A radiographer is a medical professional who helps conduct certain patient examinations. For some, it’s a rewarding and enjoyable career option, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you know the benefits and drawbacks of a position, you can better decide if it’s right for you. In this article, we discuss the field of radiography, along with some pros and cons of being a radiographer.
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What is radiography?
Radiography is the use of radiation to provide internal images of the body. Through radiography procedures, medical professionals can better diagnose and treat patient conditions. For example, a doctor may use an X-ray machine to diagnose a broken arm and determine how to best treat it. The education requirements for working in radiography depend on the specific role.
In a radiographic procedure, an X-ray beam goes through the body. As this beam passes through, part of the X-ray is scattered or absorbed by the internal structure of a body. The machine then detects the remaining pattern and creates an image. This process uses radiation, making it essential that those operating the equipment have the proper training to conduct it safely.
Jobs available in radiography
Within the field of radiography, there are different professionals who operate the equipment and interact with patients going through the procedures. Here are some common jobs in the field of radiography:
Radiology technician
A radiology technician works with X-ray machines. They help to prepare patients for the exam, operate the equipment and keep patient records. Radiology technicians, also known as radiographers, often work inside hospitals or diagnostic imaging centers under the supervision of a medical doctor. It’s important for radiology technicians to follow safety protocols closely, as this protects patients and coworkers from unnecessary radiation exposure. Radiographers typically complete an associate degree program in radiology, which takes around two years to complete.
Radiologist
A radiologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats injuries with the use of medical imaging tests. Radiologists use equipment such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) and computed tomography (CTs) to see inside the body. They can then diagnose the patient’s condition and determine the best course of treatment. Since radiologists are medical doctors, they go through at least 13 years of training, which includes medical school, residency and a year or two of specialized training.
Radiology nurse
A radiology nurse is a medical professional who primarily focuses on preparing patients for diagnostic imaging procedures. Radiology nurses have more extensive knowledge of the procedures related to radiology technology and how to take care of patients going through these procedures. They typically work in hospitals or other healthcare facilities, where they either work in a specific ward, such as neurology, or rotate through different facilities. After becoming a registered nurse and earning experience in this field, those interested in becoming a radiology nurse can seek additional certifications.
Radiology Assistant
Radiology assistants work under the supervision of a radiologist and help to enhance patient care. Many healthcare facilities have begun hiring radiology assistants to improve patient care as demand increases for medical imaging services. A radiology assistant may perform similar tasks to the radiologist, such as assessing patients, performing select procedures and helping to prepare patients for examinations. Most healthcare facilities look for candidates with at least an associate degree and professional certifications when hiring radiology assistants.
Pros of being a radiographer
If you’re interested in working as a radiographer, or radiology technician, here are some benefits you might experience:
1. Career options
One benefit of working as a radiographer is that there are several career options within this field. For example, as a radiographer, you could work in either a hospital or another healthcare facility. There’s also a demand for radiographers, not only throughout the United States but also throughout the world. While there may be some challenges to moving abroad, having experience as a radiographer may help you find a job in another country. This range of career options makes it easier to find something that fits your desired lifestyle.
2. Salary
A common reason that people become radiographers is due to the decent salary. The average salary for an X-ray technician is $57,045 per year. This amount varies based on where you live and how much experience you have. In addition to this salary, common benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance and retirement savings plans.
3. Rewarding work
As a radiographer, you spend your days assisting patients. You help them feel more at ease regarding their examinations and answer questions for them about the tests. Some radiographers find the opportunity to work with patients and make their examinations more comfortable very rewarding. Going through these tests is sometimes a scary experience for patients, and radiology technicians can help to alleviate some of these fears.
4. Education requirements
Radiographers typically need an associate degree before getting a job. This is a two-year program, which is much shorter than the time it takes to become a radiologist. Because of the shorter amount of time it takes to become a radiographer, those interested in this career can begin working faster and often spend less on their education compared to getting a bachelor’s degree.
Cons of being a radiographer
While working as a radiographer, you may experience a few drawbacks, including:
1. Demanding days
Radiographers spend a lot of their day on their feet. There’s a lot of walking, standing and moving things around as a radiographer. This is a physically demanding position, which means it isn’t right for everyone. To make your workdays more comfortable, be sure you have a good pair of shoes and that you practice healthy daily habits outside of work.
2. Schedule
The schedule for radiographers depends a lot on where they work. As a radiographer, you may work long hours or on weekends and holidays. For example, if you work in a hospital, your schedule may include shifts overnight and change every week. This can make it difficult to plan your personal life. To accommodate, radiographers can aim to keep some flexibility in their personal lives. In addition, it’s a common practice to coordinate with your coworkers, trading shifts to help one another when necessary.
3. Career advancement
As a radiographer, there’s little room for advancement without additional training. For example, if you wish to become a radiology nurse, you need to go through nursing school and become a registered nurse first. This can make it hard to advance in your career. A good thing to do is consider your long-term career goals before becoming a radiographer, as this will allow you to better prepare. You can also continue your education once you’re working as a radiographer so that you’re learning and earning experience at the same time.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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