Does anyone have any tips for studying for the Bone Density registry?
The Bone Densitometry Registry is another certification offered by the ARRT.
Moreover, With the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis and other bone-related diseases in our society, the demand for professionals well-versed in the analysis of bone density has escalated.
So, This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the study and preparation for the bone density registry.
Many technologists add the Bone Density registry or DEXA scanning registry to their list of accomplishments.
DEXA is a separate modality in the radiology department. You can have a full-time job just doing DEXA scans.
I have noticed some Nuclear Medicine departments have their own DEXA scans, as do many Women’s Clinics.
It is also common to see DEXA scanners in general hospital departments and outpatient imaging centers.
The ARRT offers its own registry in DEXA, and a common question from technologists is “How do I study for the BD (Bone Densitometry) exam?”
Here are some answers from technologists across the country on what worked for them
MTMI helps. There is a book and test on erad that is very informational. Try the ISCD website. I took both test and passed about 15 yrs ago
Tech LJD
All I did was buy the text Bone Density for radiologic Technologists. Read it, took notes, studied notes and passed.
Tech MSH
I printed off the list from ARRT about what the registry covers and took notes on each section from this book (below) and passed easily.
Tech ML
That’s exactly what I did (studies book above)! And I had no trouble passing at test time
Tech CVK
Ditto, Used the content specs with this book and didn’t have any trouble either.
Tech DSV
Study similar-terms very closely. For example, (accuracy and precision) It’s super tricky. I sat through the test literally thinking I was in the wrong test… I passed, but it was not at all enjoyable. Also refresh on all the bony anatomy especially the wrist and spine.
Tech JRE
What patient positions do you routinely do for Dexa Bone Density exams?
We do AP and Lat lumbar, an AP hip, and…if needed…a wrist.
Tech LM
Ap lumbar. Lateral lumbar. Left hip. Sometimes non dominant forearm
Tech RB
At the 2 centers I have done Dexa at we either do AP L spine and one Hip (wrist if needed). Or Ap L soune and Dual Hips (wrist if needed)
Tech WF
AP lumbar and bilateral hips. Forearm only if pt has bilat hip replacement or hyperparathyroidism. Or if too large for table. Then we do bilat forearms
Tech VM
Ap lumbar and left hip. Left forearm if one of the other sites can’t be scanned. One of the docs in my office occasionally orders a vfa
Tech JLM
Left wrist left hip AP l spine, if 65+ or older lat l spine to r/o compression Fx. Unless new surgery / Fx since last dexa. Always use same laterality of the prior dexa if the right wrist and hip was done prior with no new Fx or surgery then stick with that
Tech KAJ
Ap L-spine, bilateral hips, non dominant forearm and LVA (lumbar vertebral assessment).
Tech MS
Ap lumbar, bilateral hips. Non dominant forearm if other sites have hardware or hyperparathyroidism! IVA for back pain and/or height loss!
Tech MS
Conclusion
Passing the DEXA credentialing exam is not impossible. Thousands of other techs have already accomplished the goal. That means you can too!
Take the advice from other successful technologists in this article and attain your goal of learning about the bone density registry most successfully. The longer you wait, the more stressful it will be.