ARRT Radiography study guide
ARRT Radiography · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
ARRT certification and registration in Radiography is a credential that, in ARRT's words, "recognize[s] individuals who are qualified to perform the role of a radiographer." Most radiologic technologists enter the profession through this discipline, producing images of patients' internal organs, soft tissues, and bones with X-ray equipment and assisting radiologists with procedures such as fluoroscopic imaging or gastrointestinal exams that use contrast media. It is intended for students graduating from a recognized educational program in radiography who apply through ARRT's primary eligibility pathway, and it is distinct from state licensure, which is handled separately. The ARRT Radiography study guide has 5 sections and about 1,779 words.
01Patient Care and Education
Patient care questions usually test process discipline , not obscure trivia. Every encounter begins with two independent identifiers - name plus date of birth or medical record number - stated by the patient, not read off the requisition.
371 words, about 2 min02Image Production: Equipment and Image Acquisition
In the tube, the cathode filament emits electrons; the actual focal spot is the bombarded area and the effective focal spot is its projection. A smaller effective focal spot sharpens detail but concentrates heat.
343 words, about 2 min03Image Production: Image Evaluation
Image evaluation asks two questions: is the image diagnostic, and does it meet acceptance criteria? Assess correct patient and part, positioning and alignment, collimation, marker placement, exposure (brightness/density), contrast, spatial resolution, distortion, and artifacts.
352 words, about 2 min04Procedures
Procedures questions test projection selection, landmarks, and adaptation. Know the routines: chest PA and lateral (upright, 72-inch SID, full inspiration, apices through costophrenic angles); abdomen supine, upright, or decubitus (upright includes diaphragm to symphysis pubis); extremities with AP, oblique, and lateral views, including both joints when the long bone is the study; spine with appropriate SID and obliques; skull and sinus series; GI and GU contrast studies; and mobile or fluoroscopic examinations.
345 words, about 2 min05Radiation Protection
Protection content is heavily tested because it is regulatory and quantitative. Know ALARA and the three cardinal principles: time, distance, and shielding.
368 words, about 2 min