| Radiology / X-Ray - a fascinating world of | | | | When assisting in fluoroscopy, for example, they |
| medicine and technology! | | | | might prepare a solution of contrast medium for |
| Did you know that x-rays were invented by | | | | the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to |
| accident? | | | | examine some of the hollow organs and other |
| In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm | | | | dynamic structures within the body, such as the |
| Conrad Roentgen made a discovery, which he | | | | heart. Technologists are also utilized during |
| later termed "x-rays," while experimenting with an | | | | endoscopic procedures, pacemaker insertions, in |
| electron beam in a gas discharge tube. Roentgen | | | | the operating room, emergency room, neonatal |
| noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started | | | | nursery and in ICU. |
| to glow when the electron beam was turned on. | | | | There are many more areas in which the |
| Roentgen's tube was surrounded by heavy black | | | | expertise of an experienced Radiologic |
| cardboard, so he continued to investigate what | | | | Technologist is needed. They may be involved in |
| mysterious entity might be traveling right through | | | | more complex imaging procedures, such as areas |
| matter. This discovery laid the foundation for | | | | of cardiovascular interventionist procedures, |
| what we know to be the field of Radiologic | | | | angiography, mammography, bone densitometry, |
| Technology. | | | | CT, and MRI, to name a few. |
| Beginning in the early 1900's, the use of x-rays in | | | | For the skilled radiographer, the creation of |
| medicine marked an immense change in the way | | | | diagnostic images is both an art and a science. We |
| that patient anomalies were diagnosed. Using | | | | utilize complex equipment and apply critical thinking |
| x-ray imaging, physicians were able to see the | | | | under adverse conditions to create an image with |
| internal structures in the human body-bony | | | | maximum information while minimizing exposure |
| structures, hollow organs, and soft tissues without | | | | to the patient. It is very gratifying to play such a |
| the use of invasive and dangerous surgical | | | | role in helping our patients achieve health. In |
| procedures. Today, the field of Radiologic | | | | addition to preparing patients and operating |
| Technology includes other diagnostic techniques | | | | equipment, we learn how to keep patient records |
| and modalities, some of which do not use ionizing | | | | and adjust and maintain equipment. We also may |
| radiation. For this reason, the more accurate | | | | prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of |
| terminology used for this branch of medicine is | | | | equipment, and eventually might manage a |
| Diagnostic Medical Imaging. The continuous | | | | radiology department. Medical Imaging is a |
| expansion of this profession and the diversity of | | | | magnificent addition to the world of medicine. |
| methods used for diagnosis have allowed the | | | | Radiologic technologists are never exposed to the |
| modern Radiologic Technologist tremendous | | | | primary beam, but will receive a small amount of |
| growth within this field-both in upward and lateral | | | | secondary exposure within the occupational dose |
| mobility. | | | | limits established by the government. Both |
| The career potential is expanding along with its | | | | technologists and students are carefully monitored |
| learning opportunities. After the successful | | | | for any radiation exposure received, utilizing |
| completion of the classroom and clinical | | | | individual state-of-the-art monitoring devices read |
| experiential training, graduates must obtain state | | | | monthly by specialized labs. Exposure is minimized |
| and/or national certification to be employed as a | | | | by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other |
| Radiologic Technologist. Once certified, a Radiologic | | | | shielding devices. The changes today in regard to |
| Technologist may work in an acute-care setting in | | | | the growth of radiologic specialization and in |
| a hospital, or in an outpatient facility or doctor's | | | | general diagnostic imaging are projected to move |
| office. The technologist utilizes modern digital | | | | in the direction of upward and lateral mobility. It is |
| technology to create images in the radiographic | | | | a growing and expanding profession. |
| facility, or in emergency rooms, surgical suites, | | | | A good analogy is a tree that grows and |
| and at the patient's bedside. Some technologists | | | | produces more and more branches, so does |
| choose to be employed by mobile companies and | | | | diagnostic imaging; it branches out into separate |
| cover large geographical regions in vans equipped | | | | fields, like Ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-Ray. It's a |
| with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. | | | | great field to be in, because you will never be |
| Preparation for this profession is offered in | | | | bored. There are always more options, more |
| hospitals, colleges and universities as well as | | | | specialties that come up due to this growth and |
| vocational schools and academies. | | | | technological advancements! |
| What else do Radiologic Technologists do? | | | | |