Radiographers often pass their findings on to radiologists, who interpret the images to help make a diagnosis. This is called diagnostic radiology. Interventional radiology uses imaging during a medical procedure to guide and assist in treatment.
Besides a medical center’s radiology department, radiologic technologists can work in areas like surgery, the emergency room, cardiac care, intensive care, and patient rooms.
Radiographers may use tools and procedures such as:
Helping surgeons, such as with imaging during complicated procedures
Education and Training
An associate degree in radiography or a bachelor's degree in medical radiography is required to become a medical radiographer. Associate programs typically take 2 years, while bachelor's programs take about 4 years. They teach things like:
Programs must be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) to prepare radiography students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Diagnostic imaging often focuses on specific areas of treatment, such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, nuclear medicine, and bone densitometry. Radiographers can also specialize in:
Angiography (imaging of blood vessels and the heart)
Mobile radiography (using special machines for patients who are too sick to travel)
Trauma radiography (usually in an ER)
Working in operating rooms (to assist surgeons with special X-ray equipment)
