CT for Technologists: MSK and Spine CT  prepares the learner to safely and effectively acquire diagnostic CT images of the musculoskeletal system and spine. Careful patient screening and preparation are essential for ensuring a quality exam. A working knowledge of skeletal and spinal anatomy is key to correctly position the patient to acquire diagnostic images. After a review of the anatomy, the learner will be instructed on image acquisition by referencing multiplanar reconstructions for each region of interest.

EDUCATIONAL CREDIT
This program has been approved by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) for 2.25 hours of ARRT Category A continuing education credit.

OBJECTIVES
After completing this material, the learner should be able to:

• Prepare and appropriately screen and evaluate the patient for a CT scan of the musculoskeletal system or spine
• Identify correct positioning methods when performing a musculoskeletal or spinal CT scan
• Appropriately prepare and administer iodinated contrast when a contrast-enhanced CT exam is indicated
• Identify the important anatomic structures of the upper and lower extremities
• Describe the primary indications for CT scanning of the joints, pelvis, and sternum
• Incorporate the latest technologic advances in CT imaging to scanning protocols of the musculoskeletal system
• Identify the important anatomic landmarks of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine
• Describe the primary indications for CT scanning of the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine
• Apply appropriate protocols for optimized CT imaging of the spine

HOW TO ENROLL
Time to complete this activity is 2.25 hours.

• Click ENROLL NOW, CONTINUE through the shopping cart, CONFIRM ORDER, and ACCESS COURSE NOW.
• Once you are enrolled, you can return to this course anytime by logging to your account at www.icpme.us.
• Click on MY ACCOUNT, then click on the course title

HOW TO RECEIVE CREDIT

• Login to your account at www.icpme.us
• Once you register and pay for the course, you may review the material on-line or download and print it.
• After reviewing the material, login to your account at www.icpme.us, click on MY ACCOUNT, and click on the Course title.   
• From the course home page, click the tabs for POSTTEST and for EVALUATION.
• A passing grade of at least 75% is required to receive credit. You may take the test up to three times.
• Upon receipt of a passing grade, you will be able to print a certificate of credit from your account at www.icpme.us.

Your certificate of credit will remain in your account as a permanent record of credits earned at www.icpme.us

TUITION
Tuition for this course includes:

• Downloadable course content
• Unlimited access to the course
• Certificate of Credit

ICPME accepts American Express, MasterCard, and Visa.
Please note: tuition payments are non-refundable.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
We would like to acknowledge the efforts and expertise of Rob Jennings for his dedication to updating this educational activity. Mr. Jennings’ passion for his profession by way of this educational content is much appreciated. We are also grateful to Fairfax Radiologic Consultants, PC, in Fairfax, VA for granting permission to use their images.

FACULTY BIOGRAPHY
Robert S. Jennings, RT (R)(CT)(ARRT)
3D Lab Director
Fairfax Radiological Consultants, PC
Fairfax, VA

In addition to managing the 3D Lab at Fairfax Radiological Consultants (FRC), Mr. Jennings oversees CT protocols at six outpatient CT centers and has served as Director/Instructor of the GE/FRC Cardiac CTA for CT Technologists course.

Mr. Jennings authored two online educational units from the CT for Technologists series - Radiation Safety and Screening with CT - in collaboration with ICPME.

Additionally, Mr. Jennings served as co-author with James P. Earls, MD, on a 2008 publication in Radiology titled: Prospectively gated transverse coronary CT angiography versus retrospectively gated helical technique: improved image quality and reduced radiation dose.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE
ICPME is committed to providing learners with high-quality continuing education (CE) that promotes improvements or quality in healthcare and not a specific proprietary business interest of a commercial interest.

A conflict of interest (COI) exists when an individual has both a financial relationship with a commercial interest and the opportunity to control the content of CE relating to the product or services of that commercial interest. A commercial interest is defined as any proprietary entity producing healthcare goods or services with the following exemptions: (1) governmental agencies, eg, the NIH; (2) not-for-profit organizations; and (3) CE honoraria received by the faculty or advisors, planners and managers, or their spouse/life partner.

The following faculty, planners, advisors, and managers have NO relationships or relationships to products or devices they or their spouse/life partner have with commercial interests related to the content of this CE activity:

Robert S. Jennings, RT (R)(CT)(ARRT)              
Victoria Phoenix, BS
Linda McLean, MS