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Nuclear Medicine Tech

If you've ever broken your arm, twisted an ankle, or suffered from a serious upper respiratory infection, then you've probably come in contact with a radiologic technologist.

Also called radiograpbers, these professionals use X-ray equipment to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels of the body. "The equipment is all computer-based these days," says Cathy Parsons, vice president of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. "You put the patient on the table, make the exposure, and the image is almost immediate.

Our field is exciting, and the technological advances just over the last 10 years have been tremendous."

There are many professional paths to take in radiological sciences. A radiologic technologist may decide to specialize in mammography, computed tomography (CT scans), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other types of imaging. There's also ultrasound, or sonography, often used to examine the health of a baby inside the mother's womb. Another career path is nuclear medicine, which uses radioactive materials to produce images.

Radiation therapists administer highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Whether you're producing an X-ray image to detect a broken bone, or working as a radiation therapist treating cancer patients, this is a career in which you can make a difference in the lives of others.

What Techs Do

Radiologic technologists produce X-ray films of parts of the human body to help doctors in diagnosing a medical problem. "Before each procedure, we explain to the patient what we will be doing during the exam from start to finish, and answer any questions they may have, to put the patient more at ease and to prepare for the procedure," explains Parsons, who is also administrative director of medical imaging at Cumberland Medical Center in Tennessee.

The technologist will ask patients to remove any jewelry, and then position them on a table so that the particular part of the body can be radiographed. To protect other parts of the body, a lead shield may be used, or the technologist will limit the size of the X-ray beam. With the help of a computerized system, the technologist positions the equipment at an exact angle and height over the patient's body, sets the controls, and takes the exposure. Technologists in other specialized fields, such as MRI or nuclear medicine, will use different computerized equipment and settings.

Magnetism, Attraction, and Opportunity

By junior high school, Parsons knew she wanted a career in the health care industry. She just wasn't sure in what field. "I assisted at bloodmobiles and heart fund drives, and I volunteered at our local health department and hospital," says Parsons. "When I graduated from high school, our local hospital started a radiologic technology program, and I signed up. I would choose it again in a heartbeat if I had it to do over again."

Parsons adds, "The field of radiologic technology makes a significant difference in the lives of those people undergoing medical treatment.... Today imaging procedures are used to make the first diagnosis and/or treat the patient--it's exciting."

The Learning Curve

To pursue this career, be sure to take challenging high school courses in science, math, and English. If possible, take courses offered for college credit in the field while you are in high school. Radiologic technologists must complete a two-year training program at an approved hospital, community college, or technical school. Those completing the program at a community college will earn an associate's degree.

You may choose to attend a four-year program at a university or college, graduating with a bachelor's degree. With close to 1,000 accredited programs across the United States, there should be a radiologic technology school close to you.

Part of your training requires working side-by-side in radiology departments with doctors, nurses, and experienced radiologic technologists. This part of your education, known as clinical rotation, gives you a hands-on opportunity to practice your skills while learning and understand the critical part of patient care. You'll also be fine-tuning your technical expertise.

Kevin McDonnell, M.D., decided to take his career a step further after finishing medical school. He now practices in one of the newest medical specialties--interventional radiology. "I get the opportunity to look inside a person's body using X-ray equipment, and then it enables me to make a diagnosis," he says. "Because of new technology, our ability to diagnose a disease is improving every day."

Cardiovascular-interventional technologists are not medical doctors, but they have specialized training and toke a certification exam. These technologists use radiation to produce images that are used to diagnose and treat vascular abnormalities or diseases. They may also inject contrast mediums that will allow the radiologist to get a better look at the blood vessels or organs being examined.

Bright Outlook

As the American population ages and technology continues to advance, the demand for radiologic exams and procedures will soar. Qualified professionals will be needed throughout the country to provide medical imaging and radiation therapy. The wages of radiologic technologists are competitive with other health professionals with similar educational backgrounds.

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, wages average about $16 per hour for entry-level radiographers and $20 per hour for entry-level radiation therapists. With experience, additional education, or supervisory responsibilities, wages can reach an average of $20 to $25 per hour.

According to the most recent survey from the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of radiologic technologists and technicians were $36,000. The middle 50 percent earned between $30,220 and $43,380. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,310, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,050.

If you're looking for a promising future, job stability, and a good salary, then a career in radiologic technology is for you. It's also a field where you can find a balance between a great career and personal life. Most radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. They may have evening and on-call hours.

For More Information

American Society of Radiologic Technologists www.asrt.org (scholarships available)

Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology www.jrcnmt.org

Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography www.jrcdms.org

Determine Your Passion

Are you a candidate for a career as a radiologic technologists? Read on and check all that apply to you.

[] I have a passion for being on the cutting edge of technology and scientific progress.

[] I would enjoy working with the latest advances in the health and medical fields.

[] I enjoy high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

[] I am interested in human anatomy.

[] I have excellent communication skills.

[] I enjoy improving the lives of others.

[] I am willing to pursue additional educational, training, and certification programs.

[] I enjoy working as part of a team.

Radiologic Technologist: Zeroing In on a High-tech Career

Students will become familiar with the job of radiologic technologist.

REVIEW/DISCUSS

* What does a radiologic technologist do? (uses X-ray equipment for making images of the body)

* What is a radiologic therapist? (He or she administers radiation to treat cancer and other conditions.)

* What training do radiologic technologists need? (Training, which includes clinical rotation, may be acquired through a two-year associate's degree at a community college or a bachelor's degree at a college or university.)

* What kind of person is best suited to be a radiologic technologist?

* What makes the job rewarding?

ACTIVITIES

* Have students create a glossary of terms related to radiology, including radiologic technologist, radiographer, radiologic therapist, radiologist, MRI, CT scan, radiation, mammography, ultrasound, sonography, nuclear medicine, interventional radiology, and clinical rotation.

* Ask students to list the advantages and disadvantages of a job as a radiological technologist. Make sure they consider salary, job setting, responsibilities, hours, rewards, and routines.

* Ask students about any experiences they've had with radiologic technologists, and discuss the personal qualities and abilities important for a radiologic technologist to have.

* Invite a radiologic technologist to class, or encourage interested students to talk with a registered radiologic technologist about the job.

* Assign task forces to investigate local training programs in radiologic technology, including the courses required. Have them compare the programs with university programs.

* Encourage students to evaluate the level (high, medium, or low) of their interest in science, their desire to help people, and their interest in working in a hospital or doctor's office. "Radiologic Technology Careers," four videos or DVDs, $379.95; Cambridge Educational, P.O. Box 931, Monmouth Junction, NJ 08852-0931, (800) 468-4227. "Health Technologists & Technicians," video, $99.95; Jaguar Educational, 1-877-JAG-8200.

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