Learning objectives in radiology education: why you need them and how to write them.

Learning objectives are a critical step in the creation and implementation of a radiology curriculum. Their use is mandated by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education, and the Accreditation Council on Continuing Medical Education, but more importantly they can have a significant beneficial impact on quality of radiology education programs. Learning objectives guide student learning, help clarify our teaching goals, and simplify learner testing and evaluation. This article will review the components of a proper learning objective and provide a simple, straightforward approach to writing them effectively.