Radiologic technologists, better known as radiographers, are the medical technicians who perform diagnostic medical imaging examinations, including X-rays. Radiographers who perform imaging examinations are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced.
They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease/injury. For the images to be interpreted correctly by the radiologist, the imaging examinations must, be performed properly and compet
ently by the imaging experts, the radiographer.
They may specialize in specific imaging techniques such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine, quality management, sonography or general diagnostic radiography.
Hospitals are the primary employer of radiologic technologists, but a greater number of new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
The Training
As students in X-Ray training programs across the nation, you’ll take classes to learn the necessary skills to accurately position patients, ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. You will also be educated in anatomy, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care.
Many American colleges and universities that offer a radiography program train you in the art and science of radiography, which uses ionizing radiation to provide images of tissues, organs, bones and vessels in the body. They offer comprehensive, rigorous training in all aspects of radiography, enabling you to obtain the skills you need for an entry-level radiography job.
Many programs are nationally accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology or JRCERT, the only accreditation agency recognized by the United States Department of Education in radiography.
Those educational institutions who elect to obtain this accreditation do so because they believe in the integrity of their curriculum, their values, and the high quality of their graduates.
The best trained alumni at these institutions can boast the fact that they have received a 99.9% pass rate for the national certification examination for at least the most recent five years. Upon completion of an accredited radiography program, you will possess the skills and training required to meet national standards, allowing you to gain a competitive edge in the field.
Classes can include:
Study skills, medical terminology, math applications, positioning skills, anatomy and physiology, communications, physics, principles of exposure, methods of patient care, medical law and ethics, computer literacy, radiographic biology, clinical externship, advanced radiological imaging and specialty processing, radiography, and pathology.
Degrees
In these educational training programs you can earn the following:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Certificate In X-ray Technology