Radiology provides diagnostic imaging.
Radiology is used to image and treat diseases and injuries within the body. It uses specialized machines, radiation and digital technology to detect health problems and find solutions to those problems. People with a B.S. in radiography work in several places, including hospitals, oncology treatment clinics, diagnostic laboratories, imaging centers, mammography clinics and physicians' practices.
Radiation Therapist
A radiation therapist participates on an oncology medical team to come up with an appropriate treatment plan for patients with cancer. These therapists develop a treatment relationship with their patients and families, because most patients will need more than one radiation treatment. The therapist prepares the patient for radiation treatment, describing the process and placing the patient in the correct treatment position. The radiation therapist then administers the radiation with special equipment to slow or stop the cancer progression. The therapist carefully watches for signs of patient distress and side effects from the radiation treatment. Many radiation therapists with a B.S. in radiology also supervise other radiation laboratory staff. The job outlook for radiation therapists is expected to grow 27 percent between 2008 and 2018. A radiation therapist can expect to make an annual average of $64,106 to $77,023.
Radiologic Technician
X-ray images are prepared by a radiologic technician to diagnose internal problems of the body. These technicians explain the X-ray process to the patient and then prepare him by removing any metal objects and putting him in the correct position to be X-rayed. The technicians then aim the radiology equipment and focus the radiation to create the best internal image possible. Other duties include maintaining the equipment and patient records. Radiologic technicians with a B.S. in radiology may supervise an X-ray lab, schedule staff and patients and recommend equipment purchases. The number of radiologic technician jobs is expected to grow much faster than the national average for jobs in general. The median radiologic technician's salary as of 2010 is $58,065.
Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist also prepares patients and administers diagnostic imaging processes, but she uses mammograms, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance images (MRIs) to find the source of the patient's problem. The technologist explains the procedure and equipment to the patient, administers any special dyes to enhance the images and positions the patients and equipment for the best image possible. B.S.-holding radiologic technologists may manage a CAT scan lab, assist in hiring and supervising staff and coordinate patient records. Employment will grow faster than average in this career, and knowledge of X-ray, CAT scan and MRI imaging practices and equipment will make a person who has a B.S. in radiology a good candidate for a radiologic technologist career. A radiation technologist's average annual salary as of 2010 is between $43,677 and $52,154.
Tags: radiation therapist, radiation treatment, diagnostic imaging, equipment patient, expected grow
