Bone Densitometry: Initial Training

Bone densitometry is a very hot topic. It is proving to be a key tool in the diagnosis and treatment outcomes of osteoporosis. There are an estimated 44 million Americans affected by osteoporosis each year. The cost of managing the consequences of this disease cost the health care system in the United States billions of dollars. The inclusion of bone densitometry as a reimbursable Medicare procedure has focused attention on who is performing the procedures and on personnel training requirements. This comprehensive training program will prepare you to meet and exceed the current training requirements. Every aspect of principles, theory, practical knowledge and skills to perform bone densitometry will be highlighted. This course will meet the needs of those new to the field or those wishing to expand their knowledge beyond the “how to’s”.

The comprehensive program was developed by an ARRT registered and ISCD credentialed densitometrist and includes topics that are reflective of the content specifications for the International Society of Clinical Densitometry and the ARRT Registry for Bone Densitometry. This course is designed for all healthcare professionals who are planning to or are currently performing bone densitometry measurements in either clinical practice, women's healthcare or imaging facilities.

**Healthcare professionals who are not registered radiologic technologists should also register for the "Radiation Safety in Imaging Today" course in order to meet the radiation safety requirements for the Texas Department of State Health Services. For added convenience, the 4-hour "Radiation Safety in Imaging Today" course is offered on the day immediately prior to the 16 hour "Bone Densitometry: Principles and Procedures" course which is conducted on Saturday and Sunday.

Course Topics
Day 1: 8AM – 4:15PM (Total CE Credit: 8 hours)
• Osteoporosis risk factors
• Indications for densitometry
• Methods of measuring bone mass
• Anatomy/central densitometry
• Principles of densitometry

Day 2: 8AM – 4:15PM (Total CE Credit: 8 hours)
• Quality assurance and calibration of a DXA system
• Site preparation
• Patient preparation
• Patient positioning
• Performing DXA scans
• Analysis of DXA scans
• Troubleshooting of DXA scans

Instructor: Lesa Mohr, BSRS, RT(R)(QM)(BD)