The Definitive Guide to the Radiology Technician Career
When taking radiology technician as a career you should first of all understand the nature of the work what its entails, what you are required to have and know the working environment of this profession before you decide if you want to go on that route.
Radiologist technicians take x-rays and minister non-radioactive material to patient in blood stream, for diagnostic purposes. They also produce x-ray films for the part of the body they are required to x-ray. They are also involved in giving advice and instruction to the patient who will undergo these procedures. They are also required to follow physicians’ orders and conform to the regulation concerning the use of radiation in order to protect themselves, the patient and the coworkers from unnecessary exposure which may lead to other health complication.
Most of radiologist technician are full time technician working for about 40 hours per week, although there is provision for a part time shift. For you to work in this field you need to have physical stamina because sometime or most of the time you will be involved in moving, lifting or turning the patient and for operating the radiation machine.
Radiation hazard is the working environmental condition of a radiology technician, they are minimized by the use of protective lead apron, gloves and shield devices, in conjunction with using instrument which are used to monitor the radiation exposure. For radiation technologist or technician, they have a badge that they wear, that measure radiation levels in the radiation area. Records are always kept on their accumulative lifetime dose.
Preparation for this profession is offered in hospital, university and other institution of higher learning. Formal training programs in radiography takes a span of 1-4 years training which leads to attaining awards such as certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degrees. The most common in this field is the two year associate degree programs. For those who have done any other medical course and they want to join radiology, a one year certificate programs is available for them these people are like the registered nurse and medical technologist.