Radiograph of human chest area.
Radiographers are medical professionals who take x-rays in a wide variety of settings that include hospitals, outpatient facilities and private offices. They use high-tech imaging equipment and computers to create medical images used in diagnosing medical conditions. Radiographers are important members of the health care team and use science to perform their duties.
Diagnostic Radiographers
There are two types of radiographers: diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic radiographers employ a range of imaging techniques to produce high-quality images of injuries and diseases. They use x-rays to look through tissue; ultrasound in obstetrics, cardiac and other areas; fluoroscopy for live-motion x-rays of the digestive system; computerized tomography for cross-sectional views of the body; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create 2-D and 3-D images of tissue within the body. Diagnostic radiographers also employ angiography to investigate blood vessels and nuclear medicine to examine internal organs.
Therapeutic Radiographers
Therapeutic radiographers play vital roles in cancer treatment. Therapeutic radiographers plan and deliver radiotherapy--either by itself or in combination with chemotherapy and surgery. They use external beam treatment to deliver accurate doses of radiation to tumors, and they employ a process called brachytherapy--small radioactive sources placed on or in tumors to deliver a high dose while avoiding normal tissue. Therapeutic radiographers regularly assess patients undergoing radiotherapy, prescribing drugs to counteract side effects.
Skills Required for Radiographers
Both diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers are required to have a range of skills. These include good interpersonal skills to communicate with fellow team members and patients who may be anxious about their condition and treatment. They both must have knowledge of and interest in biology, anatomy and physiology. They need the confidence to work with leading-edge technology, which they acquire through training. They must pay attention to detail and stay abreast of new developments in their field. And, they must be able to make decisions rapidly and independently.
Become a Radiographer
Those interested in becoming a radiographer usually pursue a two-year associate's degree in radiation science. Students in this arena will study anatomy, biology and medical record keeping. Most states will require the successful passing of a board exam before a radiography technician can become licensed to practice, but these licensing requirements vary by state.
Future Outlook for Radiographers
As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for radiographers is expected to grow faster than the average, and those radiographers with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will enjoy the best employment opportunities. The BLS projects a growth rate of 17 percent in the occupational category that includes radiologic technologists and technicians between 2008 and 2018. This translates into an additional 37,000 jobs. As of May 2008, the median annual income of radiologic technologists was $52,210. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,100, the highest 10 percent earned almost $75,000, and the middle 50 percent earned between $42,710 and $63,010.
Tags: percent earned, Therapeutic radiographers, Diagnostic radiographers, diagnostic therapeutic, employment opportunities, radiologic technologists
