radiologic sciences

Speaker: Lydia Donaldson, MHSM, MBA, BSRS, RT(R)(CT)

Faculty, Advanced Radiologic Sciences, Dallas College

Pathways into Diagnostic Imaging

• Entry-Level (Primary Pathways)
  
  

  • Programs at Dallas College (15 months)

  • After graduating, obtain ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) certification

  • This certification allows entry into secondary pathways or modalities

  • Few colleges offer secondary pathways

• Primary Pathway Programs at Dallas College:
  
  

  • Radiography: Brookhaven Campus

  • Sonography (Ultrasound): Requires a radiologic license before moving into secondary pathways

• Secondary Pathways (Advanced Modalities)
  
  

  • Cardiac Sonography

  • Invasive Cardiovascular Technology

Speaker's Journey

• Originally interested in photography as a child

• Inspired by a family member who was an X-ray technologist

• Attended a science fair in high school, which sparked an interest in radiology

• Completed Radiology Program at Midwestern State University, earning:

  • AAS (Associate of Applied Science) – Required to become a technologist

  • BS (Bachelor of Science) in Radiologic Sciences

• Took master's-level courses during the radiology program but paused studies to travel for work

• Worked in 8 different states taking radiographic images

• Moved back to Texas, worked in management, and later pursued two master’s degrees

• Transitioned into teaching and administrative roles

• Believes in lifelong learning through continuing education

Additional Certifications After Primary Certification

• Computed Tomography (CT)
  
  

  • Allows 3D imaging (e.g., slicing a loaf of bread and seeing a specific section)

  • Utilizes radiology techniques

• Mammography
  
  

  • Performed on both men and women

• Vascular Interventional Radiography
  
  

  • Uses fluoroscopy (live video imaging)

  • Works with heart, brain, and blood vessels to help return patients to a healthy state

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  
  

  • Does not use radiation

  • Uses sound waves to generate images (similar to dolphin echolocation)

  • Visually similar to a CT scan

Diagnostic Radiology Responsibilities

• Not just pushing a button – requires knowledge of:

  • Bone structure

  • Degree of angulation

  • Algebra and geometry for precise imaging

• Work settings:

  • Hospitals, medical centers, diagnostic imaging centers, doctors' offices

  • Portable X-ray units used in nursing homes and home visits

Key Responsibilities:

• Effective communication with patients and medical staff

• Understanding patient history and correlating previous conditions with current imaging

• Explaining procedures to patients (what, when, why, how)

• Patient positioning – must adapt for trauma patients who cannot move easily

• Radiation safety – understanding exposure levels, adjusting for each patient and machine

• Basic patient care – assisting with needs like vomiting or discomfort

• Setting exposure factors for optimal image quality

• Adapting techniques based on different clinical scenarios

• Critiquing images to ensure the best outcome for the patient

• Professional behavior and teamwork with doctors, nurses, and other technologists

Technology & Advancements

• Early career vs. Now:
  
  

  • Previously used film-based imaging

  • Heavy cassettes required darkroom processing

  • Now, digital imaging allows radiologists to view scans remotely (even on a phone)

• Patient privacy laws are essential – must be professional and discreet
  
  

• Patient education – explaining timelines for results and procedure expectations
  
  

• Charting & Documentation:
  
  

  • Medical history, time spent with patient, IV contrast administration

  • Unexpected complications or issues during exams must be documented

• Equipment & Quality Control:
  
  

  • Machines are tested multiple times a day to ensure proper function

  • If a machine fails, report it immediately for repairs

  • Mentoring students and assisting colleagues when needed

Job Outlook & Salary

• Radiologic profession growth: 7% increase by 2029

• CT & MRI fields: Expected to triple by 2030

• 100% job placement rate for her students before graduation

• Salary expectations:

  • Diagnostic Radiology: ~$30/hour ($63,000/year)

  • Increases by ~$10/hour every 2 years with experience

• Higher education = higher pay

  • After four years of teaching, she started at a higher salary due to her 4 degrees + 1 certificate

Dallas College Curriculum & Admissions

• 64 semester hours
  
  

• Prerequisites:
  
  

  • English Composition (ENGL 1301)

  • Anatomy & Physiology I & II (BIOL 2401)

  • College Algebra (MATH 1314)

  • RADR 2209

  • RADR 1201

• Program includes Physics & Anatomy applied to real-life scenarios
  
  

• 15-month program
  
  

• Application process:
  
  

  • Point-based system – not solely based on GPA

  • Requires an orientation video

  • 3 application cycles per year

  • 150 applicants, only 35 accepted (1/5 acceptance rate)

  • Evaluates teamwork skills, problem-solving, and adaptability

Medical Imaging Cases & Examples

1. Side of a football – Illustrating imaging angles

2. Coca-Cola bottle – Instructor’s personal reference (drinks Coke Zero daily)

3. Coconut – Used for demonstrating imaging concepts

4. Severe trauma case – Distal fibula fracture + dislocation

5. Unexpected pathology in the knee – Incidental findings

6. Pediatric case – swallowed coin

   • If vertical, less concerning

   • If horizontal, may require surgical removal

7. Hand trauma – buckshot injury (with 45-degree view for bone fractures)

8. Pelvic trauma – CT scan + 3D rendering

X-Ray Production & Radiation Safety

• Electricity & Circuits – How and when X-rays are made (learned in RADR 2209)

• X-ray energy levels vary:

  • Hand X-ray = Low energy

  • Abdominal X-ray = High energy

• ALARA Principle:

  • “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” – minimize radiation exposure

  • Protects both patients and healthcare workers

• ACRT Guidelines (for children & radiation safety):

  • Protect gonads, thyroids, and minimize open field exposure

  • Even non-pregnant patients can be at risk for radiation-induced cancer

Radiation Protection Measures for Technologists:

• Maintain 72–62 inches distance from radiation source

• Wear lead shields, glasses, and gloves

• Control rooms and doors are lead-lined

• Lead aprons/glasses/gloves reduce exposure but do not block it entirely

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do radiology techs have a high rate of cancer?

  • No scientific evidence proving increased risk

• Have you had to hold patients still?

  • Yes, but rarely – mostly for patients with Parkinson’s or severe movement disorders

  • Family members are usually allowed to assist

• Work schedules:

  • 12-hour, 10-hour, or 8-hour shifts