What's a Radiologic Technologist?

A Radioloigic Technologist or Radiographer is a medial professional who applies doses of ionizing radiation to patients to create medical images of the human anatomy. The images aid Radiologists and Physicians in treating and diagnosing illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, nursing homes and in a private practice. The Radiologic Technologist is responsible for setting the amount of radiation that will be given to the patient using the ALARA technique (As Low As Reasonably Achievable). They are to provide excellent patient care to ensure patient safety, comfort and satisfaction. They are also required to provide as much protection to the patient from radiation as possible. This is done by giving the patient lead shielding, accurate collimation of the x-ray machine, and having to avoid any retakes of any examinations. You should always expect adequate hand washing techniques from them before and after each individuals exam, rooms and equipment to be clean and adequately prepared for the procedures, and you should always feel like you have the right to ask any questions or advise any concerns you might have. A Radiologic Technologist is not a Physician, so they are not educated in diagnosing any medical images for the patient. The patient should always advise their Physician if they have any questions regarding their images. The number one goal for the Radiologic Technologist is always patient care!