Radiography is a very demanding and progressive field that is vastly growing every year. To be a radiographer, an individual will have to acquire an associate degree in applied science from an accredited college or university, as well as maintain certification through the American Registry of Radiographic Technologist (ARRT). The majority of positions held in radiography are in hospitals, physician offices and diagnostic laboratories. There are various areas of radiography that individuals can pursue, including diagnostic, therapeutic, dental and computed tomography.
Radiographers
Radiographers, or radiographic technicians, produce X-ray images of the human body to use when determining medical problems. Radiographers prepare patients by explaining how the X-rays will be processed, removing all articles of jewelry and putting the patients in various positions so the parts of the body examined can be properly radiographed. Also during the procedure, radiographers will protect patients' body with lead shields to limit themselves to radiation. Other duties for radiographers include updating patients' medical records and maintaining radiography equipment. This position is the equivalent to a diagnostic radiographer.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists, or therapeutic radiographer, provide radiation for patients who are treating ailments such as cancer or ulcers. A radiation therapist will have to apply problem-solving as well as critical-thinking skills when administrating radiation treatment to patients. By keeping the patients in consideration throughout the process, the therapist will have to protect the patient as well as herself when performing radiation procedures throughout the treatment process. Not only does the procedure help eliminate any tumors inside a patient's body, radiation therapists also observe the patient during treatment, maintain patient record of treatments, as well as evaluate the patient's psychological aspect before and after each treatment.
Dental Radiographer
Dental radiographers provide the same service as a radiographer, but for the teeth. Dental radiographers produce X-rays to detect cavities, bone loss and other hidden problems that may be hard to determine during an actual examination. Although a small dosage of radiation is used during the procedure, radiographers in this field endure the same risks as radiographic technicians and are aware of the hazards accompanied with using radiation during X-ray procedures.
CT Technologists
There are several radiographers who specialize in computed tomography, in which CT scans are used to produce images of organs and tissues to diagnosis medical issues. With this position, ionizing radiation is used; therefore the same procedures with a radiographer also apply to CT technologist as they take extreme measures to protect their patients and themselves in having a successful scanning session. Along with producing X-rays on specific areas of the body, CT technologists also administer materials for the scanning procedures, prepare and operate the CT scanner and equipment associated with the scanning procedure, as well as help position patients to produce the best image during the scanning process.
Mammographer
Mammographers perform mammograms to diagnose and detect breast tissue abnormalities in a woman's body. When performing mammograms, mammographers use a low dose X-ray system to provide images of women's breasts. Other duties associated with a mammographer include explaining the procedure to patients as well as what to expect when going through a mammogram, observing the results of the mammogram as well as maintaining equipment and supplies used to conduct the procedure.
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