Maharashtra HSC Radiology Technician (Vocational) study plan

Derive and write out the inverse-square law and the attenuation equation I = I0·e^(-μx) from memory, then calculate exposure at three different source-to-film distances

Label a hand-drawn diagram of a stationary X-ray tube and generator circuit: cathode filament, focusing cup, anode target angle, collimator, filtration, timer and mA/kV selectors

Explain in one written paragraph each how kVp, mAs, focal spot size, and source-to-image distance change the resulting image, using the terms density, contrast, and unsharpness correctly

Define the components of a film/screen and computed radiography (CR) imaging plate, and state which layer absorbs X-rays versus which stores the latent image

Set up a personal formula card covering inverse-square law, magnification factor, and grid ratio conversion, and solve ten self-written numerical problems with it

Demonstrate and describe the standard projections of the upper limb (fingers, hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, shoulder) with patient position, central ray, and cassette placement for each

Describe the standard projections of the lower limb (toes, foot, ankle, calcaneum, knee, femur, hip) and state the correct centring point for each

Explain the four radiographic projection terms (AP, PA, lateral, oblique) and apply them correctly to at least eight named examinations

Identify the positioning errors that cause rotation, foreshortening, and superimposition in limb radiography, and state one correction for each

Practise positioning on a colleague or phantom for hand, wrist, and knee, and self-record the central ray and patient instructions used

Describe the standard projections of the chest (PA erect, lateral, AP supine, decubitus) and state the correct centring point, exposure phase, and breathing instruction for each

Describe the standard projections of the skull, facial bones, sinuses, and cervical spine, and name the relevant landmarks used for centring

Map the bones of the axial and appendicular skeleton from memory onto a blank skeleton diagram, then check and correct it

Relate surface landmarks (jugular notch, xiphoid, iliac crest, anterior superior iliac spine, spinous process C7) to the underlying vertebral levels

Explain how patient rotation, inspiration, and kVp choice affect chest image quality, and list the acceptance criteria for a diagnostic PA chest radiograph

Describe the standard projections of the abdomen (supine, erect, decubitus) and the spine (thoracic, lumbar, sacrum) with centring points and exposure factors

Explain the anatomy and radiographic appearance of the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, and name the structures visible on a plain abdominal radiograph

Match at least twelve common pathologies (fracture, pneumonia, pneumothorax, bowel obstruction, urinary calculus, osteoarthritis, tuberculosis, foreign body) to the imaging features they produce

Explain how pathology changes positioning or exposure choice in at least five clinical scenarios

Summarise in writing the difference between a normal and abnormal finding for chest, abdomen, and skeletal radiographs, using correct descriptive terminology

Explain the film processing sequence (develop, fix, wash, dry) and the function of each chemical, and state the effect of developer temperature and time on density and contrast

Describe how automatic processor quality control is performed: sensitometry, reference step density, base-plus-fog, and speed index, and state acceptable action limits

List the causes and corrections of at least eight film faults (fog, static, roller marks, pi lines, poor contrast, artefacts) and describe darkroom safelight and storage requirements

Calculate a personal dose equivalent from given exposure data using the inverse-square law, and explain the ALARA principle, dose limits for occupational workers, and the three cardinal principles of radiation protection

Explain the purpose and correct use of a TLD badge and lead apron, and state the personal monitoring and pregnancy-declaration requirements in an Indian hospital setting

Describe the indications, contraindications, contrast media used, and patient preparation for barium swallow, barium meal, barium enema, intravenous urography, and hysterosalpingography

Explain the purpose of fluoroscopy, the role of the image intensifier, and the radiation-protection measures specific to fluoroscopic procedures

Describe the technique and purpose of at least four special procedures: tomography, mammography, portable radiography, and operating-theatre radiography

State the first-aid response and reporting steps for an adverse contrast reaction, including mild urticaria, bronchospasm, and anaphylaxis

Calculate the dose saving achieved by collimation and shielding in two worked fluoroscopy scenarios

Demonstrate and describe patient identification, informed consent, and correct patient positioning and immobilisation for paediatric, elderly, and trauma patients

Explain the first-aid management of shock, haemorrhage, burns, fractures, and foreign-body obstruction, and state when to call for emergency support

Describe infection control practice in the X-ray room, including hand hygiene, personal protective equipment, and cleaning of cassettes and equipment between patients

Explain the professional and ethical duties of a radiology technician: confidentiality, informed consent, patient dignity, accurate record keeping, and reporting of incidents

Describe the communication skills needed to explain a procedure to an anxious patient and to obtain cooperation from a child or an uncooperative adult

Complete two full-length timed mock examinations covering all nine domains, and record the score for each domain separately

Review every incorrect mock answer and write a one-line correction note for each, grouping errors by domain

Re-derive all key formulas (inverse-square law, attenuation, magnification, grid conversion, dose calculation) without notes, and re-check the formula card

Rehearse the positioning sequence aloud for ten high-yield projections, naming patient position, central ray, cassette placement, and exposure factors

List the five weakest sub-topics identified from mock results and complete targeted revision of each before the exam