Medical Imaging Education Platform

Master the Science of
Medical Imaging

An interactive learning hub for radiologic technology students. Explore the physics, equipment, and clinical applications behind every major imaging modality — from X-rays to MRI.

6
Imaging Modalities
130+
Years of Radiology History
24
Interactive Diagrams
100%
Free to Use

All Imaging Modalities

Each modality page covers the underlying physics, how the equipment works, interactive diagrams, clinical applications, and key concepts for your exams.

Latest from the Blog

In-depth guides on positioning techniques, exam prep, career advice, and modality comparisons — written for radiologic technology students.

Humerus X-Ray Positioning: AP, Lateral, and Transthoracic Views

Complete humerus X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — AP, lateral, and transthoracic (Lawrence method) views with centering points, SID, IR sizing, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips.

TMJ X-Ray Positioning: Open and Closed Mouth Views for Radiologic Technologists

Complete TMJ X-ray positioning guide — axiolateral (Schüller method), PA transoral, and AP axial views with Clark's centering, open vs closed mouth comparison, and ARRT exam tips.

Scoliosis Series X-Ray Positioning: PA, Lateral, Bending Views & Cobb Angle

Complete scoliosis series positioning guide for rad techs — PA, lateral, and bending views with Cobb angle measurement, Clark's references, and ARRT exam tips.

Mandible X-Ray Positioning: AP Axial, PA Axial, and Axiolateral Oblique Views

Complete mandible X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — axiolateral oblique with rotation guide, PA axial, and AP axial Towne method with Clark's centering points and ARRT exam tips.

Clavicle X-Ray Positioning: AP, AP Axial, and Trauma Views

Master clavicle X-ray positioning for rad techs — AP and AP axial (cephalic) views with Clark's centering points, technique charts, trauma considerations, companion shadow identification, and ARRT exam tips.

Shoulder X-Ray Positioning: AP, Grashey, Y-View, and Axillary

Master shoulder X-ray positioning for rad techs — AP internal/external rotation, Grashey (true AP), scapular Y-view, axillary lateral, and trauma shoulder series. Centering points, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam prep questions.

Thoracic and Lumbar Spine X-Ray Positioning: Complete Guide

Complete thoracic and lumbar spine X-ray positioning guide — AP, lateral, spot lateral, oblique, and scoliosis series with centering points, breathing techniques, and ARRT exam prep questions.

Elbow X-Ray Positioning: AP, Lateral, Oblique, and Radial Head Views

Complete elbow X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — AP, lateral, oblique, and radial head views with Clark's centering points, technique charts, fat pad sign interpretation, Coyle method, and ARRT exam tips.

Cervical Spine X-Ray Positioning: Advanced Evaluation, Pathology Recognition, and Trauma Clearance

Advanced cervical spine X-ray positioning guide — trauma clearance protocols, ABCS evaluation method, normal variants vs fractures, CT junction imaging, and ARRT-level practice questions for rad techs.

Pelvis X-Ray Positioning: AP, Inlet, Outlet, and Judet Views

Complete pelvis X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — AP pelvis, Judet views, inlet and outlet projections, trauma considerations, centering, IR sizes, and ARRT exam tips for each projection.

Rib X-Ray Positioning: Advanced Clinical Guide and Pathology Recognition

Advanced rib X-ray positioning — clinical decision-making for PA vs AP vs oblique, specialized lordotic projections, CT imaging algorithms, normal variants that simulate fractures, and pathology recognition.

Femur X-Ray Positioning: AP, Lateral, and Horizontal Beam Lateral Views

Master femur X-ray positioning — AP full-length, lateral recumbent, and horizontal beam lateral (trauma) views with Clark's centering points, technique charts, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips for rad techs.

HIPAA and Patient Privacy in Radiography: A Rad Tech's Guide

HIPAA compliance for radiologic technologists — protected health information (PHI), minimum necessary rule, patient privacy in imaging areas, voice and data security, breach reporting, and real-world case scenarios for rad techs.

Image Critique and Evaluation Methodology for Rad Tech Students

Systematic approach to radiographic image critique — evaluating positioning, collimation, exposure factors, anatomical coverage, and image quality. Templates for clinical image evaluation and ARRT exam preparation.

Interactive Radiography Practice Test

300+ practice questions covering ARRT & PART/RTLE licensing exams. Filter by topic, modality, and exam type. Random 100-question exams with instant feedback and score tracking.

Sacrum and Coccyx X-Ray Positioning: AP, Lateral, and AP Coccyx Views

Complete sacrum and coccyx X-ray positioning guide — AP sacrum (15° cephalad), AP coccyx (10° caudad), and lateral views with Clark's centering points, technique charts, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips.

Infection Control in Radiology: Standard and Transmission-Based Precautions

Infection prevention for rad techs — hand hygiene, standard precautions, transmission-based precautions, equipment disinfection protocols, isolation patient imaging workflow, and COVID-19 and emerging pathogen considerations.

Patient Communication in Radiography: Building Trust and Reducing Anxiety

Effective patient communication techniques for rad techs — explaining procedures, managing anxious patients, pediatric and geriatric communication, cultural sensitivity, and plain language strategies for informed consent.

Facial Bones X-Ray Positioning: Waters, Caldwell, Lateral, and SMV Views

Complete facial bones X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — Waters, modified Waters, Caldwell, lateral, SMV, and nasal bone views with Clark's centering points, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips.

Pediatric Radiation Dose Reduction: ALARA Strategies for Imaging Children

Evidence-based pediatric dose reduction for rad techs — Image Gently campaign principles, size-based technique adjustments, shielding protocols, immobilization to avoid repeats, and dose monitoring for CT and X-ray.

Hysterosalpingography (HSG): Procedure Guide for Radiologic Technologists

Complete HSG procedure guide — patient preparation, contrast instillation, fluoroscopic imaging sequence, tubal patency assessment, normal vs pathologic findings, and post-procedure care for rad techs.

IVP and IVU Procedures: Excretory Urography for Rad Techs

Excretory urography (IVU/IVP) guide — patient preparation, contrast injection timing, sequence of radiographs (scout, nephrogram, pyelogram, post-void), compression techniques, and alternative imaging for renal stones.

Barium Studies: UGI, Small Bowel Follow-Through, and Barium Enema

Complete guide to barium contrast studies for rad techs — upper GI series, small bowel follow-through, barium enema preparation, double-contrast technique, fluoroscopic positioning, and contraindications.

Skull X-Ray Positioning: Lateral, PA, Caldwell, Towne, and AP Views

Complete skull X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — lateral, PA, Caldwell, Towne, and AP projections with Clark's centering points, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips.

Contrast Media Extravasation: Prevention, Recognition, and Management

Essential guide to contrast extravasation for rad techs — risk factors, signs and symptoms, severity classification, immediate management steps, documentation requirements, and patient follow-up protocols.

Hip X-Ray Positioning: AP, Frog-Leg Lateral, Cross-Table, and Dunn Methods

Complete hip X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — AP hip, frog-leg lateral, cross-table lateral, and Dunn method projections. Centering points, IR sizes, trauma considerations, and ARRT exam tips included.

Digital Radiography Artifacts: Identification and Prevention for DR and CR

Complete guide to digital X-ray artifacts — CR plate artifacts (scratches, static, erasure), DR detector artifacts (dead pixels, calibration errors), grid artifacts, motion artifacts, and software processing artifacts with troubleshooting tips.

AEC Explained: 5 Critical Settings (Chamber Selection, Backup Timer & More)

AEC for radiography techs — phototimers vs ionization chambers, chamber selection, backup timer safety, density controls, and exam prep fundamentals.

How to Choose a Radiologic Technology Program: Complete Guide

Learn how to choose the right radiologic technology program — compare JRCERT accreditation, clinical rotation quality, program costs, and ARRT pass rates to find the best career fit.

Exposure Technique Charts: Building and Using Them in Clinical Practice

Guide to exposure technique charts for rad techs — fixed kVp vs variable kVp charts, AEC technique charts, body habitus adjustments, pediatric technique modifications, and digital radiography exposure management.

Radiography Quality Control: Daily, Weekly, and Annual QC Tests

Comprehensive quality control program for radiography — daily QC checks for DR and CR systems, phantom testing, spatial resolution and contrast tests, AEC calibration, collimation accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

Radiographic Grids and Scatter Radiation Control: Complete Guide

Master radiographic grids for the ARRT exam — grid ratios, Bucky factor, focused vs parallel grids, air gap technique, and how anti-scatter grids improve X-ray image quality.

PACS and DICOM Basics for Radiologic Technologists

PACS and DICOM fundamentals every rad tech should know — image acquisition, storage, and retrieval, DICOM modalities and tags, HL7 interfaces, RIS-PACS integration, image compression, and troubleshooting connectivity issues.

Radiography Clinical Rotations: A Complete Guide for Rad Tech Students

Master your clinical rotations with this complete guide — ARRT competency requirements, professional conduct tips, clinical success strategies, and how to pass every check-off in your radiography program.

Digital Image Processing in Radiography: LUTs, Histograms, and Post-Processing

Understanding digital radiography image processing — histogram analysis, look-up tables (LUTs), edge enhancement, spatial frequency processing, multi-frequency processing, and digital post-processing techniques for diagnostic optimization.

Surgical and C-Arm Radiography: Operating Room Imaging Guide

O.R. radiography and C-arm operation guide — sterile field protocol, C-arm positioning for orthopedic surgery, intraoperative imaging, radiation safety in the OR, and common surgical procedures requiring fluoroscopy.

Forearm X-Ray Positioning: A Complete Guide for Rad Techs

Step-by-step forearm X-ray positioning guide — AP and lateral forearm projections, radius and ulna technique, centering points, common errors, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips for rad techs.

Trauma Radiography: Positioning and Protocols for the Emergency Setting

Complete guide to trauma radiography — ATLS imaging protocols, cross-table lateral views, horizontal beam techniques, trauma series (cervical, chest, pelvis), and communication in the trauma bay.

Mobile and Portable Radiography: Techniques for Bedside Imaging

Master portable X-ray technique — positioning patients in bed, trauma cart radiography, ICU chest X-rays, mobile C-arm guidance, radiation safety for portable exams, and image quality considerations.

Portable Chest X-Ray Technique: A Complete Guide for Rad Techs

Master portable chest X-ray technique for rad techs — AP positioning methods, SID guidelines, grid decisions, common errors, evaluation criteria, and ARRT exam tips for mobile radiography.

Whole-Body Ultrasound Scanners: Caltech Research & Midjourney Medical

Two breakthroughs in water-immersion whole-body ultrasound in one article: Caltech's research-grade system and Midjourney Medical's Ultrasonic CT with Butterfly Network chips.

Pediatric Radiography: Techniques, Positioning, and Dose Reduction

Complete guide to pediatric radiography for rad techs — immobilization techniques, modified positioning for children, dose reduction strategies, gonadal shielding, and age-appropriate communication.

Foot, Ankle, and Calcaneus X-Ray Positioning: Complete Guide

Step-by-step foot and ankle X-ray positioning — AP, oblique, lateral foot views; AP, mortise, lateral ankle views; axial calcaneus projection. Weight-bearing vs non-weight-bearing considerations.

Radiography Program Accreditation: What to Look For

Complete guide to radiography program accreditation — what JRCERT accreditation means, how to find accredited programs, and why accreditation matters for ARRT exam eligibility and your rad tech career.

Hand, Wrist, and Finger X-Ray Positioning: A Rad Tech Guide

Complete positioning guide for hand, wrist, and finger X-rays — PA, oblique, lateral, scaphoid views, and special projections for the thumb and digits. Common errors and evaluation criteria.

Shoulder X-Ray Positioning: AP, Grashey, Y-View, and Axillary

Master shoulder X-ray positioning for rad techs — AP internal/external rotation, Grashey (true AP), scapular Y-view, axillary lateral, and trauma shoulder series. Centering points and evaluation criteria.

Thoracic and Lumbar Spine X-Ray Positioning: Complete Guide

Positioning guide for thoracic and lumbar spine radiography — AP, lateral, spot lateral, and oblique projections. Centering points, breathing instructions, and evaluation of scoliosis series.

Radiography of the Upper Extremity: Hand, Wrist, Elbow Positioning

Upper extremity X-ray positioning guide — hand, wrist, and elbow projections with Clark's centering points, technique charts, and ARRT exam tips for rad techs.

Cervical Spine X-Ray Positioning: A Rad Tech Guide

Step-by-step cervical spine X-ray positioning — AP open mouth, lateral, swimmer's, oblique, and flexion-extension views. Trauma precautions, centering, and evaluation criteria for each projection.

Pelvis X-Ray Positioning: AP, Inlet, Outlet, and Judet Views

Complete pelvis X-ray positioning guide for rad techs — AP pelvis, Judet views, inlet and outlet projections. Centering, IR size, trauma considerations, and ARRT exam tips.

Understanding kVp and mAs: Exposure Factors Explained

Master kVp and mAs — how kilovoltage and milliamperage affect X-ray beam quality, density, contrast, patient dose, and technique chart development for rad techs.

Rib X-Ray Positioning: A Complete Guide for Rad Techs

Master rib X-ray positioning — PA, AP, oblique, and anterior rib projections. Learn centering points, breathing techniques, and evaluation criteria for diagnosing rib fractures.

Patient Shielding in Radiography: Why Lead Aprons Are No Longer Recommended

Patient shielding in radiography — why lead aprons and gonadal shielding are no longer recommended, the science behind the change, and what evidence-based practice looks like today.

Latest Videos from Radiography101

The list updates from the channel feed and keeps a local fallback if the feed is unavailable.

Thumbnail for From Deadly Glow to High Res Health Map
Short

From Deadly Glow to High Res Health Map

A quick radiography-history explainer from early radiation discovery to modern imaging.

History

How to Use This Hub

Designed to work alongside your radiography program curriculum.

01

Start with History

Get context on how medical imaging evolved. Understanding the "why" makes the physics easier to remember.

02

Explore Each Modality

Each page covers physics principles, equipment diagrams, clinical uses, and key terminology.

03

Use the Diagrams

Hover or tap on interactive diagrams to reveal labels, explanations, and component descriptions.

04

Watch the Animations

Visual explainers show you exactly how each technology works — from X-ray production to MRI proton alignment.

Quick Modality Comparison

Key differences at a glance.

Modality Energy Source Ionizing? Primary Use Soft Tissue?
X-Ray X-ray photons Yes Bone, chest, dense structures Limited
Ultrasound Sound waves (MHz) No Soft tissue, vascular, OB ✓ Excellent
MRI Magnetic field + RF No Brain, spine, joints, soft tissue ✓ Superior
CT Scan X-ray photons Yes Trauma, chest, abdomen, vascular Moderate
Nuclear Medicine Gamma rays Yes Functional imaging, metabolism Moderate
Radiotherapy High-energy photons/particles Yes Cancer treatment