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National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry
We are not planning to run the National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry in 2026. We will be talking to other partners, stakeholders and educational establishments to seek other providers for the course from 2026. ROS will work with others to ensure there isn’t a gap.
We have paused the National Training Scheme whilst we develop new professional education and development opportunities from 2025 to support the Fracture Liaison Services roll out. This will include a new programme of webinars as well as in person workshops for new FLS services.
To receive updates and to be the first to hear about alternative courses, you can register for Osteoporosis Update, our Healthcare Professional newsletter.
2024 Participant Information
The UK's only certification in bone densitometry for healthcare professionals and clinical scientists.
The National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry is essential training for healthcare professionals who carry out bone densitometry or work in related clinical research.
The scheme is aimed at DXA operators, and we therefore prioritise applications from those who are actively scanning.
Learning outcomes
The National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry enables you to:
- Understand the use of DXA in identifying osteoporosis.
- Undertake and evaluate quality DXA measurements effectively.
- Ensure reliable scan data are recorded to inform a diagnosis and decisions around treatment.
Completion of the course grants you a certification in bone densitometry, and is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and the British Institute of Radiology.
Course format
The certification in bone densitometry is awarded on successful completion of:
- An e-learning foundation course (compulsory)
- A two-day lecture course (compulsory). The course manual will be online, and will be available to download prior to course.
- An online examination (compulsory)
- A portfolio submission (compulsory)
If the full certification is not for you, the two-day lecture courses and the e-learning foundation course are available on a stand-alone basis. The e-learning foundation course is compulsory for the two day lecture course and included in the cost. These are particularly recommended for clinicians managing patients with osteoporosis but do not physically undertake the DXA scan.
You can view more about our other training and educational courses here: Courses and CPD
Alternatively, as a health professional member, you will receive updates, discounts, information and details on our courses.
E-learning foundation course
The e-learning foundation course provides you with a foundation in osteoporosis and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
It consists of:
- Three video-based learning modules
- An online assessment, lasting one hour
It is compulsory that all candidates complete the revised Bone Densitometry Foundation Course before attending the two day lecture course in October.
Lecture course
The two-day lecture course is suitable for all healthcare professionals with an interest in osteoporosis and fragility fractures, and who are actively scanning. This includes physicians, nurses, radiographers, technologists and clinical scientists.
It is delivered by osteoporosis experts and includes lectures and interactive workshops.
The lecture course can be attended as part of the full certification, or on a stand-alone basis.
The lecture course has an online manual for delegates to download if required.
The lecture course is accredited by RCP for 14 CPD points.
Upcoming lecture course dates:
Exam
After attending the two-day lecture course, you're invited to sit an online examination.
This is usually around six months after the lecture course. Exact dates are advised shortly after the lecture course.
The exam is made up of three modules:
- Core Clinical
- Core Technical
- DXA/pDXA Specialist
There are 30 multiple choice questions in each module, and you have 30 minutes to complete each module.
Portfolio submission
After successful completion of the exam, you are invited to complete a portfolio submission.
The purpose of the portfolio is to demonstrate your understanding and practical ability in bone densitometry across four sections:
Quality control (QC)
To evidence your understanding of QC procedures and processes, and examine your technique.
Scan technique
To evidence the accuracy and consistency of your scan technique, including patient positioning, scan acquisition and scan analysis.
The scan print-out
To evidence your knowledge and understanding of all the information presented on a scan print-out.
In-depth case studies
To evidence your deeper knowledge and understanding of bone densitometry in clinical practice, including how results are interpreted and applied.
courses@theros.org.uk
01761 473205Excellent bone densitometry course. Covered all relevant topics. Great presentations. Would recommend to colleagues who actively work with DXA services.
2024 fees
| Full certification | Fee |
| National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry - ROS Professional Members | £995 |
| National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry - Non Members | £1045 |
| Individual elements | Fee |
| E-learning foundation course (Included in the NTSBD registration fees) | (£50) |
| Lecture course: Two days ROS Members | £665 |
| Lecture course: Two days ROS Non Members | £705 |
| Exam and portfolio submission ROS Members | £335 |
| Exam and portfolio submission ROS Non Members | £355 |
| Additional costs | Fee |
| Exam re-sit | £75 |
| Portfolio re-submission | £75 |
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must be made in writing.
The following cancellation charges will apply to bookings for the lecture course and certification:
- Cancellations made more than 8 weeks before the event booked will incur a charge of 20% of the fee paid.
- Between 8 weeks to 29 days prior will incur a charge of 50% of the fee paid.
- No refund will be payable for cancellations made within 28 days of the event
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