Radiologic technologists use various types of equipment to produce images s of a patient's body.
Radiologic technologists work in health care settings. They conduct examinations using complex diagnostic imaging devices such as magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and computed tomography. Radiologic technologists' duties include exercising physicians' orders and adhering to regulations regarding the use of equipment in order to protect patients and colleagues from radiation exposure. Radiologic technologists also have administrative duties including the maintenance and adjustment of equipment. Fresno City College offers radiologic technology training through a partnership with Loma Linda University.
Program Overview
Fresno City College offers a two year Associate of Science degree in radiologic technology in conjunction with Loma Linda University. The program prepares students to work as x-ray technicians in health care settings and to pass the exams required to do so, the California licensing exam and the national American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam. The program helps students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to analyze radiographic images, apply principles of radiation protection, aid in fluoroscopic procedures, analyze radiologic system performance and use anatomy, physiology, and radiographic knowledge to accurately show anatomical structures on radiographic imaging equipment.
Courses
Students must complete first-year courses in fundamentals of radiology technology, basic positioning, clinical orientation lab, radiation biology, clinical observation, quality assurance, advanced positioning, nursing procedures and basic clinical radiation technology.
Second year courses include pathology, advanced clinical, advanced positioning-cranium, special procedures, specialized clinical, fluoroscopy and concentrated clinical.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements include the following: high school graduation or a General Education Diploma (GED) test score of 45; completion of academic courses in anatomy and physiology and basic electricity with a minimum grade of C; a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, and completion of the program's academic summary form. Students must also be physically able to complete the requirements needed to fulfill the duties of a radiologic technician.
Types of Specializations
Radiologic technologists may specialize in the area of fluoroscopy, computed technology (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or mammography technology. Fluoroscopy involves the preparation of a solution which a patient must drink. The radiologic technologist then uses digital imaging equipment to analyze the resulting radiograph of the body's soft tissues. CT technologists use computed tomography (CT), or CT scans, to create layers of cross-sectional x-rays of a specific anatomical area, resulting in the creation of a three dimensional image. MRI technologists use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a form of non-ionizing radiation produced by magnets to create images. Mammographers produce images of the breast using low dose x-rays.
State Certification
To practice in the state of California, radiologic technologists must have a certificate or permit which is issued upon successful completion of an approved educational program approved by the California Department of Public Health's Radiological Health Branch (RHB). They also must pass the California state exam for diagnostic or therapeutic radiologic technology certification or the national examination for therapeutic radiologic technology certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers both examinations, while the California Department of Public Health offers the state exam only. Technologists who pass either exam are considered qualified to perform x-rays on any part of the body.
Technologists who are certified by the state of California are eligible to apply for permits to specialize in fluoroscopy or mammography povided they have met specialized educational requirements for those technologies. The ARRT also offers additional certificates in radiation therapy technology.
Tags: Radiologic technologists, magnetic resonance, magnetic resonance imaging, radiologic technology, resonance imaging, American Registry
