Master Your Veterinary Radiology Rotation

A complete set of resources for DVM students in small animal radiology rotation

We’ll help you love radiology

Although radiology encompasses many different equipment types, radiography is the most widely accessible and frequently used imaging tool in veterinary medicine—making it one of the most impactful diagnostic modalities around the world. Mastering it can dramatically improve your ability to assess, diagnose, and treat patients in any clinical setting. Our goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence to use radiography effectively, whether you're in general practice, specialty care, or teaching others in the field. Although we will focus on radiography, you’ll also learn about the other important modalities in an imaging department.

Thank you for joining us. By subscribing to this course, you're not only investing in your own growth—you're also supporting the development of high-quality, engaging content that helps elevate the standard of care for pets everywhere. Your feedback and participation play a vital role in shaping this resource for future veterinarians.

What you will learn in this course

✔️ Who's who in radiology

✔️ Modalities of radiology

✔️ Equipment terminology

✔️ Radiation Safety and protection

✔️ Radiographic positioning

✔️ Radiographic technique and equipment operation

✔️ Image interpretation and diagnosis

✔️ Quality control and digital imaging

How you’ll learn

👉 Bite-sized explainer videos

👉 Interactive chat-based Q&A

👉 Quizzes

👉 Final test

A clear path to master your radiology rotation

Once you register, you will have access to all of these modules and can complete them in any order you choose, including quizzes to check your progress and a final test to demonstrate your new skills.

Who’s who in veterinary radiology

This introductory module explores the vital roles within the field of veterinary diagnostic imaging. From board-certified radiologists to radiologic technologists and imaging technologists, students will gain a clear understanding of each professional’s expertise and how collaborative imaging teams function in clinical settings.

Radiation safety and protection

Radiation is a powerful diagnostic tool, but it must be used responsibly. This module emphasizes principles of radiation physics, exposure units, biologic effects of ionizing radiation, and regulatory limits for occupational exposure. Students will study ALARA principles, shielding practices, and personnel monitoring to ensure safety for patients and veterinary teams alike​.

Image interpretation and diagnosis

Central to clinical practice, this module trains students to analyze and interpret radiographic and cross-sectional images systematically. Students will learn pattern recognition for soft tissue, musculoskeletal, and thoracic pathologies, integrating clinical history to formulate prioritized differential diagnoses.

Modalities of radiology

This module provides an in-depth look at the primary imaging modalities used in veterinary medicine, including radiography, ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. Students will learn the physical principles behind each modality, indications for use, and comparative strengths in soft tissue, bone, and neurologic imaging.

Radiographic positioning

Correct positioning is the foundation of diagnostic-quality imaging. It’s also very important for reducing your exposure to radiation. This module teaches the standardized protocols for positioning small animals in thoracic, abdominal, orthopedic, and dental radiography. Techniques to minimize patient movement, ensure anatomical alignment, and reduce retakes are emphasized, along with the use of restraint tools.

Quality control and digital imaging

Maintaining high-quality imaging requires routine system checks and consistent image evaluation. This module introduces quality assurance protocols, digital image artifacts, and post-processing techniques. Emphasis is placed on identifying image deficiencies and ensuring diagnostic reliability in digital systems.

Equipment terminology

Understanding the language of imaging is critical for effective communication and safety. This module covers the essential terms associated with imaging equipment, including parts of an x-ray machine, ultrasound probes, CT gantries, MRI coils, and digital imaging systems. Students will become fluent in identifying and describing equipment components and functions.

Radiographic techniques and equipment operation

This practical module delves into the operation of radiographic systems, including setting appropriate exposure factors (kVp, mAs), image receptor handling, and digital processing. Students will learn how to adjust technical parameters for optimal contrast, resolution, and minimal radiation dose based on patient size and anatomy​.

Summary and final test

In this capstone module, students will synthesize knowledge from all prior sections through case-based learning and a comprehensive final assessment. Review topics include modality selection, technical factors, pathology recognition, and interpretation best practices. Successful completion signifies readiness to advance in clinical radiology.

FAQs

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  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.