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Get the inside scoop!
Have you or a friend ever had an x-ray to diagnose a broken bone? How about a chest x-ray to rule out a case of pneumonia?
If you answered "yes" to either question, then you or your friend have met a radiologic technologist.
Radiologic technologists (or radiographers) are allied health professionals who, through the use of radiation, produce x-ray films of parts of the human body - tissues, organs, bones and vessels - to help physicians diagnose disease and other conditions.
For most radiologic procedures, this is how it works:
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First, the radiologic technologist explains the test procedure to the patient, answers any questions and puts the patient at ease.
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Next, the technologist carefully positions the patient so that a quality image will be produced.
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The technologist protects the patient from unnecessary radiation exposure by placing a protection device, such as a lead shield, around the area to be radiographed. The technologist may also limit the size of the x-ray beam to minimize exposure.
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Once the patient is in proper position, the technologist places the radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the patient's body.
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After measuring the thickness of the area to be radiographed, the technologist sets controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs with the correct density, detail and contrast.
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The technologist then places the x-ray film under the part of the patient's body to be examined, and makes the exposure.
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The film is removed, developed and reviewed by a radiologist, a physician specially trained in radiology to interpret the images.
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Through further education, radiologic technologists may expand their opportunities by specializing in advanced modalities, such as:
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Bone Densitometry |
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Computed Tomography |
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging |
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Cardiovascular Interventional Technology |
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Diagnostic Medical Sonography |
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Mammography |
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Nuclear Medicine Technology |
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Radiation Therapy |
Is this career for you?
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Do you have a strong interest in health sciences? |
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Are you into technology? |
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Are you detail oriented? |
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Do you enjoy working with people? |
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Do you possess good manual dexterity and physical stamina?
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If so, a career as a radiologic technologist might be for you. These professionals rely on their knowledge of physiology and anatomy, chemistry, physics, mathematics and sophisticated technology to help diagnose and treat diseases.
Since radiologic technologists have a high degree of patient contact, they must enjoy working with people. Plus, they must also work cooperatively with other members of the healthcare team, such as radiologists, the physicians who interpret the images.
Radiologic technologists should also be good communicators. It is the technologist's job to explain a procedure to the patient, answer any questions the patient may have, and put that patient at ease.
Radiologic technologists should also possess good manual dexterity and physical stamina since they may need to lift or turn disabled patients.
Want to know more?
Jump over to Day in the Life and spend a "virtual day" with a practicing radiologic technologist. |
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Mammography |
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©2002 UNMC School of Allied Health Professions
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