You've probably seen someone in a hospital or private channeling center who takes pictures (like a scan) of your body, or who gives radiation therapy for a disease like cancer. Those are the people we call 'Radiologic Technologists', or 'RT' for short. These people play a very important role in our healthcare system. Shall we talk today about who these people are and what they do?
Who is this 'Radiologic Technologist'?
Simply put, a 'radiologic technologist' is a trained healthcare professional who performs various diagnostic imaging procedures and sometimes provides radiation therapy to diagnose diseases .
Have you heard of tests like these:
- ` X- rays `
- Ultrasound scans
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
- CT ( computed tomography ) scan
All of this is done by radiologic technologists. Some do general radiography, which means taking X-rays most of the time. But there are others who have specialized training in specific imaging techniques. For example:
- Bone Densitometry: Also called a DEXA scan, this is done to check the strength of your bones.
- Cardiac or Vascular Interventional Radiography : An imaging technique that helps treat problems with the heart or blood vessels.
- Fluoroscopy: Like a moving X-ray, it can see how organs move inside the body.
- Mammography: An X-ray used to diagnose breast diseases, especially breast cancer.
- Nuclear Medicine : A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the body and the radiation emitted from it is used to look at how the organs are functioning.
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan: This is also a part of nuclear medicine. It is very helpful in finding things like cancer cells.
Additionally, these radiologic technologists may work in specialized clinical areas such as prenatal care, pediatrics, or orthopedics.
Is a 'radiologic technologist' a doctor?
This is a problem that many people have. Radiologic technologists are not doctors. This means that they do not need a medical degree (MD - Doctor of Medicine) or a DO - Doctor of osteopathic medicine ) to perform their duties.
However, that doesn't mean they don't have the knowledge. Radiologic technologists have received extensive training to perform these imaging tests accurately and safely.
They work closely with radiologists. A radiologist is a doctor who looks at the X-rays and scans, analyzes them, and makes a diagnosis. Radiologic technologists do not make diagnoses. Their job is to take high-quality images and help the patient.
What does a 'Radiologic Technologist' do?
Radiologic technologists are skilled at operating imaging or radiation equipment. Many specialize in a specific area, such as breast sonography or MRI. They work directly with patients. Their general job responsibilities vary slightly depending on whether they work in diagnostic imaging or radiation oncology.
In the Diagnostic Imaging department
Radiologic technologists in this department work closely with radiologists. Their main tasks are:
- Explaining the imaging test to you and answering any questions you may have. Imagine you are having a CT scan. They will tell you how it is done, how long it will take, and if anything special needs to be done.
- Positioning yourself correctly. That means placing yourself in the correct position to get the best, clearest picture of the part of your body that needs to be examined.
- Protecting other parts of your body from unnecessary radiation (if applicable). For example, when taking an X-ray, you may use something like a lead apron to protect other areas.
- Setting up the device settings, turning on the machine, and taking pictures.
- Verifying that the equipment is working properly.
- The radiologist will review the images together and decide if more images are needed. Sometimes, if the image taken once is not clear, another one may need to be taken.
Imagine you went to get an `(X-ray)` of your leg. The `radiologic technologist' takes you to the `(X-ray)` machine, shows you how to position your leg, says, "Don't breathe," and you press a button and the `(X-ray)` is taken.
In the Radiation Therapy Department
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiation therapists, work in the field of radiation oncology. They deliver pre-measured doses of radiation to your body to treat cancer and other conditions.
They work very closely with oncologists and dosimetrists.
The duties of a 'radiation therapist' are:
- Discussing the radiation treatment process with you.
- Answering any questions or fears you have, calming you down.
- Positioning you precisely for radiation treatment.
- Protecting other parts of your body from unnecessary radiation (if applicable).
- Operating the device (e.g. a machine like `(Linear Accelerator)`) and verifying that it is working properly.
- Monitoring how your body responds to treatment and keeping records for your oncologist.
Where do radiologic technologists work?
Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals , but they can also work in clinics, independent doctors' offices, nursing homes, and outpatient care centers .
Sometimes they work in a special room dedicated to imaging tests. Or, they may have to operate mobile X-ray or ultrasound equipment in an emergency room or operating room.
How to become a 'Radiologic Technologist'?
To become a radiologic technologist, you need to have specialized education and training. Most people pursue an associate's degree . However, there are also bachelor's degree programs .
To become a registered 'Radiologic Technologist', you generally need (this is the internationally accepted methodology, similar qualifications are required in Sri Lanka as well):
- You must complete two to four years of formal education in a recognized hospital-based program or academic institution .
- You must pass a national certification exam (e.g., in the United States, the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists - ARRT).
- You must obtain the relevant license in the country/state where you work (if applicable).
Many radiologic technologists pursue additional education and certifications to further specialize in a specific imaging area (e.g., MRI, Mammography).
To continue working as a registered radiologic technologist, they must also take continuing education courses throughout their career. This means they must constantly stay updated on new technologies and procedures.
The most important thing to tell you (Take-Home Message)
If you need to have an imaging test to check for a disease or to help diagnose a condition, it can be a bit overwhelming. Don't panic. Remember that the radiologic technologist who is helping you has special knowledge and skills to perform that imaging test.
They will walk you through the process, help you feel comfortable, and if you have any questions about the test, don't be afraid to ask them. They are there to help you.
So, the next time you go to get an X-ray or a scan, look at the person operating the machine and think, "Oh, this is a radiologic technologist. He's the one who helps me." Got it?
` Radiology, Radiologic Technologist, Scan, X-Ray, MRI, CT Scan, Health Professionals
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