A radiologic technologist, who can also be referred to as a radiographer, is a medical professional tasked with producing medical images of the body, commonly with an X-ray equipment, analyzing the results and referring them to physicians in order to help them make diagnosis and provide treatment for the sick and injured. Should you be interested in taking on this medical career, formal education and training is the primary requirement, which can be given by hospitals, colleges, universities 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.
As a radiologic technologist, you can specialize in different areas, examples of which are Diagnostic Radiography for examining bones, cavities and foreign object in the body, Sonography which employs high-frequency ultrasound to take images of the body, and Radiotherapy which uses radiation to reduce or eliminate cancerous cells. Other examples are Fluoroscopy, CT or Computed Tomography, MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Mammography.
When a patient is set to undergo a scan like an X-ray, the radiologic technologist prepares him for the process he is about to undergo and explains everything that he needs to know regarding the procedure. The radiographer also checks the patient for objects that might interfere with the scanning equipment and makes sure that the patient gets enough protection from the radiation coming from radiographic equipment.
Radiographers make use radiographic 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.
A radiologic technologist needs to properly comply with instructions given to him by the doctor or physician, follow the procedures on how to properly operate radiographic equipment, and to protect themselves, patients and co-workers at all times, specially from excessive exposure to radiation. Their tasks can also include recording and keeping of patient's records, maintenance of radiographic equipment, work schedule preparation, evaluation of equipment purchases and managerial responsibilities as well.
Since a radiologic technologist belongs in the medical profession, being physically fit and healthy is a primary requirement. Expect to work on your feet most of the time, and perform some physically challenging tasks like lifting patients or medical equipment. Work can also either be full-time or part-time, have graveyard shifts or late schedules, including weekends or holidays should your workplace demand so.
Despite the hazards involved in this medical profession, particularly from radiation, these are greatly minimized with the help of specialized protective gear like lead aprons, gloves and other devices that deflects radiation. Adherence to safety procedures set by your workplace can also help as well. Radiologic technologists wear special badges which monitor their exposure radiation and the level of radiation in a specific area.
As you can see, being a radiologic 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.
As a radiologic technologist, you can specialize in different areas, examples of which are Diagnostic Radiography for examining bones, cavities and foreign object in the body, Sonography which employs high-frequency ultrasound to take images of the body, and Radiotherapy which uses radiation to reduce or eliminate cancerous cells. Other examples are Fluoroscopy, CT or Computed Tomography, MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Nuclear Medicine and Mammography.
When a patient is set to undergo a scan like an X-ray, the radiologic technologist prepares him for the process he is about to undergo and explains everything that he needs to know regarding the procedure. The radiographer also checks the patient for objects that might interfere with the scanning equipment and makes sure that the patient gets enough protection from the radiation coming from radiographic equipment.
Radiographers make use radiographic 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.
A radiologic technologist needs to properly comply with instructions given to him by the doctor or physician, follow the procedures on how to properly operate radiographic equipment, and to protect themselves, patients and co-workers at all times, specially from excessive exposure to radiation. Their tasks can also include recording and keeping of patient's records, maintenance of radiographic equipment, work schedule preparation, evaluation of equipment purchases and managerial responsibilities as well.
Since a radiologic technologist belongs in the medical profession, being physically fit and healthy is a primary requirement. Expect to work on your feet most of the time, and perform some physically challenging tasks like lifting patients or medical equipment. Work can also either be full-time or part-time, have graveyard shifts or late schedules, including weekends or holidays should your workplace demand so.
Despite the hazards involved in this medical profession, particularly from radiation, these are greatly minimized with the help of specialized protective gear like lead aprons, gloves and other devices that deflects radiation. Adherence to safety procedures set by your workplace can also help as well. Radiologic technologists wear special badges which monitor their exposure radiation and the level of radiation in a specific area.
As you can see, being a radiologic 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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