X-Ray works through a process in which an x-ray generator is used and acts as the source of the rays. The object of the rays, in the case of a medical examination, a person, is exposed. The image is captured by a detector in consonance to where the rays pass through. The depths, the transparency, and the outline the image results to depend on the density of the object the rays go through. The denser a body part is, the more visible it becomes on the detector. This process a radiographer does is useful in diagnosis or determining why people experience illness and for therapy.
What are Radiographers?
These purposes gave rise to the two types of radiographers: diagnostic and therapeutic. With the advancement of technology, various imaging equipment are introduced and are employed for different diagnostic purposes. Among the prevalent technologies used are the X-Ray, the CT scan, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and angiography. This equipment determines radiography specialization.
As mentioned, the specializations by radiographers are directly related to the imaging tools they will work with. MRI creates 3D images which can be divided into individual parts. MRI images the different types of tissue in the body. X-ray deals with bones and cavities. Fluoroscopy is imaging the digestive system. Ultrasound images fetal development and tissue abnormality problems. Angiography images the blood and blood vessels. Mammography deals with imaging of the breast.
A diagnostic radiographer is tasked with producing detailed images of a given body part needed to be examined. This helps physicians determine causes of illness appropriate treatment options. On the other hand, a therapeutic radiographer deals with the administration of the proper amounts of radiation into the human body to halt cancer cell growth. The latter radiographer often deals with cancer patients where radiation therapy is a part of the treatment process.
Apart from the primary function of imaging and administering treatments, the radiographer also works with physicians in treatment plan and patients in educating them about the medical uses of radiation. The radiographer will also work with interns who need field training. Another common task is for them to generate the image captured on a film for interpretation.
Radiographer Salary
Still dependent on experience and the employment setting, a radiographer gets paid on a range of $30,000.00 to $55,000.00. Experience is determined whether an employee is on an entry-level tenure and employment setting is whether he is employed in a hospital or other healthcare facilities.
How to Become a Radiographer
A diploma or a career in radiography offers one the chance of practicing this career. The certificate program is completed by hospital work for two years. The formal education option can be completed by getting a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. The former is completed in four years while the latter requires two years. With the pre-requisites focusing on medical courses, the radiographer-in-training should become quite familiar with human anatomy and physiology.
Because the radiographer’s job is dealing with people most of the time, excellent interpersonal and social skills are recommended.
Job Outlook
Although radiographers are mostly confined to working in hospitals, the outlook for holding this job is seen to grow positively in the future. This is attributed to the growing estimate of the number of people who would have reached retirement as each year progress. What this means is decongestion of job practice where radiologists will work in a laboratory or clinic which is not necessarily affiliated to a hospital, that radiologists will be working in community centers, and professionally, that they will be skilled to deal with most imaging requirements available to perform diagnostic-oriented tasks more efficiently.