• Bone Densitometry: Initial Training

Bone densitometry is a critical component in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of osteoporosis—an increasingly prevalent condition affecting an estimated 44 million Americans annually. With the growing demand for accurate diagnosis and Medicare reimbursement for bone densitometry procedures, there is heightened focus on the qualifications and training of the personnel performing these scans.

This live webinar delivers a comprehensive training program that goes beyond the basics to equip healthcare professionals with the essential knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to perform bone densitometry. Whether you're new to the field or seeking to deepen your expertise, this course ensures you meet and exceed current training requirements.

Developed by an ARRT-registered and ISCD-certified densitometrist, the curriculum aligns with both the International Society of Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) and ARRT content specifications for bone densitometry certification.

Who Should Attend:
This course is ideal for radiologic technologists, women’s health professionals, and other healthcare providers who are currently performing or planning to perform bone densitometry in clinical or imaging settings.

Course Topics Include:

  • Osteoporosis Risk Factors

  • Indications for Bone Densitometry

  • Methods of Measuring Bone Mass

  • Anatomy & Central Densitometry

  • Principles of Densitometry

  • Quality Assurance & Calibration of DXA Systems

  • Site & Patient Preparation

  • Patient Positioning Techniques

  • Performing DXA Scans

  • DXA Scan Analysis

  • Troubleshooting Common Scan Issues

If you are looking for an in-person training option, please click here and select from our Live Event offerings.

**Healthcare professionals who are not registered radiologic technologists should also register for the "Practical Radiation Safety for DEXA Operators" course in order to meet the radiation safety requirements for the Texas Department of State Health Services. For added convenience, the 4-hour "Practical Radiation Safety for DEXA Operators" course is offered on the day immediately prior to the 16 hour "Bone Densitometry: Principles and Procedures".

**This live, instructor-directed course meets the Texas Medical Board requirements for all registered Medical Radiologic Technologists.  Please refer to the TMB website for more information at this  LINK

*We are located in Houston, Texas, and all webinars are hosted in Central Time. You will receive the webinar link via email from Zoom one day before your class, as well as one hour before it begins.    


Click here to
Download Zoom:
  Test Zoom on
your device:
  Cancellation Policy,
FAQ's, & More:
 

 

Course Outline

Day One

Osteoporosis Risk Factors & Patient Care

  • Types of osteoporosis (primary, secondary)

  • Osteoporosis in males: risk factors and diagnostic criteria

Indications for Densitometry

  • Overview of relevant legislation

  • Primary and secondary osteoporosis

  • Bone measurement sites: cortical and trabecular bone

Methods of Measuring Bone Mass & Image Production

  • Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT): bone types, patient positioning, phantoms, printout components

  • Ultrasound measurements: broadband attenuation, speed of sound, stiffness index

  • Photon and X-ray measurement devices

  • Radiographic Absorptiometry (RA) equipment and controls

Anatomy & Central Densitometry Procedures

  • Overview of axial and appendicular skeleton

  • Lumbar spine anatomy, curvature, vertebral numbering, abnormalities

  • Proximal femur anatomy and abnormalities

Principles of Densitometry & Image Production

  • Dual beam production and DXA mechanics: system components, sources, detectors

  • Beam types: pencil-beam and fan-beam

Day Two

Quality Assurance and Calibration

  • Calibration phantoms and printout components

  • Establishing QA baseline and quality control parameters

Site Preparation and Precision Studies

  • Short-term and long-term precision studies

  • Accuracy and operator/manufacturer precision

  • Utilizing precision data to calculate bone mineral density (BMD) changes

Patient Preparation

  • Attire and factors affecting measurement (nuclear medicine, contrast studies, bone changes)

Patient Positioning Procedures

  • Positioning landmarks: lumbar spine, proximal and dual femur, forearm

  • Positioning devices and challenges (e.g., thin or kyphotic patients)

Performing DXA Scans

  • Patient data entry and reference data selection

  • Basic software components (DOS and Windows formats)

Analysis of DXA Scans

  • Anatomical criteria and region of interest placement

  • Types of bone measured and image artifact identification

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify key osteoporosis risk factors

  2. Define bone densitometry and describe its principles

  3. List methods for measuring bone mass

  4. Explain why certain bones are preferred for measurement

  5. Discuss quality assurance processes and documentation

  6. Outline patient preparation requirements

  7. Describe patient positioning techniques for densitometry scans

  8. Analyze and interpret DXA scan data effectively

Write a review

Please login or register to review
This program provides AHRA Category A continuing education credit for radiologic technologists recognized by the ARRT and various licensure states. You must attend the entire program to receive your certificate of completion.
Greg Yardley , MSRS, RT(R), CBDT

Greg Yardley is a distinguished expert in the field of bone health and radiological sciences. With over two decades of experience spanning emergency medical services, radiology technology, and bone density diagnostics, Greg Yardley has dedicated his career to advancing the understanding of bone health, the science behind osteoporosis, and radiological sciences.rnGreg Yardley holds a master’s degree in Radiological Sciences and is certified as both a Radiology Technologist and Bone Density Technologist. Currently, Greg is part of the esteemed NASA Bone Mineral Lab and Medical Clinic, where they study the effects of zero gravity on bone density—pioneering research that contributes to the health of astronauts during and after space travel.rnBefore his work with NASA, Greg managed bone density operations at the Osteoporosis Center at Revere Health, performing and analyzing thousands of DXA scans and helping patients understand the nuances of bone density and strength. In addition, he has taken his expertise into the classroom, educating the next generation of radiology and bone density technologists through teaching roles at ISCD, AHEC, College of the Mainland and other respected institutions.rnBeyond research and diagnostics, Greg is a certified personal trainer specializing in safe and effective exercise regimen for individuals with osteoporosis and low bone density. His comprehensive approach bridges science, education, and personalized care, making him a trusted authority in his field.rnGreg will share insights on the intricacies of bone health, addressing bone density interpretation, exercise considerations, and the broader implications of osteoporosis diagnosis and treatment.
Category Hours Revision Year(s)
Bone Density > Image Production > Equipment Operation and Quality Control 6.0 2016, 2022
Bone Density > Patient Care > Patient Bone Health, Care, and Radiation Principles 4.0 2016, 2022
Bone Density > Procedures > DXA Scanning 6.0 2016, 2022

Bone Densitometry: Initial Training

  • Course ID: Webinar-Bone Density-181-257
  • Event Location: Online Course
  • Credit: 16 Credits Category A
  • Date: 10/17/2025 - 10/18/2025
  • Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Instructor: Greg Yardley , MSRS, RT(R), CBDT
  • $429.00


Tags: Bone Densitometry CE, Structured Education, Bone Density, DEXA