Supporting Diagnostic Imaging for PCAs

Build your confidence in supporting veterinary imaging, from patient preparation and restraint to the safe maintenance of diagnostic equipment.

  • PCA

  • 2 hours

      Overview

      This course is designed to upskill Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) and equivalent roles, such as VCAs, ANAs, and ACAs, while also serving as a valuable refresher for Student Veterinary Nurses and RVNs. You will explore the different types of imaging used in practice—including radiography, ultrasonography, and endoscopy—and learn the basic technology behind them. The training covers practical skills such as safe patient restraint, clipping for scans, and the correct setup of imaging equipment within your legal remit and health and safety regulations. Additionally, you will learn essential procedures for the ongoing cleaning and maintenance of these diagnostic tools to ensure they remain in peak working order.

      Intended learning outcomes

      By the end of this course, you should be able to:
      • Consider the various health and safety aspects of radiology, ultrasonography and endoscopy
      • Prepare diagnostic imaging equipment for use including an X-ray generator, ultrasound machine and endoscopes within your remit
      • Demonstrate anatomical landmarks and directions in relation to radiography
      • Describe how to restrain patients for diagnostic imaging
      • Summarise how to care for and maintain diagnostic imaging equipment
      “I have always believed, and I still believe, that whatever good or bad fortune may come our way we can always give it meaning and transform it into something of value.”
      HERMANN HESSE, SIDDHARTHA