RADIOLOGIC
TECHNOLOGIST CAREER INFORMATION
Radiology technologists take
xrays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients'
bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Some specialize in diagnostic
imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT)
and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologic technologists
and technicians, also referred to as radiographers ,
produce xray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body
for use in diagnosing medical problems.
They prepare patients for
radiology exams by explaining the procedure, removing articles
through which xrays cannot pass and positioning patients so
that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed.To
prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, these workers surround
the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as
lead shields, or limit the size of the xray beam with collimation.
Radiology technologists position
radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over
the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments
similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness
of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the xray
machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density,
detail, and contrast. They place the x ray film under the part
of the patient's body to be examined and make the exposure.
They then remove the film and develop it.
ULTRASOUND TECHNOLOGIST CARE INFORMATION
Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known
as ultrasonographers , use special equipment to direct
nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's
body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected
echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted,
or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.
Sonographers begin by explaining the procedure
to the patient and recording any medical history that may be
relevant to the condition being viewed. They then select appropriate
equipment settings and direct the patient into positions that
will provide the best view.
To perform the exam, sonographers use a transducer,
which transmits sound waves in a cone- or rectangle-shaped
beam. Although techniques vary with the area being examined,
sonographers usually spread a special gel on the skin to aid
the transmission of sound waves. Viewing the screen during
the scan, sonographers look for subtle visual cues that contrast
healthy areas with unhealthy ones. They decide whether the
images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes and select
which ones to show to the physician.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE TECHNOLOGIST
CARE INFORMATION
Nuclear medicine technologists
operate cameras that detect and map the radioactive drug in
a patient's body to create diagnostic images. After explaining
test procedures to patients, technologists prepare a dosage
of the radiopharmaceutical and administer it by mouth, injection,
or other means.
They position patients and
start a gamma scintillation camera, or "scanner," which creates
images of the distribution of a radiopharmaceutical as it localizes
in, and emits signals from, the patient's body. The images
are then displayed on a computer screen or on film for a physician
to interpret.
When preparing the radiopharmaceuticals,
nuclear medicine technologists adhere to safety standards that
keep the radiation dose to workers and patients as low as possible.
Technologists keep patient records and record the amount and
type of radionuclides received, used, and discarded.
HELP WITH DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL IMAGING SCHOOLS
Diagnostic Medical Imaging schools have one
thing in common: they are difficult to complete! Imagine the
amount of diagnostic medical imaging information you must learn
to earn the diagnostic medical imaging degree you desire. You'll
have no time for fun!
Luckily there are many online diagnostic
medical imaging resources that will help you digest and understand
the information taught by those old rad techs turned bone densitometry
college professors. The problem is that this information can
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medical imaging links out there on the world wide web.
That's why we make diagnostic medical imaging
schools easier by pulling together the best online diagnostic
medical imaging student resources into a convenient location.
Here you will find original content as well as excellent links
to other sites that will help you on your way to becoming a
radiology technologist, computed tomography technologist, mri
technologist , nuclear medicine technologist, interventional
radiology technologist or ultrasound
Diagnostic Medical
Imaging School Help -
RTstudents.com has topical information pages for all radiology
modalities. Find information on mammography, cat scan,
magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound, nuclear medicine
and more. You'll find forums, job information, news and
even radiology stock market information.
Health
and Medical Information Directory - Medmark is a great
resource for healthcare students and professionals seeking
online information. Links, journals and other resources
on many health and medicine subjects can be found just
a few clicks away!
