Radiologic Technologist Information

A radiologic technologist or radiographer, is a medical professional who applies doses of ionizing radiation or radioactive materials to patients in order to reduce or eradicate tumors and cancer cells or create medical images of the human anatomy to aid radiologists and other doctors diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and in private practice.

Nature of the work

The allied medical professions include many branches such as, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, surgical technologist, nursing, laboratory technologists, radiologic technologist and others. The branch of the allied health field known as Radiologic Technology also has its own fields or specialties. The term radiologic technologist is an all encompassing term relating to all the different modalities within this allied health profession. Specifically, there are other titles used to describe the nature of the work, such as nuclear medicine technologist, radiographer, sonographer, radiation therapist, etc.

The term "technician" is reserved for vocational workers who fix medical equipments and is not related with the allied medical professionals known as "Radiologic Technologists".

Radiologic technologists employ a wide range of sophisticated equipment to produce medical images with the least amount of radiation to the patient, so that doctors and other medical professionals may better diagnose and treat injury or disease. Radiologic Technologists use their expertise and knowledge of physics, anatomy, physiology and pathology to assess the patient, develop optimal radiographic technique and evaluate resulting radiographic images to determine if additional procedures are warranted. They care for the patient even when acutely ill or traumatised.

The practice of radiologic technology includes the following modalities (or specialties):

• Diagnostic radiography – deals with examination of internal organs, bones, cavities and foreign objects; includes cardiovascular imaging and interventional radiography.
• Sonography – uses high frequency ultrasound and is increasingly used due to its economy, safety, and versatility in obstetrics (including fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy), necology, abdominal, pediatrics, cardiac, vascular and musculo-skeletal regions.
• Fluoroscopy – live motion radiography (constant radiation) usually used to visualize the digestive system; monitor the administration of contrast agents to highlight vessels and organs or to help position devices within the body (such as pacemakers, guidewires, stents etc.)
• CT (computed tomography) – which provides cross-sectional views (slices) of the body; can also reconstruct additional images from those taken to provide more information in either 2 or 3D.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – builds a 2-D or 3-D map of different tissue types within the body;
• Nuclear medicine – this uses radioactive tracers which can be administered to examine how the body and organs function, for example the kidneys or heart. Certain radioisotopes can also be administered to treat certain cancers such as thyroid cancer.
• Radiotherapy - uses radiation to shrink, and sometimes eradicate, cancerous cells/growths in and on the body.
• Mammography - uses x-ray to image the breast tissues.

Education

Education requirements slightly vary worldwide because of common references. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from eighteen months to four years and leads to certificate, an associate's degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Prior to this profession's liberalization program towards a mandatory four-year bachelor's degree, one to two-year certificate or associate degree programs were most prevalent in Canada and the United States. Since these professionals use ionizing radiation, which is potentially harmful to the living cells, most countries have strict regulations, certifications and registration process regarding the practice of this profession.

The educational curriculum conforms in different countries. Usually during their formal education they must learn human anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, plane and spherical trigonometry, radiopharmacology, pathology, biology, biostatistics, research, nursing procedures, medical imaging science and diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, emergency medical procedures, medical imaging techniques, computer programming, patient care and management, medical ethics and general chemistry.

In Great Britain

Radiographers, as they are known in the United Kingdom, can be divided into two types, diagnostic radiographers or therapeutic radiographers. Diagnostic Radiographers work in the Radiology department to image parts of the body (Plain film X-ray, CT, MRI etc.) and often produce 'written outcome reports' from which clinicians can make a diagnosis. Therapeutic radiographers apply doses of radiation to treat cancers.

Training in England & Wales and Northern Ireland is a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) university degree whilst in Scotland it is a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree. Once qualified the candidate is required to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) before they are allowed to practice. To maintain their registration with the HPC, radiographers are required to continue their education, known as CPD (continuing professional development). In the UK the title 'radiographer' is protected in law.

Radiographers can specialize by undertaking postgraduate courses at master's level (MSc), usually a postgraduate diploma is required to practice in the field of Ultrasound / MRI / CT / Nuclear Medicine / formal reporting etc. Some radiographers proceed to gain their full Master's Degree (MSc) and PhD to work as Consultant Radiographers in the UK.

Radiographers are eligible for membership of the Society of Radiographers.

In the National Health Service (NHS), radiographers are now undertaking many of the roles historically undertaken by radiologists (doctors specialising in medical imaging) and radiation oncologists (doctors specialising in using radiation to treat cancer). This includes the reporting of plain films and CT scans,^[1] and performing of procedures such as barium enemas^[2] IVUs and nerve root injections.^{[citation needed]}

In the United States

A radiologic technologist is trained in programs of various lengths lasting from 18 months to attain a certificate or associate's degree to a 4 year program and graduating with a bachelor's degree. All radiologic technologist programs must be accredited by The Joint Review Committee on Education of Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). After completion of any of these programs, the graduate technologist would sit for their board exam. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification (or board) exam is the gold standard in the United States. However, some states will allow for the practice called "limited scope" radiography, in which case individuals are permitted to attend classes for several weeks with a focus on a specific body part, sometimes followed by the ARRT exam, but this may be optional as long as the state they practice in has issued them a "limited scope" to practice.

In 2005, 38 states certified radiologic technologists. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. Certified radiographers have the most career flexibility to practice, as the ARRT credentials are accepted everywhere in the USA (although some states do require a state license to practice too). Those not credentialed by the ARRT and only licensed in their state may not be able to practice outside that state.

Radiologic technologists certified by the ARRT are expected to re-certify every two years. To be recertified, radiologic technologists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Failure to complete this continuing education can result in a radiologic technologist needing to re-take their ARRT board exam in order to be credentialed again.

Advanced practice and midlevel radiology practitioners are Radiology Practitioner Assistants (RPAs) and Registered Radiologist Assistants (RRAs).

The current educational organization for RPAs is the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders (SRPE), who's current president is Jason K. Barrett and VP is David Hardwick.

In the Philippines

Currently, a four year full-time post secondary schooling, thesis presentation, passing the licensure examination administered every June and November in Manila by the Professional Regulation Commission, active membership with the Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists and mandatory compliance with Continuing Professional Development are required to practice Radiologic Technology in the Philippines. Three year associate degree is still offered although it is going to be phased out in March 2011. The practice and title of Radiologic Technology in the Philippines is regulated and protected by law.^[3] The Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology program in the Philippines covers a wide selection of subjects that includes: Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, General Physics, Biochemistry, Medical Ethics, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography, Interventional Radiology, Mammography, Pathology, Nursing procedures in Radiology, Radiologic Physics and Radiation Protection, Digital Radiography and General Radiography to name a few. The radiologic technology curriculum in the Philippines is based and in accordance with the standards set by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.^[4]

Master's degree in Science, administration and education are available in various prestigious universities such as the University of Santo Tomas.

• Compliance with ISO directives are common practice with Filipino Radiologic Technologists.

The Philippine educational structure and system was designed and enforced by the United States of America having colonized the latter. English, being one of the two official languages of the Philippines, is the nationwide medium of instruction for education. References for radiologic technology education in the Philippines are mainly from the United States and other English-speaking countries. References include but are not limited to authors such as: Ballinger, Bushong, Charboneau, Wilson, Rumack, Saia, Saunders, Yochun, Thompson and Saia.

Popular destinations for migrant Overseas Filipino radiologic technologists or x-ray technologists are: the United States, Canada, Great Britain and the Middle East.

Professional advancement

In the United States

While radiologic technologists in the United States work in trauma, operating room, critical care, fluoroscopy, CT scanning, MRI and angiography and other areas; there are many other available options for career advancement. RT's can attain continuing education in Mammography, CR, MRI , angiography, and become ARRT certified in these areas. Or they may pursue additional education in the areas of ultrasound (sonography), and nuclear medicine. (the results of a pilot study on using sonography as a primary certification was published by the ARRT in 2005).[1]

Those with a preference towards leadership may seek positions in an administrative capacity such as shift supervisor, chief (sometimes called a "lead") radiologic technologist, or department manager, administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for administrative positions.

There is also a career path in radiologic technology education for those who desire to have a hand in the future of the profession. Even this career path contains several directions including, clinical instructor, didactic (course) instructor, and the more administrative positions of clinical coordinator and program director.

In the United States, some sonographers and MRI technologists are not radiologic technologists. However, they should be credentialed by some ARRT equivalent agency to assure the educational preparation was adequate. They are able to perform exams specifically and solely in the areas of MRI & sonography because these modalities don't use ionizing radiation and therefore are not held to the same protective standards as radiologic technology areas that do.

Wage and salary information and Job availability

Canada

In Canada (excluding Quebec), the salary of x-ray technologists ranges from $19.5-28.5/hour ($40,000-$56,000, calculated as full time base) for new graduates and up to $42.5/hour ($85,000, calculated as full time base) for top level x-ray technologists working in Alberta. The mean annual wage of radiography technologists nationally in 2005 was around $50,000 according to Statistics Canada.

Great Britain

Salaries are based on the National Health Service (NHS) Agenda for Change pay scale: Newly qualified Radiographer, Band 5: £20,710 - £26,839 (salary data collected Jan '10). Range of senior radiographer salaries, Band 6: £24,831 - £33,436 (salary data collected Jan '10). Range of lead or superintendent grade salaries, Band 7 / 8a: £29,789 - £45,000 (salary data collected Jan '10). Managers or consultant radiographers can earn up to £65,657, Band 8c (salary data collected Jan '10) ^[5].

Italy

In Italy a Radiologic technologist earns a gross salary of roughly 22.000 euro per year

Lithuania

In Lithuania a Radiologic technologist working in Nuclear Medicine earns a gross salary of roughly 24.000 LTL (7000 euro) per year

USA

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists salary survey had the median earnings nationwide at $58,673 per year. Mean full-time compensation was reported highest in California ($75,873), Massachusetts ($71,574), Washington, D.C. ($68,585), Connecticut ($66,471) and Oregon ($66,152). Mean full-time compensation was reported lowest in West Virginia ($45,627), South Dakota ($48,902), Alabama ($49,131), Arkansas ($50,244) and North Dakota ($50,601). The disciplines/specialties yielding the highest compensation were medical dosimetry ($87,188)and radiation therapy ($71,461). Radiography ($52,336) was least lucrative, followed by mammography ($56,605). The survey is computed by information provided by the technologists themselves. As in most fields, wages increase commensurately with the amount of experience, responsibility levels and various modality capabilities. One must keep in mind that the higher salaried states also have a higher cost of living index and the wages are commensurate with the cost of living.

Job Availability

As with many occupations in the United States, there are several available positions for the Radiologic Technology professionals in 2010^{[citation needed]}. This is probably due, in part, to the large number of unfilled job openings a few years ago. This vacancy in the profession was the impetus for many interested parties flocking into radiologic technology programs. Many educational facilities took advantage of this demand and expanded their educational programs. By accepting more and more students, the ratio of graduates to available positions eventually balanced out^{[citation needed]}. In some areas of the USA, this situation eventually tipped the scales and graduates began to have a difficult time obtaining a job.

Another factor that may have influenced the availability of positions is the economy. Many people are valuing job security over salary and location - so many RT's are staying in their positions instead of moving around, as they have done in the past. Longevity means stability in many facilities, so human resource departments are not motivated to seek new graduates^{[citation needed]}.

In addition, employers are trying to cut down on expenses so full time positions are not being renewed (to save cost on benefits), but rather they are being replaced by per diem positions. Many graduates are primary "bread-winners" and therefore seek positions with benefits^{[citation needed]}. When questioned in graduate surveys, these individuals often report that they do not have the job position they sought after graduation^{[citation needed]}.

To make themselves more marketable, radiologic technology professionals are cross training in several modalities. Starting as a Radiographer and moving into Computed Tomography, Mammography or MRI are just some of the career enriching moves that have been made. Many experienced RT's are jumping back into the educational arena for advanced education in Radiation Therapy, Special Procedures (aka. Interventional Radiology) or Nuclear Medicine.

See also

• National Radiologic Technology Week
• Radiography
• Radiation therapist
• Sonography

References

1. ^ Field-Boden QC & Piper KJ (March 1996). "Reporting for radiographers". Synergy: 32–33.
2. ^ WAUGH R (September 2005). "Fluoroscopy role redesign and service improvement". Synergy: 10–15.
3. ^ http://www.scribd.com/doc/5994782/RA-1992
4. ^ http://www.ched.gov.ph/policies/CMO2007/cmo_47_s2007.pdf
5. ^ http://www.nhsemployers.org/Aboutus/Publications/PayCirculars/Documents/pay_circular%20_AfC_%20%201_2009.pdf

1. Exploring Heatlth Care Careers Third Edition Volume 2. New York: Infobase. 2006. pp. 796–797. ISBN 0-8160-6448-2. http://wwwfegpubco.com.

External links

• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is the USA national credentialing body for Radiologic Technology professionals.
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists is the USA national professional organization.
• Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologist, Inc.
• Philippine Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Online Community for Radiologic Technologists
• eRADIMAGING is an e-publication exclusively for RTs with FREE CE
• The British Society of Radiographers
• Health Professions council in the UK
• Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition - Detailed outlook of the Radiologic Technologist And Technician vocation, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept. of Labor.
• Bureau Labor of Statistics - Occuptional Outlook Handbook - US
• UK QAA Benchmark Statement for Radiography
• British Nuclear Medicine Society - Nuclear Medicine Radiographer
• British Association of MRI Radiographers
• British Institute of Radiology -the oldest radiological society in the world. The origins of the BIR can be traced back to a first meeting held on 2 April 1897 to form "The X-ray Society".
• Radiology Technologist Networking Group
• Radiology Societies and Associations a listing of radiology associations and societies in the United States and around the World
• ISRRT is the international society for Radiologic Technology professionals around the world
• [2] NY Society of Radiologic Technologists

http://www.rtstudents.com/radiology/radiology-societies.htm

Categories: Healthcare occupations | Radiology | Radiography

Related 'Radiologic Technologist' Searches:

See Also:

• Medical Technologist