-
Employment is
projected to grow faster than average, and job opportunities are
expected to be favorable.
-
Formal training
programs in radiography are offered in hospitals, colleges and
universities, and less frequently at vocational-technical
institutes; range in length from 1 to 4 years; and lead to a
certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelors degree.
-
Although
hospitals will remain the primary employer, a number of new jobs
will be found in physicians offices and diagnostic imaging
centers.
Radiologic technologists take x rays and administer nonradioactive
materials into patients bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes.
Radiologic technologists also referred to as radiographers,
produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in
diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic
examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other
articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so
that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent
unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed
area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit
the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic
equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a
patients body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they
may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set
controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate
density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part
of the patients body to be examined and make the exposure. They then
remove the film and develop it.
Radiologic technologists must follow physicians orders precisely and
conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect
themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary
exposure.
In
addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic
technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment.
They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment,
or manage a radiology department.
Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures.
When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiographers prepare a
solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the
radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues
in the body.
Some radiographers specialize in computed tomography (CT), and are
sometimes referred to as CT technologists. CT scans produce a
substantial amount of cross-sectional x rays of an area of the body.
From those cross-sectional x rays, a three-dimensional image is made.
The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same
precautionary measures that radiographers use with other x rays.
Radiographers also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an
MR technologist. MR, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional
images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT, MR uses non-ionizing
radio frequency to generate image contrast.
Another common specialty for radiographers specialize in is mammography.
Mammographers use low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the
breast.
In
addition to radiologic technologists, others who conduct diagnostic
imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians,
diagnostic medical
sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. (Each is discussed
elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Work
environment.
Physical stamina is important in this occupation because technologists
are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled
patients. Technologists work at diagnostic machines but also may perform
some procedures at patients bedsides. Some travel to patients in
large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.
Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized
by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well
as by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear
badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed
records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.
Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They
may, however, have evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Opportunities for
part-time and shift work also are available.
Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and
universities, and less frequently at vocational-technical institutes.
Hospitals employ most radiologic technologists. Employers prefer to hire
technologists with formal training.
Education and training.
Formal training programs in radiography range in length from
1
to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a
bachelors degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most
prevalent.
Some 1-year certificate programs are available for experienced
radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such as
medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change fields.
A bachelors or masters degree in one of the radiologic
technologies is desirable for supervisory, administrative, or teaching
positions.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
accredits most formal training programs for the field. The committee
accredited more than 600 radiography programs in 2007. Admission to
radiography programs require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or the
equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and
biology are helpful. The programs provide both classroom and clinical
instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures,
radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical
terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and
pathology.
Licensure.
Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary
exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of
radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the
Federal Government sets voluntary standards that the States may use for
accrediting training programs and licensing individuals who engage in
medical or dental radiography. In 2007, 40 states required licensure for
practicing radiologic technologists and technicians.
Certification and other qualifications.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers
voluntary certification for radiologic technologists. In addition, 35
States use ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be
eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from
an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to
hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must
complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
Radiologic technologists should be sensitive to patients physical
and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow
instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating
complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.
Advancement.
With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become
specialists, performing CT scanning, MR, and angiography, a procedure
during which blood vessels are x rayed to find clots. Technologists also
may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a
radiologist assistant.
Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief
radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or
director. Depending on the institution, courses or a masters degree
in business or health administration may be necessary for the
directors position.
Some technologists progress by specializing in the occupation to become
instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take
jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment
manufacturers.
