutrition and pasteurization to kill organisms.

This recorded live program will take a journey through the evolution of medical imaging and the evolving medical practices of the 21^st century.  On this trip we will visit the era before there was ultrasound, before there was CT and MRI, when all we had was x-ray, nuclear medicine and fluoroscopy to imaging the human body at the molecular level.  Atoms to molecules, molecules to cells, and cells to tissue we now have Genomics development which allows us to image at the molecular level.  What a trip it has been from Roentgen to Star Wars.  Join Mark for a unique discussion of our professions magnificent journey in time.  You will love this educational information packed presentation which will leave you with a renewed appreciation and pride for your professional imaging career. 

Course Topics:

• History of Radiology
• Evolution of Radiation Safety
• Imaging Equipment

The video DVD included with Sound Advice for the Echo Lab is an example of a complete echocardiogram, and follows the protocol which is outlined in the book.  The video demonstrates with narration the precise way to obtain images, Doppler recordings, M-Mode, and velocity tracings.  Each calculation described in the book is presented on the video in an easy to understand format and may be referred to as needed to re-enforce lessons learned in the 8 day echocardiogram course presented by AHEC.  The combination book and video DVD may be purchased as a stand-alone aid for students wishing to refresh themselves on any aspect of the complete trans-thoracic adult echocardiogram.

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Obesity is a serious, multifaceted, chronic illness affecting patients of all ages. It continues to increase in seriousness at an alarming rate. It is not a problem affecting just the United States. It seems when we achieved Globalization, we also achieved Globesity. Imaging is integral to the care of bariatric patients. Obesity limits the ability to acquire and perform imaging procedures and interventions. This study material will discuss obesity in detail and focus on imaging the obese patient. Two main issues arise with imaging the obese patient the attenuation characteristics of human tissue, which begins to dominate when the patient weighs 250 pounds or more and the sheer difficulty of moving and transporting these patients which result in staff injuries and suboptimal studies. Join us in this new informative and educational activity and learn how our imaging modalities are used for imaging the obese patient.

Author:

Marilyn Sackett, M.Ed, RT(R), FASRT

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

What happens if parent refuses treatment for a child? How is the rationing of care administered or the distribution of donated organs? Find out the answers to these and other ethical considerations in this home study designed to guide the medical professional through the critical thinking skills required to tackle ethical issues such as these and many more in this ever changing field!

The format for this home study is reading material with a post test exam.

Course Topics:

1. Introduction

2. Choices: Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas

      Disagreement on Treatment Options

•       What happens when religion precludes a transfusion?
•       What if parents refuse treatment for a child?

3. Bioethics

     Biomedical Research and Experimentation

•       Genetic Research
•       Stem Cells
•       Confidentiality and Privacy
•       Fraudulent Practices in Healthcare

What happens if parent refuses treatment for a child? How is the rationing of care administered or the distribution of donated organs? Find out the answers to these and other ethical considerations in this home study designed to guide the medical professional through the critical thinking skills required to tackle ethical issues such as these and many more in this ever changing field!

The format for this home study is reading material with a post test exam.

Course Topics:

1. Introduction

2. Choices: Case Studies on Ethical Dilemmas

      Disagreement on Treatment Options

•       What happens when religion precludes a transfusion?
•       What if parents refuse treatment for a child?

3. Bioethics

     Biomedical Research and Experimentation

•       Genetic Research
•       Stem Cells
•       Confidentiality and Privacy
•       Fraudulent Practices in Healthcare

What crosses your mind when you think whistleblower? Ethics, virtue, honesty, altruism? Do you consider Edward Snowden (NSA whistleblower) a hero, a traitor, or an ill-advised man? This two-hour home study will focus on recent radiology whistleblower cases, who is a whistleblower, and the False Claims and Affordable Care Acts. Conclude with a case study that can easily claim the title of the most bizarre example whistleblowing in the healthcare industry so far.

Objectives:

In the field of Radiology, communication with people who have communicable diseases is unavoidable. Health Care Workers can reduce the risk of contracting diseases through education in the most commonly occurring types of pathological conditions. Safety precautions and safety equipment may be utilized more effectively if the process of spread and effective treatment is understood. This home study material was developed to provide the clinical picture of the types of hepatitis.

The Medical Marijuana Conundrum

Cannabis (marijuana) has a long history of use in medicine going back to 2900 BC where the Chinese considered it one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Throughout history there are recordings of the herb being used in oils and hemp grown for medicinal purposes. It was brought to North America with the Jamestown settlers and there is proof that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it on their farms.  It is predicted in the coming months and years that the political, social, and commercial interests in the cannabis industry will push for more legalization for medical marijuana. This reverse trend in public response will greatly change the horizon for medicine. It is inherent that as a segment of continuing education for the medical community that a discussion of the integration of medical marijuana into the treatment and care of patients be included.

Author: Marilyn, Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT

**This CE activity is the POST TEST only online. The link will be emailed to you after purchase and it is your responsibility to obtain the book from a third party - Amazon, eCampus, or another bookstore.

“A trip to the doctor is almost a guarantee of misery. You’ll make an appointment months in advance. You’ll probably wait for several hours until you hear “the doctor will see you now” – but only for fifteen minutes! In The Patient Will See You Now, Eric Topol, one of the nation’s top physicians, shows why medicine does not have to be that way. Instead, you could use your smartphone to get rapid test results from one drop of blood, monitor your vital signs both day and night, and use an artificially intelligent algorithm to receive a diagnosis without having to see a doctor, all at a small fraction of the cost imposed by our modern healthcare system.” Read about Topol’s “Gutenberg moment” and the changes the internet are providing healthcare in this home study. This simple, yet scientific text will delight your medical imagination. Get your CE leisurely and become enlightened to democratized medicine; the revolutionary changes empowering the patient to be in charge of their total well-being.

Introduction

This independent study is intended to heighten your awareness about the legal pitfalls associated with the practice of radiologic technology. Many technologists find themselves assigned job duties and responsibilities which exceed their level of experience and training. This presents a vicarious legal situation if a patient in their care is injured or suffers clinically and the proper response is not initiated. This can result in the radiologic technologist being named as a defendant if litigation occurs as a result of the incident. In the workplace, we are dependent upon the advice and protection of our employer, whether physician, clinic, or hospital for legal advice and malpractice insurance. This dependence may not always work for our benefit. This independent study presents an actual legal case and the deposition from both involved parties. You will read and evaluate the case study.

It has been estimated by some sources in the current literature that eighty percent of the litigation about misdiagnosis is targeted toward the Radiology Department. Injury to patients from untrained or poorly trained radiology personnel has been increasing. We as technologists are not knowledgeable about the legal system, the art of deposition, and incident documentation. This presents many unforeseen complications if you are involved in litigation.

In lesson One you will hear what the Radiologist says about the circumstances of the incident. In Lesson Two you will read the primary Technologist's description of the incident. This case demonstration many of the common mistakes and the risks associated with actions. The deposition has been edited to be more succinct.

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Assess the risks and preventative measures that will keep you safe. It was once thought that HIV was the biggest threat to healthcare workers with hepatitis B second in line, but as of the year 2000, hepatitis C surpassed them both. Radiographers encounter dangers with every patient contact. If you are not prepared for each patient encounter, it can be detrimental to your health, and may cause serious illness and death. Your work environment is fast paced, stressful, and one in which we often take shortcuts to get our work done. In this timely study, you will learn to protect yourself from occupational exposure from TB, Hepatitis, and HIV.

Authors:

Paulette Stowers, BSN, MS, CCRN
Marilyn Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT
Mark Struthers, BBA, BSRT, RT(R)(MR), CMRT, CIIP

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Tuberculosis is the top single infectious killer of adults worldwide, and it lies dormant in one of three people according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This homestudy will discuss and define Tuberculosis, as well as discuss the signs, symptoms and complications of Tuberculosis.

Author:

Marilyn Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date. Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years. Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy. AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

**The link to this online CE activity will be delivered via email. Access the online link for reading material, take the post test (at your convenience), and receive certificate online immediately after successful completion of test.

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder observed in humans as far back the Egyptian and Biblical eras. Medical advancements have added to the knowledge of the ancients including the research in gene therapy and prescription drugs. Appreciate the integral importance of imaging modalities in the diagnosis and treatment of PD using Deep Brain Stimulation with description of the procedure. Learn about the normal brain and the pathological developments of Parkinson’s in this truly informative collection.

Author:

Marilyn Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT

Approval Expirations:

All Home study approvals have an expiration date.  Some of our home studies are approved for one year others for two years.  Whether a home study is renewed at the end of its expiration date is determined by the materials content and relevancy.  AHEC recommends if you plan to purchase a home study to complete at a later date that you contact us to confirm the expiration date.

Minimum system requirements for online and video based home study:

Windows XP or higher

Macintosh

One gigabyte (GB) of RAM

Introduction

Radiation exposure is a subject that carries a lot of extra philosophical baggage. You will examine both sides of the radiation exposure controversy and obtain useful information that you can use in your clinical applications. You will review the history of radiation protection. Learn how current events such as the Chernobyl accident and the long term ARRT survey of 143,000 radiologic technologistís occupational exposures and health will affect radiation protection in the future. Rediscover your role and responsibility when administering radiation to the population.