What Does Medical Radiographer Mean: Is it a Career for Me?
The medical industry continues to grow as more and more baby boomers are reaching beyond middle age and nearing retirement age. Along with their age comes health issues and medical treatments required for their continued active lifestyle.
With the medical industry continuing to grow, the need for radiographers and other medical technicians are in great demand. Radiographers are also called radiologic technicians. They perform diagnostic/medical imaging examinations that create x-rays, computer tomography scans (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and other medical scans that help radiologist and doctors recognize and diagnose a variety of illnesses and injuries.
Where do Radiographers Work? What Do they Do?
Most radiographer’s work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, outpatient centers, mobile imaging, primary care clinics and other medical and diagnostic facilities that offer imaging services. Students may also pursue jobs in radiology sales and service, medical research, industry and educational settings.
They also have deep knowledge of the workings of the body and how it is impacted by injury and disease and what imaging tools will best capture ailment so the radiologist can read the scans.
Radiographers have special training in a variety of areas:
- Trauma scenarios such as emergency wards
- Mobile radiography for those patients that are unable to travel to medical offices
- Conduct CT scans
- MRI scans
- Fluoroscopy X-rays that show moving images of the internal body
- Angiography scans that highlight the heart and blood vessels
- Working in operating rooms where X-rays are needed
Job Outlook for Radiographers
As stated previously, there is a growing need for medical field workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by 12% until 2026, faster than the average of all occupations.” The need increases as older patients are diagnosed with cancer and Alzheimer’s, diseases that require imaging tools.
What Type of Education Do You Need to be a Radiographer?
Those that want to explore a career as a radiographer, typically pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography degree. Courses include math, science, anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology and physics.
After completing your degree, students will take the national certification exam with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or other similar exams that are required by individual states. Be to check all licensing and regulations for your state.
Is a Career as a Radiographer for You?
Just like any career, having the right skill set can catapult you in a career that fits with your personal qualities. There are also a many skills and qualities that make a good radiographer, some of these include:
- Attention to detail and ability to follow instructions in order obtain the necessary images.
- Interpersonal, oral and effective communication skills are needed to work with patients that are in pain or fearful of medical procedures as well as medical personnel that will need to access reports.
- Keen math skills are needed to mix the chemicals needed in imaging procedures.
- Physical strength and stamina are needed in order to move patients in the best position to ensure clear images.
- Technical skills are needed in order to operate a variety of complex imaging tools.
- Exhibit professional, ethical behavior at all times.
- Conduct medical procedures to meet the needs of patients.
- Learn and provide safe radiation equipment.
Just like many other careers in the medical field, radiographer’s typically feel the need to help people and help find the cause of their pain and illness for physicians to determine the proper medical treatment.
Where Should You Go for Your Degree?
If you decide to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Radiography degree, you should choose a school that offers both practical “hands on” clinical experience as well as classroom and lab sessions to get the best well-rounded education.
If you want to earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated pace. For more information, connect with a skilled admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Radiography - Associate’s
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