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Radiologic Technologist
The Radiologic Technologist is also called a Radiographer or X-Ray Technologist. The technologist assists the radiologist in the use of X-Ray and fluoroscopic equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of disease or injury. X-Rays work on photographic film to create images which allow the study of internal organs and bones. Fluoroscopes involve ingestion of radioactive liquid and use of diagnostic X-Rays to allow deep internal observation of organs. Work activities include evaluation of the patient’s condition to ensure the most accurate X-Ray films for diagnosis; explanation of procedures to the patient; and assisting the radiologist in invasive procedures. Effective use of equipment including proper voltage, current, and exposure time are essential components of this job.
Professionals in this field must have dual interests. Working with people should be a priority, but an interest in medical equipment and technology is also required. The Radiologic Technologist must be able to lift patients and move them into the correct position. Accuracy and attention to detail are also necessary traits.
Colleges and universities with approved clinical affiliation provide associate and bachelors degrees in radiology. This level of training is appropriate for those who seek administrative or educational positions. Some hospitals provide certification programs (colleges and universities may or may not accept a certificate for college credit).
With clinical experience, a technologist may perform some special procedures such as vascular examinations and computerized tomography. However, completion of an accredited radiology program and certification are recommended prior to acceptance into specialty training such as nuclear medicine technology or diagnostic medical sonography.
- 2 year Associates Degree
- 4 year Bachelors Degree
Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2005, as the health care industries grow, and because of the vast clinical potential of diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology. Current as well as new uses of imaging equipment are virtually certain to sharply increase demand for radiologic technologists.
Technology will continue to evolve. New generations of diagnostic imaging equipment are expected to give even better information to physicians and be used more widely. Since ultrasound is non-invasive, it is also less risky and uncomfortable for the patient than exploratory surgery.
Radiation therapy will continue to be used-alone or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy-to treat cancer. More treatment of cancer is anticipated due to the aging of the population, educational efforts aimed at early detection, and improved ability to detect malignancies through radiologic procedures such as mammography.
Although physicians are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. Some promising new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for their use. But on the whole, it appears that radiologic procedures will be used more widely.
Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists. However, employment is expected to grow most rapidly in offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers.
Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2005 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. Some jobs will also come from the need to replace technologists who leave the occupation.
Radiologic technologists operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients. Workers in related occupations include nuclear medicine technologists, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, clinical laboratory technologists, and electroencephalographic technologists.
$36,000
*NATIONAL MEDIAN SALARIES CITED COURTESY OF ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SOURCES:
- UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF LABOR OR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
- 2003 ASHA Omnibus Survey
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