A radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer, is a professional in the medical field who is responsible for taking medical images of the body, usually with an X-ray machine, and interpreting them in order to help doctors to diagnose and treat ailments and injuries. If one is interested in this medical field, education and training is needed and can be acquired from hospitals, universities, colleges and radiology tech schools.
The term radiologic technologist is a more general name for different specializations in this field of medicine. One can be a radiographer, a sonographer or therapist, among many others, and use advanced radiographic equipment for taking high quality images of the different parts of the body.
A radiologic technologist can specialize in different fields, like Diagnostic Radiography for example, which deals with taking images of the bones, cavities and other foreign objects inside the body. Sonography is another example, and makes use of ultrasound technology to render images of the body, while Radiotherapy uses radiation in eradicating or reducing the number of cancerous cells in the body. One can also take on Fluoroscopy, CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Nuclear Medicine and Mammography.
Before a radiologic technologist can take images of a patient's body for diagnosis, he first makes sure that patients are prepared for the examination by briefing them on the imaging procedure that they are about to undergo. X-rays are very commonly used, and these professionals make sure jewelries and other interfering objects are removed from the patient. They also help minimize exposure of patients to radiation by providing them with protective apparatus like lead shields.
Radiographers make use radiography equipment by properly positioning it at the correct angle and height over the area of the patient's body that needs to be scanned. With the help of an instrument similar to a measuring tape, they are able to determine the appropriate thickness of the area to be scanned and control the equipment to provide images of the right detail, contrast and density. They then position an X-ray film underneath the body part to be scanned and make the exposure, after which the film gets developed for analysis.
It is important that the radiologic technologist accurately complies with the doctor's orders and follow the standards involving the proper use of radiography equipment, as well as protecting themselves, patients and co-workers from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Besides preparation of patients and equipment operation, they can also keep track of patient records, maintain radiography equipment, prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment acquisitions, and even management of a radiology department.
Like most medical practitioners, being a radiologic technologist means one must be in excellent physical health, and able to deal with everyday stress, as the work can involve a lot of physically challenging tasks like lifting patients and heavy equipment. They may also work either full-time or part-time, have late night shifts, and even work on weekends or holidays if their workplace needs them to.
This medical profession does involve some hazards, particularly the exposure to radiation and some other chemicals. But the risks can always be minimized with proper care and compliance to company standards and safety measures. Examples are wearing of proper clothing like lead aprons and gloves, which neutralizes or minimizes the effects of radiation. Radiologic technologists also wear a special badge for monitoring their exposure to radiation as well as the determining the level of radiation in the place they are working in.
As you can see, being a radiography technologist involves a lot of physically and mentally demanding tasks, which is why everyone undergoes sufficient training and formal education before being one. You can choose to get a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree, as any of them can land you a decent entry-level job. Individuals usually opt to get an associate degree as it takes less time to complete and they may also choose to continue further study to get a bachelor's degree. Try visiting different radiology tech schools and see which one can help you in pursuing this career.
The term radiologic technologist is a more general name for different specializations in this field of medicine. One can be a radiographer, a sonographer or therapist, among many others, and use advanced radiographic equipment for taking high quality images of the different parts of the body.
A radiologic technologist can specialize in different fields, like Diagnostic Radiography for example, which deals with taking images of the bones, cavities and other foreign objects inside the body. Sonography is another example, and makes use of ultrasound technology to render images of the body, while Radiotherapy uses radiation in eradicating or reducing the number of cancerous cells in the body. One can also take on Fluoroscopy, CT (Computed Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Nuclear Medicine and Mammography.
Before a radiologic technologist can take images of a patient's body for diagnosis, he first makes sure that patients are prepared for the examination by briefing them on the imaging procedure that they are about to undergo. X-rays are very commonly used, and these professionals make sure jewelries and other interfering objects are removed from the patient. They also help minimize exposure of patients to radiation by providing them with protective apparatus like lead shields.
Radiographers make use radiography equipment by properly positioning it at the correct angle and height over the area of the patient's body that needs to be scanned. With the help of an instrument similar to a measuring tape, they are able to determine the appropriate thickness of the area to be scanned and control the equipment to provide images of the right detail, contrast and density. They then position an X-ray film underneath the body part to be scanned and make the exposure, after which the film gets developed for analysis.
It is important that the radiologic technologist accurately complies with the doctor's orders and follow the standards involving the proper use of radiography equipment, as well as protecting themselves, patients and co-workers from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Besides preparation of patients and equipment operation, they can also keep track of patient records, maintain radiography equipment, prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment acquisitions, and even management of a radiology department.
Like most medical practitioners, being a radiologic technologist means one must be in excellent physical health, and able to deal with everyday stress, as the work can involve a lot of physically challenging tasks like lifting patients and heavy equipment. They may also work either full-time or part-time, have late night shifts, and even work on weekends or holidays if their workplace needs them to.
This medical profession does involve some hazards, particularly the exposure to radiation and some other chemicals. But the risks can always be minimized with proper care and compliance to company standards and safety measures. Examples are wearing of proper clothing like lead aprons and gloves, which neutralizes or minimizes the effects of radiation. Radiologic technologists also wear a special badge for monitoring their exposure to radiation as well as the determining the level of radiation in the place they are working in.
As you can see, being a radiography technologist involves a lot of physically and mentally demanding tasks, which is why everyone undergoes sufficient training and formal education before being one. You can choose to get a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor's degree, as any of them can land you a decent entry-level job. Individuals usually opt to get an associate degree as it takes less time to complete and they may also choose to continue further study to get a bachelor's degree. Try visiting different radiology tech schools and see which one can help you in pursuing this career.
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