If you’re interested in pursuing a career in densitometry, you must first complete an undergraduate degree program in radiology or a related radiation field. Once you’ve attained the required degree, you may then opt for one of three certifications for densitometry. The International Society for Clinical Densitometry offers a certified densitometry technology certificate, a certified bone density technologist certificate and a certified clinical densitometrist certificate. The C.C.D. and C.D.T. certifications require the passing of a standardized test and are valid for five years. The C.B.D.T. designation is good for three years and requires the passing of a vigorous examination. All exams for certifications are offered by the ISCD and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Training for Certification at MTMI
The Medical Technology Management Institute, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offers a two-day workshop for training to attain C.C.D., C.D.T. and C.B.D.T. certifications. The course covers the technology, interpretation, clinical applications, safety and clinical procedures for bone densitometry. Students learn the principles of photon absorptiometry, how to generate a useful report, engage in bone density software analysis and prep to take the certification exams. It is a comprehensive course in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.
Bone Density Courses at the Advanced Health Education Center
The Advanced Health Education Center in Houston, Texas, offers a variety of bone densitometry courses to prepare those seeking to earn C.C.D., C.D.T. and C.B.D.T. certifications. Course topics include bone basics and osteoporosis, DXA scans of peripheral and central sites, methods for measuring bone mass, serial measurements and BMD measurement terminology. The course is certified by the ARRT and taught by experienced technologists. A complete review is done for preparation of the ARRT and ISCD certifications.
Training at the FORE
Foundation for Osteoporosis Research and Education in Oakland, California, offers a three-day course at its Technician School in Bone Densitometry for preparation of the C.C.D., C.D.T. and C.B.D.T. examinations. The entire course is 18 hours of classroom instruction, four hours of clinical instruction and two hours of lab. FORE uses Hologic DXA machines, and students complete 20 scans. Students receive comprehensive training in clinical procedures for bone densitometry, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and gain experience using bone density software.
Bone Density Education at ISCD
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry offers two-day courses throughout the year at various locations throughout the United States. Its bone densitometry courses are designed for radiologists and other allied health professionals who are seeking C.C.D., C.D.T. and C.B.D.T. certifications. Students receive in-depth information in the performance of bone densitometry examinations and add to their skill set DXA scanning. The course prepares students to take the C.C.D., C.D.T. and C.B.D.T. examinations.
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Based in Raleigh, Deborah Vanden Heuvel has been writing education-related articles since 2010. She holds a Master of Science in elementary education and special education. Vanden Heuvel is currently working on an e-book on how educators can avoid the perils of teaching.