Send this page to a friend

Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)

Radiography is the science of using radiation to detect injury, disease and abnormalities inside our bodies by providing images (X-rays) of tissues, organs, bones and vessels that make up the human body. Today, radiation is used not only to produce images of the interior of the body, but to treat disease as well. At the same time, the rapidly growing use of imaging techniques that do not involve X-rays is transforming the field, and the term "diagnostic imaging" embraces procedures such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging as well as the familiar X-ray.

Computer technology has revolutionized the radiology field. This computerenhanced equipment produces clear and sharp images that enable the physician to view tissue and parts of the body that previously could have only been examined through invasive techniques such as exploratory surgery. Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, operate the radiologic equipment. The radiologist is the physician specializing in radiology.

The radiographer is responsible for taking accurate X-rays for the physician to interpret and make a diagnosis. The radiographer must produce the best quality radiograph without exposing the patient to too much radiation. To get the best visual result, the radiographer must align the equipment and film to precisely positioned patients. In some instances, special contrast media or dye may be given to the patient to better outline the organ of interest, or to followits progress through the patient's body. These processes require the radiographer to have a working knowledge of various radiographic equipment, including fluoroscopy, which provides a visual image in "real time" (as it happens), for example, as the patient swallows some dye.

A real attraction in the radiologic technology field is the opportunity to specialize and grow professionally. In large hospitals, radiographers can specialize in trauma, pediatric or chest radiology. Also, with additional training the radiographer can perform computer tomography (CT) scanning or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests and procedures provide highly detailed information about the body with the aid of advanced computer technology.