THE WORLD IS CHANGING RAPIDLY, SO ARE HEALTH CARE CAREERS

Home About Us Our Sponsors Careers Education Employers Labor Market Info Important Links Downloads Contact Us		Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist  (Medical Imaging) DID YOU KNOW?   (click for more) DID YOU KNOW?   (click to hide) How is technology impacting any of the following areas in your health care field? 1. Education: In Diagnostic Imaging, we have had to modify our curriculum several times in the past decade due to advanced technological changes. Digital Imaging has already replaced Computerized Imaging (CR to DR) and consequently eliminated chemical processing and film/screen decisions. 2. Research: PET scanning for stroke patients and the advancement of breast imaging in MRI has reached its implementation after years of research. Many patients have already benefited from this new technology. Mammography “smart scanners” provide another source for radiologists to “double check” their report findings. 3. Direct patient care: We provide direct patient care through our new technological advances and it has helped expedite radiographic exposures (less repeat rates and less exposure to the patient) and has greatly improved the actual image. This has happened by changing an analog image to a digital format. 4. Administrative issues: HIPPA & OSHA have mandated a more structured format in adhering to patient issues and protecting the patient. This consequently has increased the demand for more educated administrative personnel and more informed staff members. In Medical Imaging, department directors need to know more about purchasing digital equipment, planning for a digital department and hiring competent technologists that have current experience in the newer equipment. They also need to know more about insurance billing and reimbursement rates. Extended services and the demand for out-patients centers have also been on the rise. 5. Any other area you deem important: The utilization of the imaging modalities (CT, Mammography, MRI, Ultrasound) has greatly improved the availability and the precision of diagnostic studies DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into patients` blood streams for diagnostic purposes. Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians also referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing articles such as jewelry, through which x-rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, they surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient`s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient`s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it. Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist, a physician who interprets radiographs, to see soft tissues in the body. Some radiographers, called CT technologists, operate computerized tomography scanners to produce cross sectional images of patients. Others operate machines using strong magnets and radio waves rather than radiation to create an image and are called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists. Diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians must follow physicians` orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and coworkers from unnecessary exposure. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases, or manage a radiology department. The radiologist assistant(RA)is a new job title in the field of medical imaging. RAs are experienced, registered radiographers who have obtained additonal education and certification that qualifies them to serve as radiologist extenders. RAs work under the supervision of a radiologist to provide patient care in the diagnostic imaging environment. The addition of RAs to the radiology team helps improve productivity and efficiency at a time when the demand for medical imaging services is soaring. The RAs have three major areas of responsibility: - First, the RA takes a leading role in patient management and assessment. Duties in this area might include determing whether a patient has been appropriately prepared for a procedure, obtaining medical consent prior to beginning the examination, answering questions from the patient and his or her family, and adapting exam protocols to improve diagnostic quality. The radiologist assistant also is expected to serve as a patient advocate, ensuring that each patient receives quality care while in the radiology department or clinic. - Second, the radiologist assistant performs selected radiology examinations and procedures under the supervision of a radiologist. The level of radiologist supervision varies, depending on the type of examination. - And Third, the RA may be responsible for evaluating image quality, making initial image observations and forwarding those observations to the supervising radiologist. The supervising radiologist remains responsible for providing a final written report, an interpretation or a diagnosis. The addition of the RA to the health care team will relieve the workload burden of radiologists, increase productivity and cut costs. It also will help improve patients` access to timely radiologic care. All educational programs for RAs are established at the baccalaureate degree or higher. RAs must be certified as radiographers by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists before enrolling in an RA educational program. After graduating from an RA program, the individual must additionally pass the RA certification examination offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Radiologist assistants are licensed by the state in which they practice, similar to licensing programs for radiologic technologists. Legislation that addresses RA licensure should include education and certification standards for the readiologist assistant along with provisions delineating the RA`s role and responsibilities in providing patient care under radiologist supervision. The American Society of Radiologic Technologists has developed model legislation and regulations to act as a guide in establishing RA licensure. Information is available by contacting the ASRT at governmentrelations@asrt.org Because of advances in technology and the impact on diagnostic radiology, this new career opportunity has evolved and will continue to further develop. Mean annual salary for Diagnostic Radio Technologist is $43,200. WHERE EMPLOYED: About 1 in 5 worked part-time. More than half of all jobs are in hospitals. Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists and technicians. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians should be sensitive to patients` physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Physical stamina is important, because technologists are on their feet for long periods of time and may lift or turn disabled patients. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the U.S. Armed Forces. Hospitals, which employ most diagnostic radiologic technologists and technicians, prefer to hire those with formal training. A bachelor`s or master`s degree in one of the diagnostic radiologic technologies is desirable for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 2 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate`s degree, or bachelor`s degree. Two-year associate`s degree programs are most prevalent. Radiography programs require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology are helpful. The programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology. Some 1-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such as medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change fields or specialize in computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Educational program types for this career. EMPLOYERS: Potential employers for this career. LAST UPDATED: 9/5/2007 - Update Current status - Active
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