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 Career Information Radiologic Technologists are imaging science professionals that have completed accredited educational programs. Columbus State offers Radiography and Nuclear Medicine. Radiation Therapy and Sonography programs are available at other locations and may be located at www.arrt.org.
Occupational Description
Job Description Professional competence requires that radiographers apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic technique, and radiation biology and protection in the performance of their responsibilities. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, other health professionals, and the public. Additional duties may include evaluating radiologic equipment, conducting a radiographic quality assurance program, providing patient education, and managing a medical imaging department. The radiographer must display compassion, competence, and concern in meeting the special needs of the patient. Employment Characteristics Radiographers are employed in health care facilities-including specialized imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and private physicians' offices-and as educators or imaging department administrators. Salaries and benefits are generally competitive with other health professions, and vary according to experience and employment location. Educational Programs Programs are generally 2 to 4 years in length, depending on program design, objectives, and the degree or certificate awarded. The curriculum of an accredited program includes an extensive component of technical and professional courses, including an emphasis on structured competency-based clinical education. Interested individuals should contact a particular pro- gram for information on specific courses and prerequisites. Inquiries
Occupational Description Radiation therapists deliver radiation to patients for therapeutic purposes. Radiation therapists provide for appropriate patient care and safety; apply problem-solving and critical thinking skills in the administration of prescribed treatment protocols, tumor localization, and dosimetry; and maintain pertinent records. Radiation therapists are particularly concerned with the principles of radiation protection for the patient, themselves, and others while performing these responsibilities. Job Description Professional competence requires that radiation therapists apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, oncologic pathology, radiation biology, radiation oncology techniques, treatment planning procedures, and dosimetry in the performance of their duties. They must also communicate effectively with patients, health professionals, and the public. The radiation therapist accepts responsibility for administering a radiation oncologist (physician)-prescribed course of radiation therapy, observing the patient during treatment, and maintaining pertinent records of treatment. Radiation therapists also evaluate and assess treatment delivery components, evaluate and assess the daily physiologic and psychologic responsiveness of the patient, and promote total quality care for patients undergoing radiation therapy. Additional duties may include tumor localization, dosimetry, patient follow-up, and patient education. Radiation therapists must display competence, compassion, and concern in meeting the special needs of the oncology patient. Employment Characteristics Radiation therapists are employed in health care facilities, including cancer centers and private offices; they are also employed in settings where their responsibilities focus on education, management, research, and sales. Salaries and benefits vary with experience and employment location, but are generally competitive with other health specialties. Educational Programs Programs may be 1,2, or 4 years in length, depending on program design, objectives, and the degree or certificate awarded. The curriculum of an accredited program includes an extensive component of technical and professional courses, including an emphasis on structured, competency-based clinical education. Interested individuals should contact a particular program for information on specific courses and prerequisites. Inquiries
Nuclear medicine is the medical specialty that uses the nuclear properties of radioactive and stable nuclides to make diagnostic evaluations of the anatomic or physiologic conditions of the body and to provide therapy with unsealed radioactive sources. The skills of the nuclear medicine technologist complement those of the nuclear medicine physician and of other professionals in the field. Job Description Nuclear medicine technologists perform a number of tasks in the areas of patient care, technical skills, and administration. When caring for patients, they acquire adequate knowledge of the patients' medical histories to understand and relate to their illnesses and pending diagnostic procedures for therapy, instruct patients before and during procedures, evaluate the satisfactory preparation of patients before commencing a procedure, and recognize emergency patient conditions, and initiate life-saving first aid when appropriate. Nuclear medicine technologists apply their knowledge of radiation physics and safety regulations to limit radiation exposure, prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals, use radiation detection devices and other kinds of laboratory equipment that measure the quantity and distribution of radionuclides deposited in the patient or in a patient specimen, perform in-vivo and in-vitro diagnostic procedures, use quality control techniques as part of a quality assurance program covering all procedures and products in the laboratory, and participate in research activities. Administrative functions may include supervising other nuclear medicine technologists, students, laboratory assistants, and other personnel; participating in procuring supplies and equipment; documenting laboratory operations; participating in departmental inspections conducted by various licensing, regulatory, and accrediting agencies; and participating in scheduling patient examinations. Employment Characteristics The employment outlook in nuclear medicine technology is good. Opportunities may be found in major medical centers, smaller hospitals, and independent imaging centers. Opportunities also are available for obtaining positions in clinical research, education, and administration. Salaries vary depending on the employer and geographic location. According to a 1994 survey of 1,514 nuclear medicine technologists by the Society of Nuclear Medicine, 32% earned between $31,000 and $40,000 per year, 27% earned between $40,000 and $49,000, and 26% earned $50,000 or more. Educational Programs
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Occupational Description The diagnostic medical sonographer provides patient services using medical ultrasound under the supervision of a physician responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. The sonographer assists the physician in gathering sonographic data necessary to diagnose a variety of conditions and diseases. Job Description The sonographer provides patient services in a variety of medical settings in which the physician is responsible for the use and interpretation of ultrasound procedures. In assisting physicians in gathering sonographic data, the diagnostic medical sonographer is able to obtain, review, and integrate pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data to facilitate optimum diagnostic results; perform appropriate procedures and record anatomical, pathological, and/or physiological data for interpretation by a physician; record and process sonographic data and other pertinent observations made during the procedure for presentation to the interpreting physician; exercise discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic services; provide patient education related to medical ultrasound; and promote principles of good health. Employment Characteristics Diagnostic medical sonographers may be employed in hospitals, clinics, private offices, and industry. There is also a need for suitably qualified educators, researchers, and administrators. The demand for sonographers continues to exceed the supply. The supply and demand ratio affects salaries, depending on experience and responsibilities. According to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, the 1995 salary for diagnostic medical sonographers with less than 1 year of experience was $29,800. Educational Programs
Inquiries
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Occupational Description 