How To Be A Radiologic Technologist
Saturday, May 19th, 2012“
The radiologic technologist also goes by the title of radiographer, and normally is the one capturing the x-rays needed to make a diagnosis in the hospitals, imaging centers, and clinics.
To be able to take the x-ray the radiographer has to prep the person first for this process. Certain things that should not be worn during the x-ray process will have to be taken off, and then the people have to be located on the x-ray table in the right position to x-ray the certain body part, whether it be ankle, wrist, lungs or other parts. It falls on this technician to also protect people from undue radiation exposure.
Capturing the x-rays correctly takes skill and precision. The radiologist needs to position the machine for taking x-rays at the correct angle and height, to be able to capture the persons body part properly. While For the technician who does the x-ray is not the one who does the diagnosis, they have the responsibility of making sure the radiology machinery is setup right to capture the detail in enough density and contrast so that the radiologist then can read the x-rays and make the correct diagnosis. It takes the radiographer to train intensively in a specially designed school or college to acquire the proper skills.
Due to having to operate machinery is involved, and that machinery is a huge part of the job the radiographer does, the training needs to cover the practical side as well as the theoretical side. In most places in the world, an exam is required and is given by local authorities, who watch over the radiologic technologists, for a radiographer to become certified. The criteria and qualifications needed to take the certification exam differs between the states and countries.
On top of the equipment, a big part of the technologists job is dealing with the people. This is why the technologist needs effective communication skills, be able to adjust quickly to different situations, as well as knowledge of how the x-ray equipment operates. Knowing patient management will set you ahead of the other technologists. This is quite a specialized line of employment, most radiologic technologists have little trouble locating a job.
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Source: (radiologic technologist) http://www.radiologycert.com/radiologic-technologist.html