What are the qualifications of a radiology tech?

Answer 1

Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and less frequently at vocational-technical institutes. Hospitals employ most radiologic technologists. Employers prefer to hire technologists with formal training. Education and training. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most prevalent. Some 1-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or individuals from other health occupations, such as medical technologists and registered nurses, who want to change fields. A bachelor's or master's degree in one of the radiologic technologies is desirable for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits most formal training programs for the field. The committee accredited more than 600 radiography programs in 2007. Admission to radiography programs require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or the equivalent. High school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and Biology are helpful. The programs provide both classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology. Licensure. Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the Federal Government sets voluntary standards that the States may use for accrediting training programs and licensing individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography. In 2007, 40 states required licensure for practicing radiologic technologists and technicians. Certification and other qualifications. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary certification for radiologic technologists. In addition, 35 States use ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years. Radiologic technologists should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity. Advancement. With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, MR, and angiography, a procedure during which blood vessels are x rayed to find clots. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a radiologist assistant. Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master's degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director's position. Some technologists progress by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below.

Answer 2

Radiologic Technologists, also known as Rad Tech's or RT's assist the Radiologist physician with the process of imaging and diagnosing illness. The RT is responsible for performing the image, obtaining the best quality image, and ensuring the patients comfort and safety. The RT; however, does not do the actual diagnosing as this is the function of the physician or Radiologist M.D. The Rad Tech must be able to effectively explain the procedure to the patient and be sure that they are comfortable and at ease during the procedure; however, it is very important that they do what is necessary to obtain a high quality image that will be sufficient for thorough examination by the physician and allow for correct diagnosis.

Answer 3

The most obvious way to look at this is to look at definitions of technician/technologist:

Technologist: A scientist or engineer who specialises in a particular field.

Technician: A person who studies, professes or practices technology.

In my experience, a technician will usually be involved in more "mundane" work involving the maintenance and repair of systems. Technologist is not a word I would use often (it seems quite over the top) but seems to involve more engineering or design engineering as the role.

I suspect therefore, that a radiology technician would be someone who works using existing equipment and technology to perform X-Rays, scans and so forth, or to maintain and repair that equipment. They would probably the person you speak to if you break a bone and arrange for your X-Rays to be taken. Likewise, if the X-Ray machine breaks for some reason, they will be the ones that can do repairs on that equipment.

A radiology technologist would more likely be involved in designing, improving or modifying radiology equipment. This person might look at ways of improving the resolution of MRI scans using new electronic equipment, then develop that into a medical product, for example.

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As a Radiological Technologist , which is the title given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist who is the governing body, I can assure you that your answer is incorrect.

We , who take the xray pictures when you break your arm ect are all referred to as "Technologist" and our job is far from 'mundane'. But "WE "are NOT the ones who fix the equipment when it breaks down. That title belongs to Biomedical equipment repair technician.

So to answer the age old question , we are 'Technologist ' because we are knowledgeable of a certain skill and the engineering and technology that goes with it. The title is far from 'over the top' but definitely deserving.

A 'Technician ' is someone who "fixes" things