Read Into a New Career at Radiology Schools
by Robyn Tellefsen
You may know that DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, an EKG is an electrocardiogram, and GI is short for gastrointestinal, but are you familiar with the acronyms CT, MRI, and US? If you're looking for a picture-perfect radiology career, you'd better learn your ABCs from radiology schools.
CT
When you hear that a radiology technician uses CT (computed tomography), a.k.a. a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan, that means she employs special X-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body. A computer then processes that information to show a clear cross-section of body tissues and organs.
A radiology tech employs CT imaging to aid in the diagnosis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. These exams are also used to plan radiation treatments for tumors, to guide biopsies, and to plan surgery. A CT examination usually takes five minutes to a half hour.
MRI
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is another essential tool in the field of radiology, and is taught in radiology programs. Instead of X-rays, MRI uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field to provide clear, detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. That's why the MRI is often used to diagnose sports-related injuries -- the technique enables a radiology tech to capture fine soft-tissue details in areas such as the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and wrist.
In addition, MRI imaging is valuable in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. An MRI exam typically consists of two to six imaging sequences, each lasting two to 15 minutes. The exam generally takes 15 to 45 minutes, but a more detailed study can take longer.
US
With ultrasound (US) imaging, or ultrasound scanning/sonography, a radiology technician obtains images from inside the human body via high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are then recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No X-rays here!
US is a great way to examine internal organs such as the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs -- which comes in handy for obstetric ultrasound, the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Those who've completed radiology programs have been privileged to show millions of expectant parents the first picture of their unborn child through pelvic ultrasounds. These exams generally take less than 30 minutes.
Now you've learned your ABCs -- and once you've been educated at radiology schools, your alphabet soup is sure to spell success.
CT
When you hear that a radiology technician uses CT (computed tomography), a.k.a. a CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan, that means she employs special X-ray equipment to obtain image data from different angles around the body. A computer then processes that information to show a clear cross-section of body tissues and organs.
A radiology tech employs CT imaging to aid in the diagnosis of cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma, and musculoskeletal disorders. These exams are also used to plan radiation treatments for tumors, to guide biopsies, and to plan surgery. A CT examination usually takes five minutes to a half hour.
MRI
MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is another essential tool in the field of radiology, and is taught in radiology programs. Instead of X-rays, MRI uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field to provide clear, detailed pictures of internal organs and tissues. That's why the MRI is often used to diagnose sports-related injuries -- the technique enables a radiology tech to capture fine soft-tissue details in areas such as the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, and wrist.
In addition, MRI imaging is valuable in diagnosing conditions such as cancer, heart and vascular disease, stroke, and joint and musculoskeletal disorders. An MRI exam typically consists of two to six imaging sequences, each lasting two to 15 minutes. The exam generally takes 15 to 45 minutes, but a more detailed study can take longer.
US
With ultrasound (US) imaging, or ultrasound scanning/sonography, a radiology technician obtains images from inside the human body via high-frequency sound waves. The reflected sound wave echoes are then recorded and displayed as a real-time visual image. No X-rays here!
US is a great way to examine internal organs such as the heart, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and bladder. Because ultrasound images are captured in real time, they can show movement of internal tissues and organs -- which comes in handy for obstetric ultrasound, the specialized use of sound waves to visualize and determine the condition of a pregnant woman and her fetus. Those who've completed radiology programs have been privileged to show millions of expectant parents the first picture of their unborn child through pelvic ultrasounds. These exams generally take less than 30 minutes.
Now you've learned your ABCs -- and once you've been educated at radiology schools, your alphabet soup is sure to spell success.
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