Radiographers take images using x-ray machines and other equipment or provide radiation therapy.
Often, to diagnose and treat a patient, a doctor needs to be able to see something within the patient's body. Since it isn't practical or desirable to do this via invasive techniques like surgery for every case, doctors rely on radiographers. Radiographers are radiology technicians and technologists who use X-rays and other technologies to create radiographs, which are 2- or 3-D images. Some radiographers don't concentrate on imaging -- they provide therapeutic doses of radiation, which help slow diseases like cancer. Like other health professionals, radiographers must meet qualification requirements.
Education
Radiographers may choose from certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree educational programs. Certificate programs usually last one to two years, says the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It takes two years to complete an associate degree program -- this is the route most favored by aspiring radiographers. It typically takes four years to complete a bachelor's degree program. Regardless of which training route you choose, you should take classes in anatomy, biology, chemistry and physics. Classes related directly to radiography will include principles of imaging, positioning and pathology, as well as courses such as medical ethics. Most programs include between 200 and 300 hours of clinical work. After you graduate, you must take continuing education credits to keep your certification and license current. When searching for a radiography program, check that they are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Licensure and Certification
Licensure or certification is required for radiographers to practice in most states. However, the requirements for licensure or certification vary from state to state; check with your state's licensing board for specifics. Usually, to become licensed or certified, you must complete a minimum amount of training hours (set by the state) and complete a competency test. For radiographers, many state boards use a test developed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Both ARRT and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers offer radiography certifications. You may hold both a certification and a license in the field.
Skills and Traits
Radiographers must be sensitive to their patients. They must communicate what they are doing to the patient as well as why the images are necessary. This information also may be given to the patient's loved ones, and radiographers must deal with the anxiety and worry those loved ones may have. Radiographers must be patient and understanding. They must be team players as they must work collaboratively with physicians for proper diagnoses. They should be able to follow directions precisely and with minimal supervision.
Considerations
Although the term "radiographer" refers to radiation (X-rays), radiographers also may be trained to use other equipment. Radiographers may become specialized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography. These techniques produce images without radiation. Specialization in one of these areas will require additional training, but the training opens up many more job opportunities and translates to higher pay in most cases. The job outlook for radiography positions is good, according to the BLS, as more radiography services will be necessary as the increasing population ages. As more radiographers seek these new positions, competition will be high.
Tags: American Registry, associate degree, bachelor degree, certification license, degree program
