Medical imaging helps to make accurate diagnostics to some of the most complicated illnesses.
Radiogiological jobs are expanding by 17 percent between between 2008 and 2018. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) attributes the growth to an increased number of aging Americans requiring diagnostic imaging. Diagonistic radiographers, also known as radiological technologists or technicians, produce X-Ray images of a human body parts used to diagnose medical problems.
The Nature of the Job
Radiologists jobs fall in two categories, technologists and technicians. Technologists have a four-year degree and technicians hold an associate's degree. But both technologists and technicians do the same job of taking diagnostic radiographic images of human body parts. Because of the danger of unnecessary exposure to X-ray, a diagnostic radiographer has to shield other body parts using protection devices including lead shields. Ragiologists also purchase ragiographical equipment for the facility where they work.
Specialization
A technological specialist can specialize in computed tomography (CT), an advanced form of radiology which produces a cross-sectional X-rays of an area of the body. The other area of specialization is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR), which produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a three-dimensional image. You can also specialize in mammography, a low dose X-ray systems used to produce images of the breast. Subspecialty areas for diagnostic radiographers include cardiovascular, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.
Education and Training
The minimum qualification for a radiographer is a certificate, which typically takes 24 months to complete. But an associate's degree which takes almost the same time to complete is more prevalent than other qualification in radiology, according to the BLS. A four-year bachelor's degree gives you an edge when looking for employment. You need to study in a college accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Certification and Licensure
Federal law protects patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation by ensuring a radiologist is properly trained. Licensure is required in most states. Certification, which is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), is voluntary, but some states use ARRT exams for state licensing. Although certification is voluntary, most employers prefer certified diagnostic radiographers.
Tags: body parts, technologists technicians, associate degree, diagnostic radiographers, human body, human body parts, images human
