A misread scan can send a diagnosis down the wrong path, and a poorly maintained imaging machine puts both patients and operators at risk. This Training Course by the Arab British Fellowship Training Academy looks at diagnostic imaging from that angle of consequence first, then builds outward into the physics, operation, and upkeep of X-ray, CT, and MRI systems. Instead of treating radiation safety as an afterthought bolted onto each modality, the course places it at the centre, alongside the calibration and troubleshooting work that keeps every scan trustworthy.

By the end, technicians, engineers, and healthcare staff working with imaging equipment will be able to operate, maintain, and safeguard X-ray, CT, and MRI systems in line with recognised regulatory standards, and troubleshoot the issues that most often disrupt diagnostic workflow.

• Compare X-ray, CT, and MRI technologies and explain the physical principles each one relies on.
• Apply radiation and magnetic-field safety measures, including PPE and patient screening, across all three modalities.
• Operate, calibrate, and carry out preventive maintenance on X-ray, CT, and MRI systems.
• Diagnose common hardware, software, and image-quality faults and resolve them systematically.
• Integrate imaging systems with PACS, HIS, and RIS workflows while meeting regulatory documentation requirements.

Target Audience

• Radiologic technologists, radiographers, and biomedical engineers operating or servicing X-ray, CT, and MRI systems.
• Healthcare professionals who want a deeper working understanding of imaging technology.
• Technical staff in diagnostic imaging departments keeping pace with new practices and standards.
• Medical equipment service providers expanding into imaging system maintenance.

Module 1: Diagnostic Imaging — Modalities Compared

• Why X-ray, CT, and MRI matter in medical diagnosis, and where each one fits.
• Comparing the three modalities and the basic principle behind each.

Module 2: Radiation, Magnetic Field and Operator Safety

• Radiation safety and protection in X-ray and CT imaging.
• Magnetic field risks and safety protocols specific to MRI.
• Personal protective equipment and patient-screening practices shared across modalities.

Module 3: X-ray Systems — Principles, Operation and Calibration

• X-ray production, beam interaction, and machine components.
• Operating X-ray systems for diagnostic radiography, fluoroscopy, and mammography.
• Preventive maintenance, calibration, and quality-control testing for X-ray equipment.

Module 4: CT Systems — Principles, Operation and Calibration

• How CT scanners work, and the role of the gantry, detectors, and console.
• Setting up and operating a CT scanner, including patient positioning.
• Routine maintenance, calibration, and quality-control methods for consistent results.

Module 5: MRI Systems — Principles, Operation and Calibration

• Magnetic resonance principles and the role of magnets, gradient coils, and RF coils.
• Setting up and operating an MRI system, including patient positioning.
• Routine maintenance and calibration to ensure accurate image quality.

Module 6: Troubleshooting and Quality Control Across Imaging Systems

• Diagnosing hardware and software issues in X-ray, CT, and MRI systems.
• Addressing image artefacts and distortion, and resolving system error codes.
• Quality-control procedures and documentation for compliance with imaging standards.

Module 7: Advanced Features, AI and Workflow Integration

• 3D imaging, low-dose imaging, and innovations such as CT angiography and MRI spectroscopy.
• The growing role of artificial intelligence in image analysis and diagnosis.
• Connecting imaging systems to HIS, RIS, and PACS, and optimising workflow.

Module 8: Regulatory Compliance and Documentation

• Key medical imaging standards (IEC, ISO, FDA) and accreditation requirements.
• Documenting maintenance and testing results for audits and inspections.
• Record-keeping practices for legal and regulatory compliance.