Radiologic technologist

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A radiologic technologist (also called a radiographer ) is a person who uses ionizing radiation to create medical images of the body to help diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and in private industry.

As per the definition of Health Professions Council of The United Kingdom "Diagnostic Radiographers produce and interpret high-quality images of the body to diagnose injuries and diseases. For example, X-rays, Ultrasound or CT scans carried out in hospital"

1 Nature of work
2 Education
3 Radiologic technologist in the U.S
4 Radiologic technologists in The U.K
5 Professional advancement
6 Wages and salary information
7 See also
8 External links

[edit] Nature of work

Diagnostic radiologic technologists employ a range of sophisticated equipment to produce high quality images to diagnose an injury or disease. They use a range of techniques including:

X-rays– to look through tissue to examine bones, cavities and foreign objects;

Ultrasound – uses high frequency sound and is increasingly used due to its versatility in obstetrics, including fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy, gynaecology, abdominal, paediatrics, cardiac, vascular and musculo-skeletal;

Fluoroscopy – live motion X-ray (constant radiation) usually used to image the digestive system;

CT (computed tomography) – which provides cross-sectional views (slices) of the body;

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – builds a 2-D or 3-D map of different tissue types within the body;

Nuclear medicine – this uses radioactive tracers which can be administered to examine how the body and organs function, for example the kidneys or heart. Certain radioisotopes can also be administered to treat particular cancers eg thyroid

[edit] Education

The education of a radiologic technologist varies worldwide. Usually their educational qualifications may include a diploma after secondary schooling or a three year to four year bachelor's degree or master's degree. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most revalent. Since these professionals are using ionizing radiation, which is potentially harmful to the living cells, most countries have strict regulations and certifications regarding the practice of this profession.

The educational curriculum also varies in different countries. Usually during their formal education they must learn human anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, pathology, medical imaging sciences and diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, radio diagnosis, and photographic imaging techniques and chemistry.

This is a blend of medical sciences and physical sciences.

[edit] Radiologic technologist in the U.S

A radiologic technologist in the U.S. goes to school for at least 2 years, unless their state allows a 4 week education program for a limited license, through a program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or through an accredited military program such as the US ARMY MOS 91P and then must pass a written examination, as well as final exams at the place of their clinical education .

ARRT registration is necessary to operate medical X-ray equipment in the United States except in the cases of dental and veterinary imaging.

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the federal government sets voluntary standards that the States may use for accrediting training programs and certifying individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography.

In 2005, 38 States certify radiologic technologists and technicians. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

[edit] Radiologic technologists in The U.K

Radiologic technologists in The U.K usually known as diagnostic radiographers. The title, diagnostic radiographer is a protected title by law. And the qualified candidate has to register with the Health Professions council. Although radiographers who qualified before 1990 can still maintain their licence with the diploma in diagnostic radiography, all radiographers post 1990 must have obtained a bachelors degree in diagnostic radiography to obtain their licence from the Health Professionals Council (HPC). Radiographers are also required to continue their education to maintain this licence (as all healthcare professionals such as nurses are required to do)

In the NHS Radiographers are now undertaking many of the roles historically undertaken by radiologists (Doctors specialising in medical imaging) such as reporting on films and the performing of procedures such as barium enemas.

[edit] Professional advancement

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief or lead radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director’s position.

Some technologists progress by leaving the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Other imaging modalities such as mammography, ultrasound (sonography), nuclear medicine, MRI and CT scanning may be performed by a radiologic technologist, but only one who has further training and/or accredation from the basic levels. (the results of a pilot study on using sonography as a primary certification was published by the ARRT in 2005).[1]

Some ultrasound and MRI technologists are not radiologic technologists. They are able to perform exams specifically and solely in these areas because these modalities don't use ionizing radiation.

[edit] Wages and salary information

According to the May 2005 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual base salary nationally for a radiologic technologist is $47,090. This amount varies from region to region. Technologists earn an average base salary of over $70,000 annually in the San Francisco/San Jose region where as the annual earnings are much lower in parts of the Midwest and Southeast. According to the 2004 salary survey conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the median annual income at that time was $65,401. RT's who take call on the weekends can average $75,000 to $90,000 per year.

Technologists that specialize in a particular modality such as CT scanning, ultrasound, or MRI can supplement their base earnings by taking "call" or being "on-call" for urgent or emergent cases after hours and weekends. This can augment technologists income $20,000 to $50,000 annually depending upon how much call the technologist takes on as well as how often they are called in. Average on-call salary for a radiographer with RT(R) Status ranges from $35 to $65 an hour. CT techs can average $65 to $90 an hour.

In the UK radiographers typically start on the Agenda for Change pay band 5 (approximately £19,000) but can progress clinically up to band 7 or enter management and go into band 8 or 9. Most trusts also offer extra money for out of hours duties which are regular as all hospitals maintain an emergency out of hours diagnostic service for A&E and for other wards and departments.