Pursuing a Career in Radiologic Technology | Why Radiology?
Are you considering a career in radiologic technology? Look no further! Discover the exciting world of radiology and unlock a multitude of opportunities.
From diagnosing illnesses to guiding life-saving treatments, a career in radiologic combines cutting-edge technology with a passion for patient care. Embark on a journey of exploration and growth as you delve into the captivating field of radiology. Join us as we unravel the endless possibilities that await aspiring radiologists.
Hi everyone!In this blog, I wanted to fill y’all in about all of my different career paths I’ve chosen to follow throughout my life. Some of them have been fairly short lived, but I must say that I have learned from each and everyone of them.
How to Choose your Path?
It is hard for anyone to truly find their true calling in life. If you have found it, you are very fortunate. There are many many lines of work to consider when starting out.
Things to consider… Do I have a passion for the field? Is there a need or demand for this type of employment? Does it pay a good income? Can I diversify in the field or Can I move up in the field? Can I relocate in the field? What prerequisite courses do I require to be accepted into the program? What schools provide the program? Is it a diploma or degree program? What marks do I need to achieve for acceptance into the program?
Dalhousie University
Like most High School graduates, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, so I applied to several Universities upon graduating and was told to choose a general Bachelor Degree in Arts or Science program. Knowing that I was likely going to lean towards something more science oriented, likely healthcare, I chose that route. I was accepted into The University of Dalhousie in Halifax, Nova Scotia and off I went.
I studied there for a couple of years and my focus was to achieve some prerequisites to apply into the Radiologic School of Technologist program at The Moncton Hospital in New Brunswick. The program accepted a limit of four radiographer students into their program and it ran for approximately 30 months from start to finish. I somehow managed to win over a spot and the next two and a half years were extremely intense.
School of Radiologic Technology
The Moncton Hospital School of Radiologic Technology have now partnered off with the University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) as part of the Bachelor’s degree programs of Health Sciences in Radiography. The first two years are spent at the University, completing the health science portion of the courses, followed by Xray of part of a skull and C-spine. the third and fourth year at The Moncton Hospital, completing the courses in the field of Radiologic Technology. Graduates are then eligible to write the CAMRT national certification exams.
As a Job
As a Radiologic Technologist, your job is to perform radiographs (X- rays). Within the field of medical imaging there are numerous other specialized studies that can be preformed: Computed tomography studies(CT), magnetic resonance imaging studies (MRI), mammography studies and procedures, angiography studies and procedures , fluoroscopy studies and procedures, nuclear medicine technology studies and radiation therapy studies with the use of radioactive drugs and diagnostic medical sonography studies and procedures.
For Specializations
However, some of these specializations can be learned within the radiologic technology program if there is an interest to branch off. Some of these sub-specialties require a completely different program of training all together. To become a nuclear medicine technologist, a radiation therapist, or a diagnostic medical sonographer, you would require to complete an accredited program in that area of study. To establish a medical imaging career as a computed tomography technologist (CT tech) or magnetic resonance imaging technologist (MRI techs) would require further on the job training and a selection of online courses to be completed beyond graduation of your program in Radiologic Technology.
As an Operator
Radiologic Technologists often assist in the operating rooms with diagnostic imaging procedures such as biopsies, angiograms, tubal drainages, line placements, etc. They also provide support in trauma suites within the emergency department. Imaging needs arise in various locations throughout the hospital. Additionally, they frequently perform mobile X-rays on patients who cannot be transported to the imaging department. Unfortunately, CT technologists would be unable to relocate their imaging units, as the size would not permit for this. The same would stand for an MRI technologist and their equipment.
Last but not least is a Radiologist. This is another person who would be considered at the top of the chain of medical imaging professionals. There education would entail, a four year undergrad, followed by four years of medical school. Upon completion of this stage, as a medical doctor, they would now apply for a residency in radiology. Upon acceptance , this residency would take five years to complete, with the option of another year fellowship advancement training in a specific area of interest.
The medical imaging field is an extremely diverse area in health care. It focuses on patient care, while also giving you an amazing education in physiology of the internal organs, anatomy of the human body, and the ability to create quality images for physicians’ offices to be able to come up with a diagnosis for the patients.
McMaster/Mohawk University School of Diagnostic Sonography
I did complete my studies in this field and did acquire my CAMRT certification. After that I took a position at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta for a short period of time. I had almost immediately been offered a placement in the Diagnostic Sonography program in Hamilton, Ontario at The University of McMaster/Mohawk. This program lasted two years.
It was equally as intense as the Radiology program, maybe even slightly up a level. I very much enjoy this field of imaging. It puts the imager (sonographer) very much more in the driver’s seat. It gives the imager a much higher level of responsibility. In this field, it is the job of the sonographer to find the pathology. Every individual scanned is different. Body habitus, positioning, equipment, skill, and training are huge factors in acquiring good imaging. It is extremely important to learn
technique in this field. You must scan through every part of an area in question to rule out pathology. You learn to use different windows to see different organs and parts. The pathologies are endless. Ultrasound and its use of sound waves to produce medical images is truly fascinating.
When I finished my training, the job market was wide open. To this day, the need for sonographers is huge. The opportunities are endless. It truly is a wonderful field that is continually growing. There are many different paths you can take. I have seen a lot of interesting things and have been through a lot of interesting encounters throughout this part of my career. and I will go on to discuss many of them in future blogs. Can’t wait to share!
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the best career options in diagnostic imaging?
The field of diagnostic imaging is a rapidly growing and evolving area that offers a wide range of career options for those interested in the medical field. Some of the best career options in this field include radiologic technology, nuclear medicine technologists, sonographers, and radiology technologists.
Radiologic technologists use X-ray, CT scans, MRI scans, and other imaging techniques to diagnose and treat diseases or injuries. Nuclear medicine technologists specialize in using nuclear imaging to diagnose and monitor the progress of various conditions. Sonographers use ultrasound technology to create images of internal organs and tissues. Radiology technicians help prepare patients for imaging exams and assist radiologists during procedures.
The career in radiologic technology require varying levels of education and certification depending on the role, but all offer excellent opportunities for growth within the field of diagnostic imaging.
What do you do after diagnostic radiography?
After a diagnostic radiography procedure, the radiologist will review and interpret the images. The radiologist will then provide a report with their findings to the patient’s doctor. The doctor can use this information to diagnose the patient and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Doctor may send the copy of images and report to other healthcare providers involved in the patient’s care, such as specialists or surgeons. The doctor may also recommend further follow-up tests or treatments depending on the situation, ensuring that the patient receives the best possible care.
