Radiologic Science – Online Schools & Degrees
Radiologic science is a discipline practiced by professionals, called radiographers, who specialize in creating images of the body’s internal structure. Careers in radiologic science are both secure and lucrative due to the swift growth of the health care industry. Radiographers are often on the front-lines of diagnoses as they are responsible for delivering the first glimpses of an illness or break within a patient. This fascinating branch of the medical community is especially appealing because it can be practiced after as little as 1 year of training. With the advances in technology and discovery of new methods for exploring the body’s inner workings, radiologic science professionals will be enjoying a dramatic rise in requests for their services over the coming years.
Duties
Radiologic science professionals work closely with physicians to capture radiographs, commonly known as x-rays, of an ill patient. In the course of their work, radiographers will prepare patients for x-ray examination by asking them to remove jewelry and other metals that interfere with the effectiveness of the x-ray machine. Radiographers may sometimes inject patients with non-radioactive material to aid in diagnoses and visibility. Radiologic science practitioners are in charge of operating the x-ray machine, which includes positioning patients in order to take the most detailed images possible. They will examine the area of the patient that is to be x-rayed to ascertain the radiograph settings that will produce the best results.
A large part of radiographers jobs is protecting themselves and patients from radiation through the use of lead shields and other devices. Experienced radiographers will undertake more complex jobs, such as x-raying soft tissue.
It is common for radiographers to specialize in other disciplines within the field of radiologic science. Radiographers often specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR scan) as MR technologists or computer tomography (CT scans). Another common specialization in mammography. Any medical procedure in which radiologic science is needed will have its own type of radiographer on call.
Education, Licensing, and Certification
While it is possible to earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science, the most common credential among radiographers is an associate’s degree or certificate. Associate degree programs typically take 2-years with a full course load whereas certificate programs can be completed in a single year. Certificate programs are best for experienced health professionals who want to augment their skill set with radiologic science. In order to progress into management, a higher degree such as a master’s is preferred.
Currently 40 states require radiologic science professionals to be licensed. This requirement is in line with federal legislation that demands all operators of radiologic equipment to be fully trained in order to protect the public from excessive exposure to radiation. 40 states
Certification by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is voluntary for radiologic science professionals, but is recommended as many employers prefer to hire radiographers with certification.
Employment Opportunities and Salary
Along with the rest of the health care industry, employment opportunities in radiologic science are expected to grow faster than average over the next few years. The most employers of radiographers are hospitals and private offices, but it is possible to find work in diagnostic imaging centers and outpatient care centers as well. The average salary of a radiologic science professional is $48,000, but can vary based on experience, position, and responsibility.
