ARRT Radiography study plan
ARRT Radiography · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Image Production - Equipment and Image Acquisition
Trace current flow through the x-ray circuit from line voltage through the autotransformer, step-up transformer, rectifier bank, and tube, labeling each component's function
Calculate mAs from mA and exposure time, and predict how changes in mA, time, and kVp alter receptor exposure
Explain the purpose of the rotating anode, focal spot selection, and the anode heel effect, and predict which end of the image receives less exposure
Differentiate single-phase, three-phase, and high-frequency generators by waveform shape, ripple percentage, and output efficiency
Your checkpoint
Hand-drawn, fully labeled x-ray circuit diagram plus a score of 80% or higher on a 25-question Domain 2 quiz
Image Production - Equipment and Image Acquisition & Image Production - Image Evaluation
Apply the prime exposure factors (kVp, mAs, SID, OID) to predict effects on brightness, contrast, spatial resolution, and distortion
Calculate new exposure values using the 15% rule and the inverse square law in written scenarios
Describe automatic exposure control operation, backup timer function, photocell selection, and the causes of overexposure and underexposure
Evaluate grid ratio, grid frequency, and grid errors (off-level, off-center, upside-down, off-focus) in terms of contrast and receptor exposure
Your checkpoint
Completed exposure-factor reference table (each factor change mapped to its image effect) plus a score of 80% or higher on a 30-question mixed Domain 2/3 quiz
Image Production - Image Evaluation & Procedures
Identify the cause and correction for at least 12 common artifacts, including motion, double exposure, grid cutoff, and processing/plate errors
Evaluate text-described images against established positioning criteria: demonstration of required anatomy, collimation margins, marker placement, and patient identification
Describe standard projections and centering points for the chest, abdomen, and upper and lower extremities
Justify repeat or rejection decisions using evaluation criteria rather than guesswork
Your checkpoint
Artifact cause-to-correction table covering 12 artifacts plus a score of 80% or higher on a 25-question image-evaluation quiz
Procedures
Describe routine and special projections for the spine, pelvis, skull, and contrast studies, including patient preparation and contraindications
Select appropriate immobilization, exposure factors, and shielding for trauma, pediatric, and geriatric patients
Explain how pathology and patient condition modify standard positioning routines
Sequence procedural steps for common fluoroscopic and contrast examinations
Your checkpoint
Positioning summary cards for 20 high-frequency examinations plus a score of 78% or higher on a 60-question mixed Domain 2/3/4 exam
Patient Care and Education & Radiation Protection
Explain patient identification, informed consent, confidentiality, and documentation responsibilities in radiographic practice
Describe safe transfer, immobilization, and monitoring of patients with IV lines, catheters, oxygen, and other support devices
Convert between dose units (Gy, Sv, mGy, mrem) and state occupational and public dose limits
Apply time-distance-shielding and the inverse square law to calculate relative dose in given scenarios
Your checkpoint
One-page dose-limit and unit-conversion reference card plus a score of 80% or higher on a 30-question Domain 1/5 quiz
Radiation Protection
Describe how collimation, filtration, gonadal shielding, and exposure factor selection reduce patient dose
Differentiate primary radiation from scatter and select proper protective apparel by lead equivalence
Explain personnel monitoring with OSL and TLD dosimeters, dose reporting, and pregnancy disclosure procedures
Identify the sources of repeat exposures and state strategies to reduce repeat rates
Your checkpoint
Written radiation-protection checklist for a general radiography department plus a score of 85% or higher on a 30-question Domain 5 quiz
Patient Care and Education & Image Production - Image Evaluation & Procedures
Re-test the two lowest-scoring domains from previous quizzes and correct every missed item with a written rationale
Integrate patient care and radiation protection decisions into procedure-based scenarios
Recite positioning and evaluation criteria for the most frequently missed examinations without notes
Build a personal error log categorizing mistakes by domain and content type
Your checkpoint
Completed error log with a written rationale for every missed item and a score of 80% or higher on a 50-question cumulative re-test
Image Production - Equipment and Image Acquisition & Image Production - Image Evaluation & Procedures & Radiation Protection & Patient Care and Education
Complete two timed, full-length practice exams under test-day conditions
Review each missed item to its underlying concept rather than memorizing the answer
Verify recall of exposure-factor math, dose limits, and positioning landmarks using flashcards
Finalize a test-day plan covering timing strategy, flagging, and guessing rules
Your checkpoint
Two completed full-length practice exams with a final score of 80% or higher on the second attempt and a finalized one-page test-day strategy sheet
Milestones
Week 2: Score 80% or higher on the first mixed Domain 2/3 quiz and explain the 15% rule and inverse square law aloud without notes
Week 4: Score 78% or higher on the 60-question mixed exam and hold 20 completed positioning cards
Week 6: Score 85% or higher on the Domain 5 quiz and state all occupational and public dose limits from memory
Week 8: Score 80% or higher on a second full-length timed practice exam with all missed items logged and rationalized