Diagnostic radiology technicians use different equipment to produce high-quality images of the body. These images help diagnose illnesses and injuries. In addition, they use complex technologies, including X-radiation, magnetic radiation and ultrasound.
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Functions
Diagnostic radiology technicians work primarily in hospital imaging departments and provide a service to most hospital departments, including emergency rooms, surgery rooms, and operating rooms.
They produce images using a range of complex technologies, depending on the situation and the type of research they have to do. For example, many types of computers are computerised. The radiology technician is responsible for the technical accuracy of the image.
For example, they use x-rays to examine bones and find objects that shouldn’t be in the body. By exposing a part of the patient’s body to a carefully controlled dose of X-rays, radiography can produce an image on the film of the inside of the body part.
They use ultrasound to create images of some of the internal organs. This involves sending high-frequency sound waves into the body and reflecting them to a scanner that measures them. For example, diagnostic radiology technicians also use ultrasound to gather information about unborn babies in the womb.
Other techniques include computed tomography to create 3D images in cross-sectional slices and magnetic resonance imaging to map different body tissue types.
They use their knowledge to interpret the images and talk with other healthcare professionals. For example, they work with specialist doctors, known as radiologists.
Diagnostic radiology technicians ensure that the patient is exposed to the minimum amount of radiation necessary to produce a clear image. They also have to protect themselves and others from radiation during equipment operations.
They may advance to radiology department management positions. They can also become consulting professionals, allowing them to achieve a high level of clinical practice and remain in direct contact with patients.
Professional profile
- To be a diagnostic radiology technician, you need:
- Teamwork skills, to work together with other health professionals.
- The ability to reassure anxious patients.
- Feel confident and can work with complex technology.
- A systematic approach, precision and attention to detail.
- The willingness to learn new skills and keep up with technological advances.
- Interest in science and technology, especially anatomy and physiology.
- Numerical skills, for example, to calculate X-radiation exposure.
Find out what to study to be a Diagnostic Radiology Technician
- Competencies
- Gentle.
- Capacity for teamwork.
- Able to calm and reassure people.
- Able to communicate with people at different levels.
- Able to pay attention to detail.
- Teach other radiographers.
- Skill for numbers.
- Communicative skills.
- Technical skills.
- Methodical.
- Do research.
- Sensitive.
- Use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose.
- It uses computed tomography to diagnose.
- It uses X-rays to diagnose.
- Use medical ultrasound.
Studies
Some studies that allow this profession to be practised are listed below. Keep in mind that, depending on the field of specialisation, you may have to complement the training with other more specific courses in the sector. Continuous training is a crucial aspect of professional improvement.
Official Master’s Degree in Diagnostic Imaging in Cardiology
Superior Technician in Radiotherapy and Dosimetryyour radiologist
RADIOLOGIST A radiologist is a physician who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medicine nuclear imaging, positron emission tomography (PET), imaging integration, and ultrasound. Some of these imaging techniques include the use of radiation and require training to understand safety and security practices in the radiological area.
Your radiologist has graduated, passed a licensing exam and completed a residency of at least four years of unique postgraduate medical study in topics such as:
- Radiation safety/protection
- Effects of radiation on the human body
- Creation and proper interpretation of quality medical and radiological examinations.
- Most radiologists have also completed a fellowship of one or two additional years of specialised training in a particular subspecialty of breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, or nuclear medicine. Your radiologist plays a crucial role in your health care because:
- Acts as an expert consultant to your referring doctor (the doctor who sent you for tests to the radiology department or clinic), helping him choose the proper test, interpreting the resulting medical images, and using test results to plan your care.
- Treats diseases using radiation (radiation oncology) or minimally invasive image-guided interventions (interventional radiology).
- Correlates findings on medical images with other exams and tests.
- Recommends further testing or appropriate treatment when necessary and consults with referring physicians.
- Directs radiology technologists (staff operating equipment) during the performance of quality exams.
