Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning – 9th Edition

The Problem Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy Solves

Learning radiographic positioning is one of the most challenging tasks for radiography students. Each projection requires precise patient placement, accurate centering, and a deep understanding of anatomy to produce diagnostic-quality images. Without a clear, structured guide, students struggle to memorize hundreds of procedures and risk errors in clinical practice. This textbook directly addresses that problem by offering a proven, projection-by-projection approach that simplifies mastery.

What Is Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning – 9th Edition? A Complete Overview

Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy is the gold-standard resource in radiologic technology education. Now in its Ninth Edition (2018), this comprehensive text from Elsevier delivers a systematic method for learning every routine projection. It covers the essential anatomy, positioning criteria, and image evaluation guidelines that students and professionals need to produce consistent, high-quality radiographs. The book’s signature feature—one projection per page—allows learners to focus on a single skill at a time, reducing cognitive overload and building confidence.

This edition includes updated images, refined positioning instructions, and expanded coverage of digital radiography. Authored by John P. Lampignano and Leslie E. Kendrick, both experienced educators and practitioners in the field, the text reflects decades of clinical and teaching expertise.

Who Will Benefit Most

This textbook is essential for anyone serious about mastering radiographic positioning. Primary audiences include:

• Radiography students enrolled in accredited programs
• Radiologic technologists preparing for ARRT board exams
• Clinical instructors seeking a reliable teaching resource
• Practicing technologists looking to refresh positioning skills
• Medical imaging professionals expanding into new modalities

Whether you are a first-year student or an experienced technologist, this book adapts to your learning level and provides a lasting reference for daily practice.

Inside: What You Will Master

The book is built around five core learning outcomes that directly support clinical competence:

• Correct patient positioning for all routine and many specialty projections
• Precise centering of the central ray for optimal image detail
• Recognition of key anatomical landmarks on radiographs
• Evaluation of image quality through established criteria
• Integration of radiation protection principles in every procedure

Each projection is accompanied by clear line drawings, radiographic images, and succinct text that reinforces the learning objective. The related anatomy sections link positioning to underlying structures, solidifying your understanding of why each technique works.

Why Choose This Edition

While other positioning books exist, Bontrager’s remains the most widely adopted text in radiography programs for several reasons. Its unique one-projection-per-page format is unmatched for study efficiency—you can flip directly to the projection you need without wading through dense paragraphs. The consistent layout across all chapters creates a predictable learning pattern, reducing time spent figuring out the book’s structure. Additionally, the focus on anatomical correlation ensures you learn not just where to place the patient, but why that placement produces a diagnostic image. Competitor texts often separate anatomy and positioning, forcing students to cross-reference; Bontrager’s integrates them seamlessly on the same spread. Finally, the image evaluation criteria included for every projection help you self-assess and improve, a feature that many other guides omit.

Behind the Book

Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning and Related Anatomy is published by Elsevier, a world leader in medical and scientific publishing. The authors, John P. Lampignano and Leslie E. Kendrick, are respected figures in radiography education with extensive clinical and teaching backgrounds. Their combined experience ensures that every positioning instruction is grounded in real-world practice, not abstract theory. This edition benefits from rigorous peer review and reflects current standards of care in diagnostic imaging. Trust in this resource is backed by decades of adoption in radiography programs across the United States and internationally.

The Bottom Line

For radiography students and professionals, this textbook is not just worth it—it is indispensable. The return on investment comes in the form of faster exam preparation, fewer clinical errors, and a deeper grasp of the relationship between positioning and anatomy. Compared to the cost of repeating a course or failing a certification exam, the price of this ebook is minimal. The Ninth Edition remains highly relevant even as newer editions are released, because the fundamentals of positioning have not changed. If you are looking for a single, authoritative source to carry you through school and into practice, this is it.

Download Bontrager’s Textbook of Radiographic Positioning – 9th Edition Now

You have read the details: this is the most trusted positioning textbook in radiography. Now is the time to take action. Whether you are a student preparing for ARRT exams or a technologist sharpening your skills, instant digital access means you can start learning today. Add to cart now and gain the confidence that comes from mastering every projection with the gold-standard resource from Elsevier.