Since Röntgen’s discovery that X-rays can identify bony structures, X-rays have been developed for their use in medical imaging. Radiology is a specialized field of medicine. Radiographers employ radiography and other techniques for diagnostic imaging. Indeed, this is probably the most common use of X-ray technology.

X-rays are especially useful in the detection of pathology of the skeletal system, but are also useful for detecting some disease processes in soft tissue. Some notable examples are the very common chest X-ray, which can be used to identify lung diseases such as pneumonia, lung cancer or pulmonary edema, and the abdominal X-ray, which can detect ileus (blockage of the intestine), free air (from visceral perforations) and free fluid (in ascites). In some cases, the use of X-rays is debatable, such as gallstones (which are rarely radiopaque) or kidney stones (which are often visible, but not always). Also, traditional plain X-rays pose very little use in the imaging of soft tissues such as the brain or muscle. Imaging alternatives for soft tissues are computed axial tomography (CAT or CT scanning), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound. Since 2005, X-rays are listed as a carcinogen by the U.S. government.

Radiotherapy, a curative medical intervention, now used almost exclusively for cancer, employs higher energies of radiation.

Education

The education of a radiologic technologist varies worldwide. Usually their educational qualifications may include a diploma after secondary schooling or a three year to four year bachelor’s degree and or master’s degree. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year associate degree programs are most prevalent. Since these professionals are using ionizing radiation, which is potentially harmful to the living cells, most countries have strict regulations and certifications regarding the practice of this profession.

The educational curriculum also varies in different countries. Usually during their formal education they must learn human anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, pathology, medical imaging sciences and diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, radio diagnosis, and photographic imaging techniques and chemistry.

This is a blend of medical sciences and physical sciences.

Radiologic technologist in the U.S

A radiologic technologist in the U.S. goes to school for at least two years, unless their state allows a four-week education program for a limited license, through a program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or through an accredited military program such as the US ARMY MOS 68P. They then must pass a written examination, as well as final exams at the place of their clinical education. There are associate degree programs at community colleges and many bachelors degree programs as well.

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the federal government sets voluntary standards that states may use for accrediting training programs and certifying individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography.

In 2005, 38 states certified radiologic technologists and technicians. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Radiologic technologist in the Philippines

A bachelors degree and passing the licensure examination given yearly by the Professional Regulation Commission are required to practice radiologic technology in the Philippines. The radiologic technology programs in the Philippines are based and in accordance with the existing standards of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Radiographers in the U.K

Radiologic technologists in the U.K are known as diagnostic/therapy radiographers. The title diagnostic radiographer is a protected by law. Training in the UK is a three-year university degree, culminating in a BSc. (Bachelor of Science) qualification. Once qualified the candidate is required to register with the Health Professions Council (HPC) before they are allowed to practise. Radiographers who qualified before 1990 can still maintain their license with the diploma in diagnostic radiography. To maintain their license with the HPC, radiographers are required to continue their education, known as CPD (continuing professional development). All healthcare professionals are required to do this in the UK.

In the NHS, radiographers are now undertaking many of the roles historically undertaken by radiologists (doctors specialising in medical imaging). This includes the reporting of plain films and CT scans,[1] and performing of procedures such as barium enemas[2] IVUs and nerve root injections.

Professional advancement

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief or lead radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director’s position.

Some technologists progress by leaving the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Other imaging modalities such as mammography, ultrasound (sonography), nuclear medicine, MRI and CT scanning may be performed by a radiologic technologist, but only one who has further training and/or accreditation from the basic levels. (the results of a pilot study on using sonography as a primary certification was published by the ARRT in 2005).[1]

Some ultrasound and MRI technologists are not radiologic technologists. They are able to perform exams specifically and solely in these areas because these modalities don’t use ionizing radiation.