Radiology / X-Ray ?a fascinating world of medicine and technology!
Did
you know that x-rays were invented by accident?
In 1895, a German
physicist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a discovery, which he later termed
搙-rays,?while experimenting with an electron beam in a gas discharge tube.
Roentgen noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to glow when the
electron beam was turned on. Roentgen's tube was surrounded by heavy black
cardboard, so he continued to investigate what mysterious entity might be
traveling right through matter. This discovery laid the foundation for what we
know to be the field of Radiologic Technology.
Beginning in the early
1900抯, the use of x-rays in medicine marked an immense change in the way that
patient anomalies were diagnosed.
Using x-ray imaging, physicians were able
to see the internal structures in the human body梑ony structures, hollow organs,
and soft tissues without the use of invasive and dangerous surgical procedures.
Today, the field of Radiologic Technology includes other diagnostic techniques
and modalities, some of which do not use ionizing radiation. For this reason,
the more accurate terminology used for this branch of medicine is Diagnostic
Medical Imaging. The continuous expansion of this profession and the diversity
of methods used for diagnosis have allowed the modern Radiologic Technologist
tremendous growth within this field梑oth in upward and lateral mobility.
The career potential is expanding along with its learning
opportunities.
After the successful completion of the classroom and clinical
experiential training, graduates must obtain state and/or national certification
to be employed as a Radiologic Technologist. Once certified, a Radiologic
Technologist may work in an acute-care setting in a hospital, or in an
outpatient facility or doctor抯 office. The technologist utilizes modern digital
technology to create images in the radiographic facility, or in emergency rooms,
surgical suites, and at the patient抯 bedside. Some technologists choose to be
employed by mobile companies and cover large geographical regions in vans
equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Preparation for this
profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities as well as
vocational schools and academies.
What else do Radiologic Technologists
do?
When assisting in fluoroscopy, for example, they might prepare a
solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist
to examine some of the hollow organs and other dynamic structures within the
body, such as the heart. Technologists are also utilized during endoscopic
procedures, pacemaker insertions, in the operating room, emergency room,
neonatal nursery and in ICU. There are many more areas in which the expertise of
an experienced Radiologic Technologist is needed. They may be involved in more
complex imaging procedures, such as areas of cardiovascular interventional
procedures, angiography, mammography, bone densitometry, CT, and MRI, to name a
few.
For the skilled radiographer, the creation of diagnostic images is
both an art and a science. We utilize complex equipment and apply critical
thinking under adverse conditions to create an image with maximum information
while minimizing exposure to the patient. It is very gratifying to play such a
role in helping our patients achieve health. In addition to preparing patients
and operating equipment, we learn how to keep patient records and adjust and
maintain equipment. We also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of
equipment, and eventually might manage a radiology department.
Medical
Imaging is a magnificent addition to the world of medicine.
Radiologic
technologists are never exposed to the primary beam, but will receive a small
amount of secondary exposure within the occupational dose limits established by
the government. Both technologists and students are carefully monitored for any
radiation exposure received, utilizing individual state-of-the-art monitoring
devices read monthly by specialized labs. Exposure is minimized by the use of
lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices. The changes today in regard to
the growth of radiologic specialization and in general diagnostic imaging are
projected to move in the direction of upward and lateral mobility. It is a
growing and expanding profession.
A good analogy is a tree that grows and
produces more and more branches, so does diagnostic imaging ; it branches out
into separate fields, like Ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-Ray. It抯 a great field to
be in, because you will never be bored. There are always more options, more
specialties that come up due to this growth and technological advancements!
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