Certificate in Diagnostic Radiography

Certificate in Diagnostic Radiography at Birat Health College

The Certificate in Diagnostic Radiography at Birat Health College, Biratnagar-4, Morang, is a three-year Proficiency Certificate Level program under CTEVT. The program follows a yearly system, with its third curriculum revision completed in 2024.

Study begins with health science foundations, moves into radiographic techniques, procedures, imaging, equipment, radiation physics and anatomy, and concludes with pathology, professional ethics and extensive clinical practice. 

The program prepares middle-level technical personnel for routine radiography and imaging work while emphasizing patient care, radiation protection, equipment handling, record keeping and quality control.

Quick Highlights

Eligibility and Admission

Eligibility: Applicants must have passed SLC in Second Division or SEE with a minimum GPA of 2.0 having Compulsory Mathematics, English and Science. Admission may also follow provisions contained in the admission guidelines of the Office of the Controller of Examinations, CTEVT.

Applicants must pass the entrance examination administered by the Office of the Controller of Examinations, CTEVT.

The medium of instruction may be English and/or Nepali. Students need at least 90% attendance in each subject to appear in the respective final examination.

Three-Year Course Structure

First Year

The first year follows the common Health Science first-year structure. Foundational study includes areas such as:

• English

• Nepali

• Physics

• Chemistry

• Mathematics

This stage provides the academic base for radiography-specific study in the following years.

Second Year

Radiography becomes the main academic focus in the second year. Subjects include:

• Radiographic Technique

• Radiological Procedures

• Radiographic Imaging

• Radiographic Equipment

• Basic Radiation Physics

• Radiological Anatomy

• First Aid and Patient Care

Radiographic Technique develops knowledge and practice in positioning and routine examinations of areas such as the limbs, chest, abdomen, spine, pelvis and skull. It also includes patient identification, registration, radiographic request forms and record keeping.

Radiological Procedures covers specialized examinations, contrast-related procedures and areas such as mammography, portable examinations, ward radiography and theatre radiography. Radiation protection is integrated into practical work.

Third Year

Third-year study moves heavily into clinical application through:

• Basic Radiographic Pathology

• Clinical Practice and Ethics

• Radiography Practical I

• Radiography Practical II

Radiography Practical I runs for 21 weeks, while Radiography Practical II runs for 9 weeks. These components place students in comprehensive practical settings where previous knowledge and skills are applied under supervision.

Basic Radiographic Pathology connects common pathological conditions with clinical history, indications for imaging and the choice of radiological procedures. Clinical Practice and Ethics covers patient care, workplace safety, communication, professional responsibilities and ethical issues in radiography.

Clinical and Practical Training

Practical training is central to the final stage of the course. Students work with routine and supplementary radiographic techniques for the upper and lower limbs, thoracic cage, abdomen, spine, pelvis and skull. They also practice patient preparation, positioning, exposure selection, image assessment and radiation protection.

The third year is intended for application of learned skills in hospitals, health institutions and imaging centres recognized by the concerned authority.

Training also addresses the handling of radiographic equipment, patient transfer and positioning, workplace safety, communication and professional conduct.

Skills Covered in the Program

The course develops practical learning in areas directly connected with radiography and imaging, including:

• Routine and supplementary radiographic examinations

• Patient positioning and preparation

• Radiographic equipment handling

• Radiation protection

• Imaging and image-related procedures

• Patient care in an X-ray department

• Radiographic records and filing

• First aid

• Quality control practices

• Professional communication and ethics

Students also gain exposure to special radiological procedures and the use of contrast media within the scope of the practical curriculum.

Examination and Certification

Students must pass all subjects in both theory and practical components. The minimum pass mark is 40% in theory and 40% in practical, together with the required internal assessment and final examination marks.

A back-paper provision is available under CTEVT rules, with all subjects required to be completed within six years from the enrollment date.

Students who successfully complete all components of all three years receive the Certificate in Diagnostic Radiography.

Professional Practice and Licensing

The program is designed for middle-level radiography and imaging work in hospitals, health institutions and imaging centres. Its professional preparation includes routine radiography, special X-ray assistance, radiation safety, patient care, equipment management and radiographic record keeping.

Professional ethics study specifically includes the role and functions of the Nepal Health Professional Council (NHPC).

After completing the course, graduates must meet the applicable professional council licensing requirements before entering professional practice.

FAQ

How long is the Certificate in Diagnostic Radiography?

The course takes three academic years and follows the yearly system.

What is the eligibility for Diagnostic Radiography?

Applicants need SLC in Second Division or SEE with a minimum GPA of 2.0 having Compulsory Mathematics, English and Science, subject to applicable CTEVT admission provisions.

Is an entrance examination required?

Yes. Applicants must pass the entrance examination administered by the Office of the Controller of Examinations, CTEVT.

What subjects are studied in the second year?

Second-year subjects include Radiographic Technique, Radiological Procedures, Radiographic Imaging, Radiographic Equipment, Basic Radiation Physics, Radiological Anatomy, and First Aid and Patient Care.

Does the course include clinical practice?

Yes. The third year includes Radiography Practical I for 21 weeks and Radiography Practical II for 9 weeks, along with Basic Radiographic Pathology and Clinical Practice and Ethics.

What attendance is required?

Students need a minimum of 90% attendance in each subject to appear in the respective final examination.

What are the minimum pass marks?

Students must obtain at least 40% in theory and 40% in practical components and meet the applicable internal and final examination requirements.