ABMP MRI for Radiation Therapy study plan

Explain how proton precession, Larmor frequency, and the net magnetization vector give rise to the MR signal, writing the relationships from memory

Diagram the transmit and receive RF chain and the gradient coil set, labeling each component's function

Compare spin-echo and gradient-echo sequences by deriving how TR, TE, and flip angle change contrast weighting

Describe how slice selection, phase encoding, and frequency encoding build k-space, and predict the effect of changing each gradient

Distinguish T1, T2, T2*, and proton density contrast and predict which tissues brighten under each weighting

Classify the major artifacts (motion, wrap/aliasing, chemical shift, susceptibility, truncation, zipper) by their cause and their corrective strategy

Calculate signal-to-noise tradeoffs from changes in voxel size, bandwidth, averages, and field strength

List the acceptance and routine QA tests for the scanner (geometric accuracy, SNR, uniformity, ghosting) and state the pass criteria logic

Apply the static field, RF, gradient, and SAR safety limits and state the zone definitions and who may enter each

Explain the rationale and screening workflow for implanted devices, foreign bodies, and claustrophobia management

Describe quench, acoustic noise, cryogen, and pregnancy considerations and the response steps for each emergency

Differentiate MR contrast agent classes by mechanism and state the renal and pregnancy cautions

Map the MR-simulation workflow from patient set-up through positioning aids, coil selection, and isocenter marking

Compare immobilization and positioning conventions for brain, head-and-neck, pelvis, and spine simulators

Select sequences and geometry (FOV, slice thickness, coverage) appropriate to each treatment site and justify the choices

Identify the DICOM tags and scan parameters that must be verified before exporting a simulation dataset

Explain rigid versus deformable registration, the degrees of freedom, and when each is appropriate

Describe the registration workflow from image import through fusion, review, and acceptance, including resampling and interpolation effects

Identify registration failure modes (FOV mismatch, contrast differences, distortion, patient motion) and how to detect them

State the criteria used to judge registration accuracy and who signs off on a fusion

Explain how MR-derived electron density surrogates and bulk-density overrides are assigned in dose calculation

Describe the role of MR in target and OAR delineation for at least three disease sites

Identify geometric distortion sources and their dosimetric consequences, and state mitigation strategies

Compare MR-only and CT-MR planning workflows by their quality-assurance requirements

Describe on-board MRI-guided delivery workflow, including daily set-up, plan adaptation triggers, and gating

Explain the safety and QA considerations unique to an in-room magnetic field during treatment

Compare gating, tracking, and adapt-to-shape strategies for motion management

Trace the steps of an online adaptive session from imaging through reoptimization and delivery

Apply radiation protection principles (ALARA, time-distance-shielding) to the MR-simulation and treatment environment

Outline the professional and regulatory responsibilities of the MR technologist and the therapy team

Integrate all eight domains into a timed practice-exam review, flagging weak areas

Build a personal remediation plan for any domain scoring below target