Medical radiography is a promising career which looks to grow and become more highly in-demand as time goes on. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics this field is projected to grow 21% by 2022. Radiographers make a good salary, which has the potential to increase should training continue and specialization be acquired. Considering this, it's understandable that a person looking for a promising career would be interested in learning more about a career in the field of Medical Radiography, what it entails and where there are jobs to be found.
With this in mind, here's some information to get you started:
What do medical radiographers do?
Radiographers produce the images used by doctors to see the extent of, and diagnose, a patient's injuries or illness. They play a very important part in a healthcare team, as these images play a pivotal role in a patient's treatment plan.
If you've ever had an x-ray, CT scan or MRI you've met a medical radiographer.
What do medical radiographers make?
As of 2012, the median wage for medical radiographers in the US was $55,910 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are opportunities to make more if a radiologic technologist specializes in a field such as sonography.
What do radiographers need to have?
Besides a high-quality education, a radiographer needs to possess the same sort of qualities that make a good doctor or nurseâa desire to help others, a reassuring and caring manner of interacting with patients, and a positive demeanor are all essential. The patients having tests done are likely to be sick or in pain, and it's important to know how to deal with them in order to keep them calm and still in order for the tests to be run, as well as making the situation as comfortable and easy for them as you can.
Radiographers also need to be able to communicate clearly and professionally with doctors and other members of the healthcare team. Strong communication skills, both oral and written, are important.
Other key skills to possess are the ability to think on one's feet and problem solve. And of course, a commitment to safety is critical, as the technology involved in this career can cause harm to both patient and radiographer if used incorrectly. On top of this, there's a chance that radiographers will be exposed to bodily fluids and other potentially harmful substances, so maintaining strict adherence to safety standards is key.
A degree of physical strength is also good to have, as there may come a need to lift or assist a patient as they're being placed on a table or gurney. Some of the equipment used in this field can be rather large and unwieldy, and may require some degree of manipulation.
Where do medical radiographers work?
There's a wide array of opportunities for radiographers to find employment in various institutions, such as:
- Hospitals
- Medical imaging centers
- Outpatient care centers
- Primary care facilities
- Mobile imagine
- Medical research
- Government and military organizations
- Teaching or instructing
- Radiology equipment sales
- Equipment service
The Next Step: Getting a Medical Radiography Degree
If a career in medical radiography sounds exciting to you, it's time to take the next step. Here at ECPI University, we set motivated people on the path to achieving their career goals by giving them the opportunity to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography in less than 1.5 years! Contact us TODAY! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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