Rad Tech Ltd. Course & Exam

The Virginia Podiatric Medical Association provides the Virginia Rad Tech Course for the certification of individuals in Radiologic Technology, limited to podiatry. The purpose of this course is to certify individuals to perform X-rays in a safe and effective manner. The certification process includes course attendance, a written examination, and documentation of completion of 20 foot X-ray views and 20 ankle X-ray views, performed with assistance from the practitioner. Upon completion of the course and required clinical experience, individuals are instructed to seek licensure with the Virginia Board of Medicine as a Radiologic Technologist-Limited.

• April 18 & 19 – Virtual
• August 29 & 30 – Virtual
• Fall – TBD – Virtual

After registering for the Rad Tech Certification Course, you will receive a Zoom link, study manual, and Log Sheets. The study manual covers topics ranging from terminology and anatomy to radiation protection and equipment. It is very important to carefully review the manual prior to attending the course and taking the examination. Participants who have spent time reviewing the material, have a basic knowledge of foot and ankle anatomy, and have experience taking assisted X-rays in their doctor’s office typically perform better on the examination. Please register early to allow plenty of time to study.

Along with the study manual, participants must download the Rad Tech Log Sheets to document their assisted X-rays. The Log Sheets require documentation of 20 individual foot X-ray views and 20 individual ankle X-ray views. Each individual view counts toward the required total. For example, an ankle examination consisting of AP, lateral, and mortise views would count as three ankle views. The required 20 foot and 20 ankle views do not have to be performed on 40 different patients; multiple qualifying views from the same patient may be documented.

All X-rays performed by unlicensed staff must be assisted by a physician or licensed radiologic technologist. This means the physician or licensed technologist must operate the X-ray equipment and activate the exposure.

It is not necessary to complete all 40 required views prior to the course and examination. However, the Log Sheets are a required part of the certification process and must be completed and submitted to the Executive Director in order to complete certification.

The Virginia Podiatric Medical Association provides the Virginia Rad Tech Course for the certification of individuals in Radiologic Technology, limited to podiatry. The objective of this course is to prepare individuals to perform X-rays safely and effectively. The certification process includes course attendance, a written examination, and documentation of 20 foot X-ray views and 20 ankle X-ray views performed with assistance from the practitioner. Upon completion of the course and required clinical experience, individuals are instructed to seek licensure with the Virginia Board of Medicine as a Radiologic Technologist-Limited.

• Basic Terminology
• Osseous Anatomy
• Radiology Physics and Terminology
• X-Ray Production
• Radiation Effects on Living Tissue, including mutations, somatic and genetic changes, and cell sensitivity
• Image Production
• Cassettes and Intensifying Screens
• Film Construction, Storage, and Handling
• Film Processor and Processor Principles
• Radiology Safety
• Infection Control and Universal Precautions
• Standard Foot and Ankle Positions

At the conclusion of the 5 hour course, a written examination is administered. A score of 70% or greater is required to pass.

The Virginia Board of Medicine requires 12 hours of continuing education prior to license renewal. Continuing education are available to podiatric medical assistants and office managers during the Annual Scientific Seminar in Virginia Beach. This is the only continuing education activity offered by the Virginia Podiatric Medical Association for non-physicians.