A radiologic technologist or radiographer, is a medical professional who applies doses of ionizing radiation or radioactive materials to patients in order to reduce or eradicate tumors and cancer cells and create medical images of the human anatomy to aid radiologists and doctors diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and in private practice.

Contents 1 Nature of the work 2 Education 2.1 In the Philippines 2.2 In Great Britain 2.3 In the United States 2.3.1 American Post Qualification Survey 2.3.2 Professional advancement in the USA 3 Wage and salary information 3.1 Canada 3.2 Great Britain 3.3 Italy 3.4 USA 4 See also 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Nature of the work

The allied medical professions include many branches such as, respiratory therapist, physical therapist, surgical technologist, Nursing, laboratory technologists, radiologic technologist and others. The branch of the allied health field known as Radiologic Technology also has its own fields or specialties. The term radiologic technologist is an all encompassing term relating to all the different modalities within this allied health profession. Specifically, there are other titles used to describe the nature of the work, such as nuclear medicine technologist, radiographer, sonographer, radiation therapist, etc.

The term "technician" is reserved for vocational workers who fix medical equipments and is not related with the allied medical professionals known as "Radiologic Technologists".

Medical radiologic technologists employ a wide range of sophisticated equipments to produce medical images with the least amount of radiation to the patient, so that doctors and other medical professionals may better diagnose and treat injury or disease. Radiologic Technologists use their expertise to assess the patient, develope optimal radiographic techniques and evaluate resulting radiographic images to determine if additional procedures are warranted.

The practice of Radiologic Technology includes the following modalities (or specialties):

• Diagnostic Radiography – deals with examination of internal organs, bones, cavities and foreign objects; includes cardiovascular imaging and interventional radiography.
• Sonography – uses high frequency ultrasound and is increasingly used due to its economy, safety, and versatility in obstetrics (including fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy), necology, abdominal, pediatrics, cardiac, vascular and musculo-skeletal regions.
• Fluoroscopy – live motion Radiography (constant radiation) usually used to visualize the digestive system; monitor the administration of contrast agents to highlight vessels and organs or to help position devices within the body (such as pacemakers, guidewires, stents etc.)
• CT (computed tomography) – which provides cross-sectional views (slices) of the body; can also reconstruct additional images from those taken to provide more information in either 2 or 3D.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) – builds a 2-D or 3-D map of different tissue types within the body;
• Nuclear medicine – this uses radioactive tracers which can be administered to examine how the body and organs function, for example the kidneys or heart. Certain radioisotopes can also be administered to treat certain cancers such as thyroid cancer.
• Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)- uses radiation to shrink, and sometimes eradicate, cancerous cells/growths in and on the body.
• Mammography - uses x-ray to image the breast tissues.

[edit] Education

Education requirements slightly vary worldwide because of common references. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from three to four years and leads to an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Prior to this profession's liberalization program towards a mandatory four-year bachelor's degree, one to two-year certificate or associate degree programs are most prevalent in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and the United States. Since these professionals use ionizing radiation, which is potentially harmful to the living cells, most countries have strict regulations, certifications and registration process regarding the practice of this profession.

The educational curriculum conforms in different countries. Usually during their formal education they must learn human anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, plane and spherical trigonometry, electromagnetism, radiopharmacology, pathology, biology, biostatistics, logic, philosophy, research, genetics, nursing procedures, medical imaging science and diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, radio diagnosis, emergency medical procedures, medical imaging techniques, general psychology, computer programming, patient care and management, medical ethics and general chemistry.

[edit] In the Philippines

In the Philippines, radiologic technology qualifications earned thru distance education or online learning, limited licenses, or mere vocational certification is not acceptable. The practice and title of Radiologic Technology in the Philippines requires a license, a four and a half years bachelor's degree and is regulated and protected by law ^[1].

In the past, a full time three-year associate degree in radiologic technology program was offered but bachelor's degree holders are prevalent. Associate degree holders find it hard to secure better employment prospects because of academic discrimination among employers prompting them to eventually upgrade their qualification towards a bachelor's degree. The associate degree program was discontinued and is now phased out. Educational institutions nationwide no longer offer the program. Master's degree in Science, administration and education is available in various prestigious universities such as the University of Santo Tomas.

Currently, a four and a half year post secondary schooling, thesis presentation, passing the licensure examination administered every June and November in Manila by the Professional Regulation Commission, active membership with the Philippine Association of Radiologic Technologists and mandatory compliance with Continuing Professional Development are required to practice Radiologic Technology in the Philippines. The Bachelors Degree in Radiologic Technology program in the Philippines covers a wide selection of subjects that includes: Plane and Spherical Trigonometry, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, General Physics, Genetics, Medical Ethics, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation Therapy, Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Ultrasonography, Interventional Radiology, Mammography, Pathology, Nursing procedures in Radiology, Picture archiving and communication system and General Radiography are all based and in accordance with the existing standards of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists^[2].

English, aside from tagalog as being the Philippines' official languages, is the nationwide medium of instruction for education. References for radiologic technology education in the Philippines are from the United States and other English-speaking western countries. References include but are not limited to authors such as: Ballinger, Bushong, Charboneau, Wilson, Rumack, Saunders, Yochun, Thompson and Saia.

• Compliance with ISO directives are common practice with Filipino Radiologic Technologists.

Situations: Because of low salary, heavy workloads, technologists leaving the profession, lack of compensation, skilled migration, workplace safety issues, fewer students entering the profession and issues such as the proposed measures to address the loopholes of R.A. 7431^[3], the Philippines, like the rest of industrialized countries, now faces a critical nationwide shortage of Radiologic Technologists.

[edit] In Great Britain

Radiologic technologists in the U.K are known as diagnostic radiographers or therapeutic radiographers. Training in England & Wales and Northern Ireland is a three-year university degree whilst in Scotland it is a four-year degree. Once qualified the candidate is required to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) before they are allowed to practice. To maintain their registration with the HPC, radiographers are required to continue their education, known as CPD (continuing professional development).

Radiographers can specialize by undertaking postgraduate courses at master's level (M), usually a postgraduate diploma is required to practice in the field of Ultrasound /MRI / CT / Nuclear Medicine / formal reporting etc. Some radiographers proceed to gain their full Master's Degree and PhD to work as Consultant Radiographers in the UK.

Radiographers are eligible for membership in the Society of Radiographers.

In the NHS, radiographers are now undertaking many of the roles historically undertaken by radiologists (doctors specialising in medical imaging) and radiation oncologists (doctors specialising in using radiation to treat cancer). This includes the reporting of plain films and CT scans,^[4] and performing of procedures such as barium enemas^[5] IVUs and nerve root injections.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] In the United States

A radiologic technologist in the U.S. is educated in a two or four year accredited (by the Joint Review Committee on educational programs in Radiologic Technology) program. There are accredited military program (such as the US ARMY MOS 68P), 2-year certificate programs, 2-year associate degree programs and there are 4 year bachelors programs in Radiologic Technology. There are a few Masters Degree programs offered in the USA in Education and Administration. After completion of any of these programs, the graduate technologist would sit for their board exam. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification (or board) exam is the gold standard in the USA. However, some states allows for the practice called "limited license" radiography, in which case individuals are permitted to attend classes for several weeks with a focus on a specific body part, sometimes followed by the ARRTexam, but this may be optional as long as the state they practice in has issued them a "limited license" to practice.

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly educated. However, there is much controversy of what "properly educated" is defined as. The gold standard in the USA is a minium of 2 years with a fully accredited curriculum (Refer to ASRT curriculum guide & JRCERT accreditation standards). Furthermore, under this legislation, the federal government sets voluntary standards that states may use for accrediting training programs and certifying individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography.

In 2005, 38 states certified radiologic technologists. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. Certified radiographers have the most career flexibility to practice, as the ARRT credentials are accepted everywhere in the USA (although some states do require a state license to practice too). Those not credentialed by the ARRT and only licensed in their state may not be able to practice outside that state.

Radiographers certified by the ARRT are expected to re-certify every two years. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years. Failure to complete this continuing education can result in a radiologic technologist needing to re-take their ARRT board exam in order to be credentialed again.

Advanced practice and midlevel radiology practitioners are Radiology Practitioner Assistants (RPAs) and Registered Radiologist Assistants (RRAs).

The current educational organization for RPAs is the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders (SRPE), who's current president is Wade Carrington and VP is David Hardwick.

[edit] American Post Qualification Survey

Survey excerpts^[6]:

• Theatre training

“More hands on training in theatre as a student would have better prepared me for the amount of theatre work expected to be undertaken.”

• Preceptorship

“The Preceptorship period at my hospital was very unsupportive, however this was noted. “

• Hard work

“A lot of hard work, especially with shortages of staff. Ultimately enjoyable though.” “Hard, hard work leaving me tired out at the end of the day”

• Understaffed

“Therapeutic Radiography is a tiring and stressful job, especially for a newly qualified radiographer. More machines and staff are definitely needed to relieve the stress on current resources”

• AfC

“Although I love my job, I feel that my 1st year has not been as enjoyable as I would have expected when commencing the university course. We were told that the government was desperate for radiographers and I was expecting to easily find a job in my local area- this has unfortunately not been the case. I think radiographers got an unfair deal out of agenda for change and staff moral has been extremely low making the work environment particularly tense and difficult. Starting on a contract where we have to work more hours than our colleagues is also unfair in my opinion and for the work that we do and the hours we put in, I feel we should be on more money especially considering the economy at the moment.”

• Career progression

“It is clear that there are not many band six jobs coming up which is making it very difficult for band 5 radiographers to progress. There is also little opportunity and funding to undertake further training and post grad courses”

[edit] Professional advancement in the USA

While radiographers in the USA work in trauma, operating room, critical care, fluoroscopy, CT scanning, MRI and angiography and other areas; there are many other available options for career advancement. RT's can attain continuing education in Mammography, CR, MRI , angiography, and become ARRT certified in these areas. Or they may pursue additional education in the areas of ultrasound (sonography), and nuclear medicine. (the results of a pilot study on using sonography as a primary certification was published by the ARRT in 2005).[2]

Those with a preference towards leadership may seek positions in an administrative capacity such as shift supervisor, chief (sometimes called a "lead") radiologic technologist, or department manager, administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for administrative positions.^[7]

There is also a career path in radiologic technology education for those who desire to have a hand in the future of the profession. Even this career path contains several directions including, Clinical instructor, didactic (course) instructor, and the more administrative positions of clinical coordinator and program director.

In the United States, some sonographers and MRI technologists are not radiologic technologists. However, they should be credentialed by some ARRT equivalent agency to assure the educational preparation was adequate. They are able to perform exams specifically and solely in the areas of MRI & sonography because these modalities don't use ionizing radiation and therefore are not held to the same protective standards as Radiologic Technology areas that do.

[edit] Wage and salary information

[edit] Canada

In Canada (excluding Quebec), the salary of x-ray technologists ranges from $19.5-28.5/hour ($40,000-$56,000, calculated as full time base) for new graduates and up to $42.5/hour ($85,000, calculated as full time base) for top level x-ray technologists working in Alberta. The mean annual wage of radiography technologists nationally in 2005 was around $50,000 according to Statistics Canada.

[edit] Great Britain

Typical starting salaries for newly qualified Therapeutic Radiographers range between £19,683 and £25,424 (salary data collected May 08). Salaries at Radiographer Specialist level typically range between £23,458 and £31,779 (salary data collected May 08). Typical salaries for Radiographer Advanced are between £28,313 and £37,326 (salary data collected May 08). Higher salaries are possible for Senior Consultant posts.^[8] The range of starting salaries for newly qualified Diagnostic Radiographers starts at Band 5 on the National Health Service (NHS) Agenda for Change pay scale: £20,225 - £26,123 (salary data collected Jan 09). Range of senior radiographer salaries, Band 6: £24,103 - £32,653 (salary data collected Jan 09). Range of lead or superintendent grade salaries, Band 7: £29,091 - £38,352 (salary data collected Jan 09). Managers or consultant radiographers can earn up to £64,118, Band 8c (salary data collected Jan 09) ^[9].

[edit] Italy

In Italy a Radiologic technologist has a salary of only 20000/22000 euro (approximately).

[edit] USA

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists salary survey had the median earnings nationwide at $58,673 per year. Mean full-time compensation was reported highest in California ($75,873), Massachusetts ($71,574), Washington, D.C. ($68,585), Connecticut ($66,471) and Oregon ($66,152). Mean full-time compensation was reported lowest in West Virginia ($45,627), South Dakota ($48,902), Alabama ($49,131), Arkansas ($50,244) and North Dakota ($50,601). The disciplines/specialties yielding the highest compensation were medical dosimetry ($87,188)and radiation therapy ($71,461). Radiography ($52,336) was least lucrative, followed by mammography ($56,605). The survey is computed by information provided by the technologists themselves. As in most fields, wages increase commensurately with the amount of experience, responsibility levels and various modality capabilities.

[edit] See also

• National Radiologic Technology Week
• Radiography
• Radiation therapist
• Sonography

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.scribd.com/doc/5994782/RA-1992
2. ^ http://www.ched.gov.ph/policies/CMO2007/cmo_47_s2007.pdf
3. ^ http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/47034026!.pdf
4. ^ Field-Boden QC & Piper KJ (March 1996). "Reporting for radiographers". Synergy: 32–33. 
5. ^ WAUGH R (September 2005). "Fluoroscopy role redesign and service improvement". Synergy: 10–15. 
6. ^ [1]
7. ^ What Does An X Ray Technician Do?
8. ^ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/therapeutic_radiographer_salary.jsp
9. ^ http://www.prospects.ac.uk/p/types_of_job/diagnostic_radiographer_salary.jsp

1. Exploring Heatlth Care Careers Third Edition Volume 2. New York: Infobase. 2006. pp. 796–797. ISBN 0-8160-6448-2. http://wwwfegpubco.com. 

[edit] External links

• Radiology Search is a peer-reviewed Radiology search engine for radiologists and radiology technicians.
• American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Radiology School Reference
• Philippine Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Online Community for Radiologic Technologists
• eRADIMAGING is an e-publication exclusively for RTs with FREE CE
• The British Society of Radiographers
• X Ray Technician Blog
• Health Professions council in the UK
• Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition - Detailed outlook of the Radiologic Technologist And Technician vocation, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Dept. of Labor.
• Bureau Labor of Statistics - Occuptional Outlook Handbook - US
• UK QAA Benchmark Statement for Radiography
• British Nuclear Medicine Society - Nuclear Medicine Radiographer
• British Association of MRI Radiographers
• British Medical Ultrasound Society
• British Institute of Radiology -the oldest radiological society in the world. The origins of the BIR can be traced back to a first meeting held on 2 April 1897 to form "The X-ray Society".
• Society for Radiological Protection
• UK Radiography careers website
• ISRRT
• X-ray Martyrs
• US X-ray Martyrs
• [3] NY Society of Radiologic Technologists

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