Careers for Radiography A radiologic technologist who is qualified to perform x-ray procedures is known as a radiographer. Radiographers provide service to their patients by producing high quality x-ray images of the patient's anatomy. X-rays, which originate in the x-ray machine, pass through the patient before they interact with the x-ray film or other recording media, such as a fluoroscope, which can be used to show a televised x-ray image. After processing, the x-ray image is known as a radiograph. The radiograph contains valuable information for the physician about a patient's condition. X-ray images can help the physician diagnose such conditions as broken bones, benign or cancerous tumors, ulcers, and atherosclerosis (blockages in the blood vessels).
Advances in the field of radiography now routinely include the use of computers to store and enhance the x-ray image. These advances include regular x-rays as well as computed tomography (CT), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), and magnetic resonance (MR). Computed tomography allows the physician to see cross-sections of the patient's anatomy in greater detail than on a typical x-ray image. In digital subtraction angiography, the computer enhances the physician's ability to see the patient's blood vessels. Magnetic resonance uses a magnetic field to produce cross-sectional computer images. This equipment is generally operated by experienced radiographers who have completed formal education or who have been provided additional education from their employers.
Job Opportunities Job opportunities for radiographers are available in a wide variety of settings. Positions can be found in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, physician's offices and emergency centers. In addition, jobs in industry, research, sales, civil service, and public health are also possible. Radiographers are employed in every type of community and in practically any location you would like to live. Salaries vary depending on the job setting and geographic location. In Indiana, average salaries for new graduates range from $15.00 to $20.00 per hour or $31,200 to $41,600 annually.
Careers for Radiation Therapy Technology An individual who is qualified to administer radiation treatments to patients according to the prescription and instructions of the physician, a radiation oncologist, is called a radiation therapist. Radiation oncology involves the use of ionizing radiation to treat malignant tumors and other types of disease conditions. The radiation therapist is responsible for administering the planned course of prescribed radiation treatments using a wide variety of therapeutic equipment and accessories. Therapists provide patient care and observe the clinical progress of their patient. They assist in quality assurance tasks and treatment planning procedures to include tumor localization and dosimetry.
Job Opportunities Radiation therapists can find employment in most medium to large hospital settings, free standing radiation oncology facilities, community cancer centers, research and sales. Average salaries for new graduates range from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour or $35,360 to $45,760 annually.
Careers for Nuclear Medicine Technology An individual who is qualified to perform procedures which require the use of radioactive materials for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is known as a nuclear medicine technologist. Nuclear medicine procedures usually involve imaging of the patient's organs, such as the heart or liver, after the introduction (orally or intravenously) of radioactive materials known as radiopharmaceuticals. Procedures can also be performed on specimens from the patient such as blood or urine. Samples from the patient can be combined with a radiopharmaceutical to measure various elements in the sample.
Job Opportunities Nuclear medicine technologists can find employment in both large and small hospital settings, outpatient clinics and imaging centers and physician's offices. Job opportunities also exist in industry, research, sales, civil service, and public health. Advances in the use of computers in medicine and the introduction of new radiopharmaceuticals to study the various organ systems provide exciting job responsibilities for individuals in the field of nuclear medicine. Salaries for nuclear medicine technologists entering the profession average from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour or $35,360 to $45,760 annually.
Careers for Sonography An individual who qualified to perform diagnostic procedures utilizing high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) is known as a diagnostic medical sonographer, an ultrasonographer, or an ultrasound technologist. The sonographer performs procedures on patients and records the sonographic data which is presented to the physician for interpretation and diagnosis. Sonography does not utilize any form of ionizing radiation, and is widely used as a safe procedure for examining the fetus in a pregnant patient. Many other patient conditions, such as gallstones, kidney stones, cysts, and heart problems, can also be diagnosed through the use of sonography.
Job Opportunities Job opportunities for sonographers are available in a wide variety of settings. Positions can be found in large and small hospitals, clinics and imaging centers, physician's offices, sales, and research. Salaries for new graduates range from $17.00 to $22.00 per hour or $35,360 to $45,760 annually.
