The National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry is essential training for healthcare professionals who carry out bone densitometry or work in related clinical research.
Registration for this year's course is now closed. To be among the first to hear when registration opens for the 2021 course, you can subscribe to updates.
Learning outcomes
The National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry enables you to:
- Understand the use of DXA in identifying osteoporosis
- Evaluate X-rays effectively
- Pass on detailed reports to clinicians to inform decisions around treatment
Completion of the course grants you a certification in bone densitometry.
This certification provides proof of competence and is accredited by the Royal College of Physicians, the College of Radiographers and the British Institute of Radiology.
Course format
The certification in bone densitometry is awarded on successful completion of:
- An e-learning foundation course (recommended)
- A two-day lecture course (compulsory)
- An online examination (compulsory)
- A portfolio submission (compulsory)
If the full certification is not for you, the e-learning foundation and two-day lecture courses are available on a stand-alone basis.
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
While it is not compulsory, all candidates are encouraged to complete the e-learning course before attending the two day lecture course.
Lecture course
The two-day lecture course is suitable for all healthcare professionals with an interest in osteoporosis and fragility fractures. 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 is accredited by RCP for 12 CPD points.
Upcoming lecture course dates
April 2021 - TBC
Exam
After attending the two-day lecture course, you're invited to sit an online examination at a regional exam centre.
This is usually around six months after the lecture course. Exact dates and venues 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 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.
2019 fees and registration
You can register for the full training scheme, or individual elements.
| Full certification | Fee |
| National Training Scheme for Bone Densitometry | £940 |
| Individual elements | Fee |
| E-learning foundation course | £50 |
| Lecture course: Single day | £375 |
| Lecture course: Both days | £630 |
| Exam and portfolio submission | £310 |
| Additional costs | Fee |
| Lecture course: On-site accommodation | £120 a night |
| Exam re-sit | £130 |
| Portfolio re-submission | £75 |
Cancellation policy
Cancellations must be made in writing.
The following cancellation charges apply to bookings for the lecture course and certification:
- Cancellations made more than 21 days before the event booked incur a charge of 20% of the fee paid.
- No refund is payable for cancellations made within 21 days of the event.
The following cancellation charges apply to accommodation bookings:
- A full refund is granted for cancellations made before 16 August 2019
- No refund is payable for cancellations made from 16 August 2019.
courses@theros.org.uk
01761 473100Excellent bone densitometry course. Covered all relevant topics. Great presentations. Would recommend to colleagues who actively work with DXA services.