Introduction to Limited X-ray Machine Operators (LXMO)

Welcome to the online Limited X-ray Machine Operator (LXMO) training course.  My name is James Lawson, and I will be your instructor. I have been teaching Limited X-ray Operators off and on for the past 7 years.  I realize that everybody learns differently.  Some of you will grasp this information easily, and some of you may struggle with it.  Please let me know if you are having difficulty understanding some of the concepts and I will do what I can to clarify.   The ultimate goal of this training is to prepare you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) Limited Scope Exam.  Many states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, require you to take and pass this exam in order to obtain a license to operate as a LXMO.   

This training has been divided into 3 separate courses: Intro to Radiology Limited Scope, Anatomy & Positioning, and Clinical Observation. 

In this first course, you will learn the basic knowledge of the x-ray system, proper exposure techniques, radiation protection, and the imaging chain, including both digital and analog imaging.  Students will learn the technical factors of imaging and how to correctly alter them when required. 

Anatomy & Positioning will teach you important anatomy, landmarks, proper positioning, and how to critique for a proper image.

During the Clinical Observation course, I have created mock exams so you can practice taking the ARRT Limited Scope Exam.   


You are participating in the initial run of this course

Your input is very important to the success of this very new course.  If there is an issue with content, or if something needs to be clarified, please feel free to contact me.  I have taught mostly in live classrooms. Translating that information to online format was challenging.  Constructive critisism is always welcome.

This course may utilize reading assignments, worksheets, discussions, and quizzes.  I was originally considering live discussions on a weekly basis.  I changed that when it became obvious the class would be larger than I anticipated.  If live discussions are needed, I will certainly try to accomodate.  Being the first class, things will remain fluid and we will adjust as necessary.  In any case, I am easily accessible and will do what I can to help you along.

This first course is 6 weeks long and is split into "sections".  The first section will last one week, starting on a Monday and ending Sunday at 11:30 PM.  I have it set up to allow you access to the second, and all remaining sections, on Wednesdays.  They will stay open for a week and a half and end on Sundays.  This will allow some to work ahead if they wish.  Deadline for assignments will always be Sunday by 11:30 PM.

Quizzes will follow the section and at least in the beginning, will be left open for a couple days to accomodate your schedules. 


What you will need...

The textbook that will be used for the course is called "Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy", 7th Edition, by Kenneth L. Bontrager.

You will also need a calculator and a flashlight in order to complete a few of the work assignments and quizzes.