Radiologic Technology Definition
Radiologic technology is the science and practice of taking diagnostic medical imaging, such as the use of ionizing radiation (x-ray) and other methods. Radiologic technicians produce images of body parts and organ systems under the direction of physicians, usually radiologists, to diagnose patients. It is also called radiography, medical imaging and diagnostic medical imaging.
Discovery
Medical imaging was accidentally discovered in 1895 by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen, a German physicist who was studying the "phenomena accompanying the passage of an electric current through a gas of extremely low pressure," according to the official website of the Nobel Prize. He observed and recorded electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range now known as x-ray.
Uses
Radiologic technology is used to help radiologists and other physicians, such as internal medical specialists, detect and diagnose injury or disease, everything from broken bones to cancer. It is used in hospitals, medical offices, diagnostic imaging centers, clinics, urgent care and even in mobile imaging units.
Specializations
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, dental radiography, computed tomography (CT) and mammography are some of the many specializations of radiologic technology, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Methods include ultrasound (diagnostic medical imaging or ultrasonography), fluoroscopy, angiography, positron emission tomography (PET) and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan.
Radiologic Technicians
Technicians trained to practice radiologic technology and produce medical images are called radiologic technologists, radiographers, radiologic technicians, radiology technicians, rad techs and X-ray techs. the images are also called radiographs. They are not radiologists, who are medical doctors with 13 to 14 years of post-graduate medical education and specialization and are trained to interpret medical images and apply those results to treatment.
Education
Radiologic technicians usually have a two-year associate of applied science degree. Some earn a one-year certificate and some a four-year bachelor's degree. Those who have earned more education and training are usually called technologists, rather than technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says radiologic technology students focus on anatomy, imaging, radiation physics, safety, positioning, radiobiology and other areas of study. Part of their education includes clinical practice.
Safety
Radiologic technologists prepare patients by removing jewelry, explaining procedures and positioning them for imaging. They exercise safety precautions by shielding patients and themselves from radiation. However, creating images does not always involve radiation, such as ultrasound or sonography.
Medical Journal
The official medical journal of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists is called "Radiologic Technology." It publishes scholarly studies and issues in the field of medical imaging.
Tags: medical imaging, diagnostic medical, diagnostic medical imaging, also called, Bureau Labor
