RT X-Ray Physics Review

Designed to help the x-ray technologist prepare for the Physics component of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination. This book only addresses 60% of the AART examination that is directly related to Physics, the material that gives most students the greatest difficulty. Key aspects of RT X-Ray Physics Review are: Comprehensive Content: Identifies the important Physics facts that all students need to know to pass the Radiation Protection, Equipment Operation & Quality Control, Image Production & Evaluation sections component of the AART examination. Organization: Presents the material in 15 chapters subdivided into four or five major topics to facilitate reading and understanding, with explanatory tables and figures in each topic. Questions: Includes 450 questions, 30 pertaining to each of 15 chapters, and two comprehensive tests of 100 questions each at the end of the book. Answers provided. Appendixes: Useful tables of radiologic quantities and units. Comprehensive Radiological Physics bibliography.

RT X-ray Physics Review is designed to help radiologic technology program graduates prepare for the physics component of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination. This comprehensive review contains all the facts students need to know to pass the radiation protection, equipment operation and quality control, image production and evaluation sections of the Registry exam.
The book is easy to read with bulleted points, charts, graphs, and bolded type that emphasize main points. It not only delivers a comprehensive review of the content, but also includes sample test questions and correct answers. Two references from textbooks frequently used in the radiologic sciences are provided for further review and study of difficult content areas. This review also includes 2 comprehensive exams that each contains 100 questions with the answers.
Another benefit to this review book is that it has an entire chapter focused on analog and digital images. Digital imaging is relatively new to radiologic technology and can be difficult to teach or learn in preparation for the ARRT exam. The authors also provide a chapter devoted to computed tomography (CT) physics and radiation protection.
Other offerings include appendices with lists of prefix names, radiologic quantities, measurement units, and radiologic physics-related websites. The book does not include a glossary or supplemental DVD.
RT-X-ray Physics Review is well organized and flows nicely from chapter to chapter. It contains only a few slang terms such as nowadays. The book is paperback but made of high-quality paper and materials. The images and radiographs greatly enhance the publication. The many charts and graphs supplement the content nicely. This text also offers a useful CT section. Currently, the CT content is not a required part of the Registry exam, but might be in the future.
This book is direct and concise with only necessary information provided. The tests are short enough that students will not be overwhelmed and, with the answers provided, they are able to get immediate feedback. I recommend this text to anyone looking for a physics-only review book. Most review books for radiologic technology have all content areas of the ARRT exam, and this book does not offer that.

Becky Britt, MSRS, R.T. (R)(M)
Associate Professor/Clinical Coordinator
Radiologic Sciences Program,
Northwestern State University
Shreveport, Louisiana --July/August 2012, Vol. 83/No. 6 RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY