The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (ISCD) is a non-profit organization providing a central educational resource for multiple scientific disciplines with an interest in bone mass measurement. ISCD membership is composed of clinicians, technologists and industry members. For more information, visit www.iscd.org or call 860-586-7563.

ISCD Bone Densitometry Course (BDC) & Certification Exam

Paid registrants for SMA’s 12th Annual Conference on Osteoporosis are eligible to participate in the ISCD Bone Densitometry
Course and Certification Exam. Additional registration fees apply, refer to registration form for details.

The core elements of the Bone Densitometry Course (BDC) provide a set of standard practices and information to raise the level of awareness and education in bone densitometry. The course emphasizes central DXA testing. In addition, a solid foundation in other forms of bone mass measurement, including peripheral DXA and QCT is provided. To become certified, it is necessary to pass the Certification Exam. The US Technologist Certification Exam is offered several times per year at locations throughout the United States, unless otherwise specified. Technologists who wish to take the exam can print the exam application form and handbook from the ISCD Web site. The Clinician Certification Exam is offered immediately following the course at each course location and is paper and pencil. Attendance at the course is not required for either exam.

Target Audience

Clinician Course: Open to MDs, PhDs, DOs, Nurse Practitioners, and Physician Assistants, Fellows, and Residents. This course is offered for those interpreting DXA scans for reimbursement purposes.

Technologist Course: Open to any allied health professional who has experience performing DXA scans.

Course Prerequisites

Clinician Course: Must be in good standing with licensing organization. Fellows/Residents must be in good standing with Fellows program (attestation required).

Technologist Course: Must have experience performing DXA scans. This is an intermediate level course and is therefore not a suitable course for beginners who have no experience performing DXA scans.

Clinician Course Objectives
After attending this course, participants should be better prepared to:

• Identify the technique, safety and limitations of DXA scans
• Explain the value of utilizing bone densitometry to assess and monitor fracture risk.
• Summarize quality assurance and calculation of precision at a DXA site.
• Apply the principles of DXA scan interpretation in reporting.

Technologist Course Objectives
After attending the course, participants should be better prepared to:

• Identify the technique, safety and limitations of DXA scanning.
• Explain the value of utilizing bone densitometry to assess and monitor fracture risk.
• Apply knowledge of quality control and operation of DXA equipment.
• Review patient preparation and proper positioning for DXA scanning.
• Identify and perform proper scan acquisition and analysis.

Clinician Course for Technologists
Technologists may attend the Clinician Course if gaining information about interpreting DXA scans would assist them with their job responsibilities. However, it is recommended that the Technologist Course be taken first.

CE Credit

Accreditation Statement
The International Society for Clinical Densitometry is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to offer continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation

AMA Category 1
Clinicians: The International Society for Clinical Densitometry designates this educational activity for a maximum of 12.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)^TM. Physicians should only claim credits commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

CE Credit

Technologists: The course qualifies for up to 12.5 Category A credits through the ASRT. Technologists must sign in and out each day to verify attendance and receive credit. Partial credit will not be given.

Clinician Course for Technologists: The course qualifies for up to 14 Category A credits through the ASRT. Technologists must sign in and out each day to verify attendance and receive credit.  Partial credit will not be given.