1Describe the basic operation of an x-ray machine, including the components of the x-ray tube.

2Understand the relationship of kVp, mAs and exposure time to x-ray production.

3Know the fundamental properties of x-rays and gamma rays.

4Know technical factors that affect detail, density, distortion and contrast in the generation of the x-ray image.

5Know the reason for using a grid and the construction of a grid. See textbook.

6Understand the terms latitude and scale of contrast as they relate to radiographic exposure.

7Describe the differences between and applications of medium (par), high speed and slow speed intensifying screens.

8Know the advantages and disadvantages of using digital versus conventional radiography.

9Know the basics of analog radiographic processing—what happens during development, rinse, fixation and washing.

10Know the common artifacts that are produced in the darkroom, i.e., fixer versus developer spills, exhausted developer, static electricity, light leakage, improper temperature or mixing of chemicals and screen-based problems. See textbook.

11Be familiar with the basic radiation protection measures used by veterinary workers.

12Know the major effects (cancer induction, teratogenesis, etc.) of ionizing radiation and cellular mechanisms (free radical production, DNA damage, and mutation) involved in radiation injury.

13Have a working knowledge of how an ultrasound machine functions and how ultrasonic images are interpreted (terminology).

14Be familiar with imaging principles and advantages of nuclear medicine imaging.

15Understand the difference between CT and MR imaging, and their relative indications in veterinary medicine.

16Know the advantages and disadvantages of CT and MR imaging over radiography.

17Know which imaging modalities are used to provide physiologic information.

18Know how to name x-ray projections.

19Understand the concept of “windowing” as it relates to digital forms of imaging.

20Understand differences between file types for digital imaging, e.g., DICOM (.dcm), TIFF (.tif), JPEG (.jpg).

21Recognize abnormal radiographic findings of commonly seen disease conditions in small animals.

22Describe radiological findings according to Roentgen signs.

23Formulate a meaningful differential diagnosis for commonly seen radiographic abnormalities in small animals.