X Ray Technologists Or Radiologic Technologists Profiled

Radiology / X-Ray - a fascinating world of medicine and technology!

Did you know that x-rays were invented by accident?

In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a discovery, which he later termed "x-rays," while experimenting with an electron beam in a gas discharge tube. Roentgen noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to glow when the electron beam was turned on. Roentgen's tube was surrounded by heavy black cardboard, so he continued to investigate what mysterious entity might be traveling right through matter. This discovery laid the foundation for what we know to be the field of Radiologic Technology.

Beginning in the early 1900's, the use of x-rays in medicine marked an immense change in the way that patient anomalies were diagnosed. Using x-ray imaging, physicians were able to see the internal structures in the human body-bony structures, hollow organs, and soft tissues without the use of invasive and dangerous surgical procedures. Today, the field of Radiologic Technology includes other diagnostic techniques and modalities, some of which do not use ionizing radiation. For this reason, the more accurate terminology used for this branch of medicine is Diagnostic Medical Imaging. The continuous expansion of this profession and the diversity of methods used for diagnosis have allowed the modern Radiologic Technologist tremendous growth within this field-both in upward and lateral mobility.

The career potential is expanding along with its learning opportunities. After the successful completion of the classroom and clinical experiential training, graduates must obtain state and/or national certification to be employed as a Radiologic Technologist. Once certified, a Radiologic Technologist may work in an acute-care setting in a hospital, or in an outpatient facility or doctor's office. The technologist utilizes modern digital technology to create images in the radiographic facility, or in emergency rooms, surgical suites, and at the patient's bedside. Some technologists choose to be employed by mobile companies and cover large geographical regions in vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities as well as vocational schools and academies.

What else do Radiologic Technologists do?

When assisting in fluoroscopy, for example, they might prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to examine some of the hollow organs and other dynamic structures within the body, such as the heart. Technologists are also utilized during endoscopic procedures, pacemaker insertions, in the operating room, emergency room, neonatal nursery and in ICU.

There are many more areas in which the expertise of an experienced Radiologic Technologist is needed. They may be involved in more complex imaging procedures, such as areas of cardiovascular interventionist procedures, angiography, mammography, bone densitometry, CT, and MRI, to name a few.

For the skilled radiographer, the creation of diagnostic images is both an art and a science. We utilize complex equipment and apply critical thinking under adverse conditions to create an image with maximum information while minimizing exposure to the patient. It is very gratifying to play such a role in helping our patients achieve health. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, we learn how to keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. We also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, and eventually might manage a radiology department. Medical Imaging is a magnificent addition to the world of medicine.

Radiologic technologists are never exposed to the primary beam, but will receive a small amount of secondary exposure within the occupational dose limits established by the government. Both technologists and students are carefully monitored for any radiation exposure received, utilizing individual state-of-the-art monitoring devices read monthly by specialized labs. Exposure is minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices. The changes today in regard to the growth of radiologic specialization and in general diagnostic imaging are projected to move in the direction of upward and lateral mobility. It is a growing and expanding profession.

A good analogy is a tree that grows and produces more and more branches, so does diagnostic imaging; it branches out into separate fields, like Ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-Ray. It's a great field to be in, because you will never be bored. There are always more options, more specialties that come up due to this growth and technological advancements!