A radiologic technologist, who can also be known as a radiographer, is a health care professional who generally makes use of X-rays and other radiographic equipment in order to take medical images of the body and analyzing these images for doctors in order to help them diagnose and treat patients of their afflictions or injuries. If you decide that you want to make a career in this medical field, you must first get formal education and training. You can get it from schools, universities, radiology tech schools and even some hospitals.
The term radiography technologist is actually a general term which may refer to several specialties within this medical field. A professional in this field may also be called a radiographer, sonographer and therapist, all of them having different specializations. They also make use of sophisticated medical equipment in order to produce high quality images 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.
A radiologic technologist's primary responsibility is to prepare patients for the scanning procedure that they will undergo and explaining to them everything they need to know in order to successfully capture images. Since X-rays are the common equipment used, they must make sure that patients are not wearing any interfering objects like jewelries and ensure that they get utmost protection from too much radiation thru the use of lead shields.
Radiographers also make sure that the radiographic equipment to be used is well aligned at the proper angle and height over the patient's body which is about to be scanned. Using a tool which resembles a measuring tape, the technologist is able to measure accurately just how much area in the body needs to be scanned and control the equipment in order to get images that have the best detail, contrast and density. With X-rays, a film is set below the body part to be scanned and after developing the film, it is then sent for analysis by the radiographers and doctors.
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.
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 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 radiography technologist is actually a general term which may refer to several specialties within this medical field. A professional in this field may also be called a radiographer, sonographer and therapist, all of them having different specializations. They also make use of sophisticated medical equipment in order to produce high quality images 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.
A radiologic technologist's primary responsibility is to prepare patients for the scanning procedure that they will undergo and explaining to them everything they need to know in order to successfully capture images. Since X-rays are the common equipment used, they must make sure that patients are not wearing any interfering objects like jewelries and ensure that they get utmost protection from too much radiation thru the use of lead shields.
Radiographers also make sure that the radiographic equipment to be used is well aligned at the proper angle and height over the patient's body which is about to be scanned. Using a tool which resembles a measuring tape, the technologist is able to measure accurately just how much area in the body needs to be scanned and control the equipment in order to get images that have the best detail, contrast and density. With X-rays, a film is set below the body part to be scanned and after developing the film, it is then sent for analysis by the radiographers and doctors.
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.
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 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.
About the Author:
Looking for information about the different radiology tech schools in your area? Visit http://www.radiologycert.com and get the information you need and more on everything about being a radiologic technologist.
0 komentar on Radiology Technician Jobs: Finding What You're Searching For :
Posting Komentar