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Radiology Technician Schools

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1. Written by Julius S
   on August 14, 2009 at 5:52 pm
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   Radiologic technologists take x rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes.
   Radiologic technologists also referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.
   Radiologic technologists must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.
   In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.
   Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see soft tissues in the body.
   Some radiographers specialize in computed tomography (CT), and are sometimes referred to as CT technologists. CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional x rays of an area of the body. From those cross-sectional x rays, a three-dimensional image is made. The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same precautionary measures that radiographers use with other x rays.
   Radiographers also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging as an MR technologist. MR, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT, MR uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast.
   Another common specialty for radiographers specialize in is mammography. Mammographers use low dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast.
   In addition to radiologic technologists, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. (Each is discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.)

2. Written by who's sane
   on August 14, 2009 at 6:29 pm
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   My daughter works at a huge and well known hospital in our area in Michigan. She was attending college and expressed to someone that she wanted to be an x-ray tech, someone (I think hospital employee) told her that the large hospitals have their own training program, its much like college, the program is for 2yrs ,5 days a wk all day with hours of homework. They are selective, and require top grades and many do not graduate from it, A class of 30 only 12 made it. Then you need to become board certified. They talk to doctors and have much patient interaction and sometimes work in operating room, hospital rooms with equipment or in ER or where imagining is done , it can be gruesome when a person has their face blown off from a failed attempt at suicide etc, or dead children that drowned, etc, It is physically demanding and emotionally stressful when injured people need help. They do not do billing but must know how to have people positioned and bones and inside organs when internal x-rays are done, One needs to have high grades in school, and have good math etc. The classes are applicable to a degree at college and can further enhanced into other field such as ultrasound or MRI with schooling in that field, which is more of being able to read the images and understanding of human body and functions. Call your area hospital and see whom to talk to if they even teach, usually a large teaching hospital, The larger with more technology the better for going elsewhere if desired

3. Written by smiles
   on August 14, 2009 at 7:27 pm
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   Yes to all your questions in the 1st paragraph depending on what type of xray machines your working with depends on who you will be working with. The tech usually doesnt do any billing or insurance work they are just a tech. unless they do thier own billing because they contract in in which case they would just bill the facility for the hours worked. Hope this helps you