RADTECH

Radiologic technologists

Radiologic technologists

also known as radiographers, perform medical exams using X-rays on patients to create images of specific parts of the body. The images are then interpreted by a doctor for diagnosis and monitoring of disease.

• Radiographers prepare patients for the exams, move patients to the correct position, operate the equipment, and use their knowledge and skill to minimize the radiation dose to the patient.

• Radiographers work with doctors to treat patients of all ages, from infants to the elderly.

• Assessing, evaluating, and testing patients

• Preparing and positioning patients for imaging

• Attending to patient needs during imaging procedures

• Applying and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of radiation protection and safety practices

• Independently performing or assisting a licensed practitioner in performing procedures such as mammograms, X-ray exams, MRIs, or administering radiation to cancer patients

• Preparing, administering, and documenting activities related to medications in accordance with state and federal regulations and institutional policy

common tasks and duties of a radiologic technologists

Bone Densitometry

also called dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) is a form of x-ray technology that measures bone loss.

• DXA measures bone mineral density (BMD).

• It is often performed on the lower spine and hips to diagnose osteoporosis, which commonly affects women after menopause; however, bone loss is also found in men.

X-ray

is a noninvasive medical test using a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

• are the oldest type of medical image used and are commonly used to view broken bones, chest, as well as upper and lower GI tract.

cross-sectional x-rays

CT Technicians (Computed Tomography techs) scan a particular part of the body using a large quantity of ____________ together with computer algorithms.

x-ray tube

is used opposite a detector device in a ring-shaped instrument; this rotates around a patient producing a computer-generated cross-sectional image

tomogram

computer-generated cross-sectional image

mammography

The use of low dose x-rays to produce images of the breast.

mammogram

what do you call the image that is used to aid in the early detection and diagnosis of breast diseases and abnormalities such as cancer, lumps, etc.

• It plays a significant role in the early detection of breast cancer because it can show the beginnings of problems up to two years before a lump can be felt.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

provide highly detailed three-dimensional images of soft tissues.

• It provides very good contrast between the soft tissues than x-rays or computed tomography, which makes it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging.

• a fairly new technology, with the first images captured in the mid 1970s.

Fluoroscopy

An imaging technique used to get real time images of the internal structures of a patient.

Angiography

a technique in which x-ray technology is used to view the inside of blood vessels.

Angiograms

eliminate the bones and other anatomy, which allows you to view just the blood vessels.

Interventional Radiology

refers to non-surgical treatments for medical conditions such as vascular diseases using radiologic technology.

Cardiovascular interventional radiology

consists of using imaging techniques for guidance while performing therapeutic procedures within the flow of blood to and from the heart.

• The pictures taken during the procedure are done using tiny instruments with small tubes, such as catheters, which provide a kind of road map that allow the Radiologist to navigate through areas of interest.

• Radiologic technologists generally work a 40-hour week that may include evening and weekend or on-call hours. Some hospitals offer extremely flexible work schedules.

• A technologist may choose to work 13-hour days, for example. Part-time work is widely available. 

• Technologists are on their feet a lot and may be required to lift or turn disabled patients. They work at diagnostic machines but may also do some procedures at patients' bedsides.

• Some radiologic technologists travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

• There are radiation hazards in this field, although they are minimized by the use of safety devices such as instruments that measure radiation exposures, lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding.

  • Because of the presence of radiation and radioactive materials, technologists wear special badges that measure radiation in an area, as well as the cumulative lifetime dose.

  • The badge measurement rarely approaches or exceeds established safety levels because of safety programs and built-in safety devices.

• Radiation therapy technologists are prone to emotional "burnout" because they treat extremely ill and dying patients on a daily basis.

Work Environment of a Radiology Technologists

Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology (BS RadTech)

a four-year degree program designed to train students on how to operate medical imaging equipment such as X-rays, CT scanners, MRIs, sonogram machines, and 3D medical imaging programs among other computer and web-based software programs. Students are also taught how to perform associated clerical duties, including scheduling and maintaining paperwork for office and clinical machinery.

• The program provides both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy, physiology, patient care procedures, physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand

Students who wish to take BS in Radiologic Technology in College are encouraged to take the ________ under the Academic Track.

• Apply scientific knowledge and technical skills in the Radiologic Technology

• Follow the professional ethical practices and regulations both in local and international setting Implement safety and protection measures of radiation

• Be a compassionate radiologic technologist to patients

• Participate in research activities

• Engage in lifelong learning

Graduates of BS in Radiologic Technology are expected to be able to:

fourth

During the _______ year of the program, students are required to attend an On-the-Job Training (OJT) in different tertiary hospitals doing clinical duty.

• Should excel in math and science and critical thinking. Be sure to take advantage of high school courses like anatomy and physiology, computer sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, and algebra 

• Ability to learn the principles and techniques of radiologic technology

• Good verbal communication skills

• Good eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity, space and form perception, and ability to see differences in objects

• Ability to handle a variety of activities, keep accurate records, make judgments based on data, and work within precise standards of measurement

• Ability to work with a variety of people

Aptitudes needed in the field of radiology