Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

With an ageing population, the use of DXA examinations to detect signs of osteoporotic changes will play a pivotal role in diagnosis of this condition and support recommendations on its management. DXA examinations are extremely operator dependent and very sensitive to discrepancies in technique. Accurate and consistent DXA images that are reproducibile are the cornerstone of a reliable DXA service.

• Targeted towards health care professionals currently involved in the everyday practice and interpretation of DXA scanning.

• Material is delivered via online lectures, providing a flexible approach to accommodate busy health care professionals and clinical site planning.

• This course will lead participants from basic to advanced practice in DXA, delivered by experts in the field.



What Will I Learn?

• Analyse and critically evaluate their examination techniques and compare against standard practice to ensure optimal standards of operation.

• Analyse and critically evaluate their understanding of international best practice guidelines and the influence of best practice on local protocol.

• Apply their knowledge and understanding of the treatment and care pathways involved for patients diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

• Apply their knowledge in order to optimise preliminary report provision prior to radiologist approval.

• Apply their knowledge into the physical principles, equipment and different types of scanning technology involved in this modality area.

• Apply their knowledge into the relevant legislation which governs clinical practice within this modality.

• Apply their knowledge of operational, technical and positioning skills required to produce optimal scan results.



NFQ Level: 9 (10 credits)

Level: Graduate Taught

Award: Professional Certificate

Stage 1 Core Modules

RDGY41050: Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry Imaging

Entry Requirements

This course is directed towards healthcare professionals currently involved in the acquisition of DXA scans, or those who wish to gain theoretical knowledge in scanner technology and scan acquisition. It may also be suitable for referring clinicians and those who report on DXA scans to gain a better understanding of the modality and how results are generated.

Applicants must:

• Hold a primary degree in healthcare e.g. medicine, radiography, physiotherapy, nursing or equivalent.

• Have access to computing facilities and reliable internet access as all learning content is made available through an online learning platform.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme.



Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page (https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax) for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.

4 months part-time.

Delivery: On Campus

X579: Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

Professional Certificate



Part-Time: Commencing January 2025

Graduate Taught