Radiographers – otherwise known as x-ray technicians – are individuals who help doctors identify cancer, ulcers, broken bones, etc.
As a radiographer, you must have excellent interpersonal skills because you will frequently interact with patients as well as doctors. You have to also be very detail-oriented and at ease working with the complex machines that are used to take pictures of patients’ internal bones and organs.
There is, of course, a bit of risk involved with radiation, but using protective measures, such as shields will reduce your exposure greatly.
Job:
Radiographers take patients through all the steps of x-rays, MRIs, CAT scans, and the like. They will make sure patients have removed their jewelry and other items that might affect the image the machine produces, protect patients with proper shields and devices, update patient records, and maintain the equipment.
Salary:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics conducted a survey in 2008 that put the median salary of a radiographer at approximately $52,210 annually. Most earned between $47,710 and $63,010 per year. When you first begin, you can expect a salary of around $35,000. This will increase as your experience and training progresses. The highest-earning radiographers make up to $75,000 a year.
Education:
You will need to achieve a certificate in radiology or an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. To become certified, you will need to spend about 2 years studying the following:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Imaging
- Medical ethics
- Medical terminology
- Pathology
- Patient care procedures
- Radiation protection
- Radiation physics
- Radiobiology
Most states require individuals to be licensed because of the danger involved with a job in radiology.
Associations:
· American Association of Dental Radiographic Technicians
· American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
· American Society of Radiologic Technicians
· Association of Radiography Educators
March 29th, 2010 at 8:40 am
thank you for all the information, now i have the beat view of a radiographer.