X-Ray Eyes
by Sandy Bartlett
Can you picture yourself in this scenario? An elderly gentleman is rushed into the emergency room (ER) by two paramedics. He is unconscious and moaning. A hard collar (Miami Collar) immobilizes his neck. Lying on a hard board to protect his spine, he enters the trauma bay. The paramedics quickly report information to the head doctor about the gentleman: his vital signs and any injuries they've observed. As the team of doctors, nurses and assistants hastily encircle the victim, the hustle and bustle of the ER fades in the distance.
First, his level of consciousness and breathing are assessed. The head physician takes charge of the team. He/she issues orders for tests, blood work, etc. He orders a CT (Computerized Tomography) of the patient's head, chest, spine and any other suspicious areas. This is where you come in. The tests ordered by the doctor can confirm the patient's injuries. Your training as a radiologic technologist (RT) could have a significant impact on this patient's outcome.
Real Life Look
Henry Reinhart, RT, has been employed at the trauma hospital for the last 20 years - the same hospital where he trained as a student. "I love the ER," he says. "I enjoy the hustle and bustle of a fast pace. You always have to be on your toes when a trauma patient arrives. I was drawn into this profession by my desire to help people and I've seen it all right here."
The RT Degree
A high school diploma is imperative, while focusing on math and the sciences is also essential. In addition to having the necessary prerequisite courses, a potential RT must have physical stamina. RTs typically are on their feet for long periods of time and often must be able to lift or turn disabled patients.
There are two routes in achieving an RT degree. The two year community college track will lead to an associate degree in RT, while the four year university track will lead to a BS (Bachelor of Science degree) in RT. At the end of your program, you may sit for the registry exam. This exam is not required in all states, but it will ensure more job opportunities for the applicant who has successfully passed this test. Check with your state's requirements as to what continuing education credits are required to maintain your license.
An RT's Curriculum
The RT program curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, pathology, medical imaging sciences, diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, radio diagnosis, photographic imaging techniques, and chemistry. Students also learn how to position patients to obtain the desired film and cautiously use the lowest dose of radiation necessary.
Most students rotate through the different radiological departments alongside other
Job Outlook
The job opportunities are endless. As an RT, you can travel all over the country and work as little or as much as you want, including any shift you want. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the nation will need 75,000 more radiographers and 7,000 more radiation therapists by the year 2010. Salaries in this health care field range from $45,500 to $51,280 depending on the institution and area of the country.
Wide Range of Possibilities
The possibilities are also endless. After working in an ER most of his professional life, Reinhart now works in a Radiologist's office, administering radiation treatments to cancer patients. The pace is slower, but the work is equally satisfying, he says. "It's particularly rewarding when people are cured," says Reinhart. Of course, he sees the other spectrum as well. "You have to remain empathetic but supportive," he says, adding that sometimes it's hard to not get involved with the patients.
A Fulfilling career
When asked what makes his profession as a radiologic technologist worthwhile, especially when he's had a difficult day at work, Reinhart responded: "You know, we all have difficult days every now and then, especially when one of our patients dies, but you have to focus on the positive. Not everyone will be cured, but that's what it's all about - people caring about people and doing their best to make them well."
First, his level of consciousness and breathing are assessed. The head physician takes charge of the team. He/she issues orders for tests, blood work, etc. He orders a CT (Computerized Tomography) of the patient's head, chest, spine and any other suspicious areas. This is where you come in. The tests ordered by the doctor can confirm the patient's injuries. Your training as a radiologic technologist (RT) could have a significant impact on this patient's outcome.
Real Life Look
Henry Reinhart, RT, has been employed at the trauma hospital for the last 20 years - the same hospital where he trained as a student. "I love the ER," he says. "I enjoy the hustle and bustle of a fast pace. You always have to be on your toes when a trauma patient arrives. I was drawn into this profession by my desire to help people and I've seen it all right here."
The RT Degree
A high school diploma is imperative, while focusing on math and the sciences is also essential. In addition to having the necessary prerequisite courses, a potential RT must have physical stamina. RTs typically are on their feet for long periods of time and often must be able to lift or turn disabled patients.
There are two routes in achieving an RT degree. The two year community college track will lead to an associate degree in RT, while the four year university track will lead to a BS (Bachelor of Science degree) in RT. At the end of your program, you may sit for the registry exam. This exam is not required in all states, but it will ensure more job opportunities for the applicant who has successfully passed this test. Check with your state's requirements as to what continuing education credits are required to maintain your license.
An RT's Curriculum
The RT program curriculum includes anatomy and physiology, general and nuclear physics, mathematics, radiation physics, pathology, medical imaging sciences, diagnosis, radiologic instrumentation, radio diagnosis, photographic imaging techniques, and chemistry. Students also learn how to position patients to obtain the desired film and cautiously use the lowest dose of radiation necessary.
Most students rotate through the different radiological departments alongside other
health care
professionals to get hands-on training. In this way, students become familiar with a range of sophisticated equipment to produce high quality images that doctors and other health care professionals use to diagnose an injury or disease. These include x-rays, sonography, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, nuclear medicine studies, and mammography. Radiation Therapy, administering targeted doses of radiation to treat cancer patients, is usually a separate or additional program available to the RT.Job Outlook
The job opportunities are endless. As an RT, you can travel all over the country and work as little or as much as you want, including any shift you want. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the nation will need 75,000 more radiographers and 7,000 more radiation therapists by the year 2010. Salaries in this health care field range from $45,500 to $51,280 depending on the institution and area of the country.
Wide Range of Possibilities
The possibilities are also endless. After working in an ER most of his professional life, Reinhart now works in a Radiologist's office, administering radiation treatments to cancer patients. The pace is slower, but the work is equally satisfying, he says. "It's particularly rewarding when people are cured," says Reinhart. Of course, he sees the other spectrum as well. "You have to remain empathetic but supportive," he says, adding that sometimes it's hard to not get involved with the patients.
A Fulfilling career
When asked what makes his profession as a radiologic technologist worthwhile, especially when he's had a difficult day at work, Reinhart responded: "You know, we all have difficult days every now and then, especially when one of our patients dies, but you have to focus on the positive. Not everyone will be cured, but that's what it's all about - people caring about people and doing their best to make them well."
Facebook
del.icio.us
DiggSound Off! Post Your Comments
You are not currently logged on. Please login to add a comment.
Request Free Information
on Colleges, College Admissions, and College Life
