Intro to RAD Exam 1

Radiology

Branch of medicine, deals with radioactive substances and radiant energy, also deals with diagnosis and treatment of disease by means of ionizing and nonionizing radiation

Radiography

Making records, radiographs, of internal structures of body by passage of x-rays or gamma rays to act on a digital imaging plate or system

Radiograph

Image produced on sensitized film or plate by x-rays (greys; big ole sheet put up on board, now digitalized)

Radiologic Technologist/ Radiographer

Person qualified to use x-rays OR radioactive substances (nuclear medicine) to produce images of internal body for interpretation of physician

Radiologist

physician who specializes in roentgen rays and other forms of radiation in the diagnosis & treatment of disease, also interprets radiographs

Radiologist Assistant

Advanced radiographer who extends the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment ( can diagnosis if Radiologist is in Surgery & vice versa)

Radiation Therapy

involves the use of high ionizing radiation to treat disease, normally cancer

Radiation Therapist

radiologic tech who specializes in treating disease (cancer) with ionizing radiation treatments

Radiologic Technology

the study & practice of diagnositic imaging methods, produce images that allow visualization of anatomical or functional organs / processes within body

Energy

the capacity to operate or work

CVI (cardiovascular interventional technology)

minimally invasive procedures are performed using image guidance

Mammography

images of breast tissue and surrounding musculature are obtained

CT (computed tomography)

measures x-ray absorption to produce SOFT - TISSUE image of internal organs and bones of body (cheaper, quicker, uses ionizing radiation)

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)

the use of powerful magnetic field in combination with radio frequency waves to obtain SOFT - TISSUE image of body

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

visualization of structures of the body by recording the reflections of pulses of high frequency sound waves directed into tissue

Process of educational accreditation in radiology

1. application submitted to program

2. self study of the program is compiled and submitted to committee

3. site visitors from the committee are sent to verify self study documents

4. report of findings is filed by site visitors

5. accrediting board reviews and decides accreditation status and length of accreditation, if accreditation is awarded

Professional certification

process through which an agency grants recognition to an individual of specialized skills

Registry

list of individuals holding a particular certification

AART’s Purpose

• national registry

• to become a registered technologist

• renew each year

• 24 CE credits every 2 years

ASRt’s Purpose

• promotes the profession nationally

• develops & maintains radiology profession practice standards

• CE credit opportunities

• annual conference and journal

American College of Radiology’s Purpose

• advance the science of radiology

• improve services to patient study

• study the socioeconomic aspects of the practice

• encourage CE for radiologists and persons practicing

Clinics

range of modalities, techs may perform variety of procedures & other function, may be owned and operated by physicians or by univeristy medical centers, hospitals, health systems, or private/ for-profit organizations

Imaging Centers

primary function is diagnostic imaging

Mobile Imaging

provide increased access to care in remote areas and in the case of high-prices technologies they allow facilites to share the expense of providing access

Emergency/ Urgent Care Centers

allows access in non-life-threatening emergent situations

Outpatient surgical centers

surgeries can be performed in a non- traditional hospital setting

Industry/ Research

research into finding a way to protect the health of workers and lower the cost of healthcare

Ionization

process where neutral atom gains or loses an electron, thus acquiring a net charge

Sound

form of mechanical energy

Sound waves are ____ radiation

non ionizing

Aspects of radiology that use sound waves

sonography

Radiation is ____

energy transmitted by waves through space, through a medium (matter)

Ionizing radiation means ___

high energy-radiation (x-ray, gamma rays) that has enough power to knock electrons out of atoms & molecules, creating ions & potentially damaging living tissue by altering DNA & disrupting cell function

Ionizing Radiation

radiation consisting of particles, x-rays, or gamma rays with sufficient energy to cause ionization in the medium through which it passes

Where radiation is present

generated by an x-ray tube to penetrate body tissues, creating images based on tissue density

The purpose in the accreditation of educational programs

a voluntary, peer review process through which an agency grants recognition to an institution for a program of study that meets a specified criteria

Is accreditation a requirement?

no, it is highly suggested for schools, but it is up to the school, more benefits come from being accredited

Type of Accreditation

• New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)

• North Central Association Commission on Accreditation & School Improvement (NCA)

• Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA)

• Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)

• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU)

What is meant by the certification of individuals?

a process by which an agency grants recognition to an individual on demonstration, usually by examination of specialized professional skills

What does the term registry mean?

a list of individuals who hold a certificate in a particular profession

What is ASU accredited by?

North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA)

Who does ASU have programmatic accreditation from?

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)

What kind of programmatic accreditation is there?

• Joint Review Committee on Education in diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound/sonography programs)

• Join Review Committee on Education in Nuclear Medicine Technology (nuclear medicine/PET programs)

• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (Radiology, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging programs)

What are some popular certification agencies?

• American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

• Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification board

• American Registry of MRI Technologists

• Medical Dosimetry Certification Board

• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Bone Densitometry

measuring bone mineral density with two x-ray beams with differing energy levels

Nuclear Medicine

involves procedures that require the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes

ARRT & the purpose, is it optional?

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, encourages the study and elevating the standards of radiologic technology, examining & certifying eligible candidates, & periodically publishing list of registrants. optional, but functionally necessary as it is the credentialing organization for professionals

ASRT & the purpose & is it optional?

American Society of Radiologic Technologsits, advance the professions of radiologic technology and imaging specialties and to enhance the quality of patient care. optional, but offers benefits like CE credits, advocacy, and professional resources

ArSRT & the purpose, is it optional?

Arkansas Society of Radiologic Technologists, advances the medical imaging & radiation therapy profession by promoting high education standards, enhancing patient care quality, and advocating for the welfare and interests of imaging professionals. optional

“licensure state” means what ___

states that require individuals to carry a license to practice in the state, without having your license you cannot work in that state

“non-licensure”

lower operational costs for small practices, introduces significant risks to patients safety, and lowers the average salary and job quality for professionals