Radiologic Technologist/Technician (Radiographer)
Radiologic technologists and technicians, also referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems and helping diagnose and treat illness and injury. They work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, nursing homes, and in private industry.Radiologic technologists are responsible for both use of the machines and patient care. They are the ones who explain the exam to the patient, get him/her ready, and then perform the exam. They place the equipment at the correct distance and angle from the patient to make the appropriate images for the physician. Radiographers also assist surgeons in the operating room with either portable x-ray or fluoroscopic machines.
Radiologic technologists and technicians must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.
A radiologic technologist in the U.S. goes to school for at least 2 years through a program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or through an accredited military program. They must pass a written test, as well as final exams at the place of their clinical education (hands-on learning in a medical setting).
Other imaging modalities such as mammography, ultrasound (sonography), nuclear medicine, MRI and CT scanning may be performed by a radiologic technologist, but only one who has further training and/or accreditation.
To learn more about Radiologic Technologists and Technicians go to the US Department of Labor weblink at: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radiologic_technologist
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm