205 Radtech profession

Radiologic technology

one of the most dynamic professions in the healthcare industry

Radiologic technology

relies mainly on medical imaging technology

Requirement to become a radiologic technologist in the Philippines

must be a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology in a government-accredited school and must pass the licensure examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC)

Radiologic Technologists

Bonafide holders of a certificate for radiologic technology issued by the Board of Radiologic Technology

Specialties of Radiologic Technology

include general radiography, ultrasound, mammography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, interventional radiology, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Study for radiologic technology

includes anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, radiation, protection, patient positioning, special procedures, imaging techniques, medical terminology, radiation physics, patient care, radiologic technology ethics and jurisprudence, and radiological sciences like ultrasound, computed tomography, radiation therapy, interventional radiology and magnetic resonance imaging

X-ray technologists

Bona fide holders of the certificate for registration for x-ray technology issued by the Board of Radiologic technology

X-ray technologists course/study

Usually a 2-3 year course with a study similar to radiologic technology such as radiation physics, anatomy, positioning, special procedures, radiobiology, patient care, etc., but excluding radiological sciences

Scope of practice for x-ray technologists

they are only allowed to practice in the general x-ray facility

Radiologists

licensed physicians who specialize in the diagnosis or treatment of diseases with the use of radiation

Qualification for practicing radiology

Bona fide holder of a degree in medicine, undergone residency in radiology and passed the fellowship examination for practicing radiology

Role of the radiologic technologist (in assisting)

to assist the radiologist in a certain radiologic procedure, and radiologic technologists often work under the supervision of radiologists

The overall role of the radiologic technologist in healthcare

the key element in the diagnosis of illness or diseases

High-quality work of a radiologic technologist

comes as a result of a thorough understanding of how x-rays are produced

Area needing the largest number of radiologic technologists

the general diagnostic area of imaging departments such as general x-ray, ultrasound, mammography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging

Radiologic technologists needed in curative and palliative treatment

such as radiation therapy and nuclear medicine departments

Radiologic technologist as an educator or a clinical instructor

one of their roles is to train students to become radiologic technologists

Radtech educators competency requirements

must demonstrate competency in curriculum design, classroom management, and program planning

Qualification for a radiologic technology educator or clinical instructor

should have at least 1 year of clinical experience and must obtain a master’s degree

Specializing in radiologic technology education

requires individuals with strong communication and interpersonal skills, competence, and a desire to work hard

Medical physicists

A physicist who specializes in the diagnosis or treatment of diseases with the use of radiation

Qualification for a Medical Physicist

Graduates of any baccalaureate degree which involves the study of physics and mathematics, such as BS physics, BS in applied physics or BS in chemistry, BS in engineering with 12 units in Physics and 21 units in Mathematics (UST graduate school, 2015)

Continuing Education for radiologic technologists

Regardless of the chosen specialty, radiologic technologists should strive to learn and update one’s knowledge and skills

Methods for continuing education

A radiologic technologist may attend seminars/webinars related to the field, and may also opt to obtain a master’s degree or graduate degree

Master of Science in Radiologic Technology (MSRT)

is now offered in the Philippines

Advantages of obtaining a graduate degree

promotion, professional and personal fulfillment

Disadvantages of obtaining a graduate degree

the cost of education, conflict with the working schedule, and the extra time needed to finish school requirements

Baccalaureate degree in health sciences advantage for studying medicine

has a great edge over a non-health degree because of medical terminology, patient care, biology, anatomy and physiology and zoology are part of the health sciences curriculum

Radiologic technology degree advantage for studying medicine

has a good advantage in the field of medical imaging in the study of medicine over a nonradiologic technology degree