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The most well-known equipment used in this career is an x-ray machine, although others may also be used such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT).
Medical problems can be treated early and effectively with the help of these highly-advanced equipment without resorting to invasive procedures such as surgery. Radiologic technologists must always see to it that patients are properly protected from radiation exposure by equipping them with lead shields onto exposed areas. Radiation can be especially dangerous to the genital areas as they can destroy sperm and egg cells, and may render a person unable to procreate in the future.
Besides this, they must also ensure that patients are properly guided throughout the diagnostic imaging procedure. Patients must be in an appropriate posture that will help make the imaging process more efficient and effective, while the radiation being emitted by the x-ray equipment must be at the right dosage depending on the person being scanned. A radiologic technologist must have absolute control of the x-ray equipment he must ensure that the settings such as exposure time should be appropriate for every situation. Doctors usually provide specific instructions to technologists regarding the imaging procedures, and the radiologic tech must carefully follow all of them while performing his duties.
Since the radiologic technologist career can be very challenging because of its very technical nature, people who wish to pursue it are required to take up a minimum of 2 years worth of training, usually in an associates degree program. You must complete this in order to be qualified for any employment opportunity, whether in hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers. Your training will allow you to learn how to properly use and maintain x-ray equipment, handle patients, as well as following standard safety procedures whenever diagnostic imaging procedures are being performed.
If you are to succeed as a radiologic technologist, you must seek certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT is an authorized body that can provide certification in special areas of radiology such as mammography, angiography, MRI, and CT. With the competitive nature of this career, specializing in more areas can lead to better employment opportunities and salary thresholds. And with experience and continuing education, you may also be promoted to managerial or top-level positions.
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Source: (radiologic technologist) http://www.theradiologytech.com/radiologic-technologist.html