Learn How to Prepare for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Careers in Northeast Ohio
Diagnostic Medical Imaging refers to studies used to aid in diagnosing and treating patients. A wide range of imaging procedures are available, from plain film and digital radiographs (X-rays), ultrasounds and nuclear medicine, to complex computer-generated images such as computed tomography scans (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Radiologic technologists and technicians, also referred to as radiographers, use X-ray and special equipment to produce images of the tissue, organs, bones and vessels of the body for use in diagnosing and treating disease or injury in patients. Many radiologic technologists and technicians specialize in a particular imaging service.
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General Radiographers use radiation (X-rays) to produce black-and-white images of anatomy.
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Bone Densitometry Technologists use a special type of X-ray equipment to measure bone mineral density at a specific anatomical site (usually the wrist, heel, spine or hip) or to calculate total body bone mineral content.
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Cardiovascular - Interventional Technologists use sophisticated imaging techniques such as biplane fluoroscopy to help guide catheters, vena cava filters, stents or other tools through the body.
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Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists use a rotating X-ray unit to obtain images of “slices” of anatomy at different levels within the body. A computer then stacks and assembles the individual slices, creating a diagnostic image.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists are specially trained to operate MR equipment (machines that use strong magnets and radio waves, rather than radiation) to create detailed images of the patient’s anatomy.
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Mammographers produce diagnostic images of breast tissue using special X-ray equipment. Under a federal law known as the Mammography Quality Standards Act, mammographers must meet stringent educational and experience criteria in order to perform mammographic procedures.
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Nuclear Medicine Technologists administer trace amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to a patient and use a special camera to produce images of organs and reveal their function.
Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. Diagnostic medical sonographers, also known as ultrasonographers, use special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. The equipment collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Diagnostic medical sonographers may specialize in the following areas.
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Abdomen - all the soft tissues, blood vessels and organs of the abdominal cavities (liver, spleen, urinary tract, pancreas, etc.)
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Obstetrics/Gynecology - the female reproductive system
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Echocardiography - the anatomy and hemodynamics (blood flow) of the heart, its valves and related blood vessels
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Vascular Technology - the hemodynamics (blood flow) of peripheral and abdominal blood vessels; circulation
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Neurosonology - the brain and spinal cord
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Ophthalmology - the eye, including orbital structures and muscles
For both radiologic technologists and technicians and diagnostic medical sonography, programs range between one and four years and may lead to a certificate, an associate's degree or a baccalaureate degree. Two-year degree programs are the most prevalent, but four-year advanced degrees are also offered at some schools.
Most employers hire registered sonographers. Although no state requires licensure in diagnostic medical sonography, organizations such as the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) (www.ardms.org) certify the competency of sonographers through registration. Registration with ARDMS requires passing a general physics and instrumentation examination and an exam in a specialty. Most employers hire registered radiographers. Voluntary registration is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org). To be eligible for registration, technologists generally must have graduated from an accredited program and pass an examination. In 2003, about 38 states licensed radiologic technologists and technicians.
Radiology
- Aultman Hospital, Canton (C)
- Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Akron (C)
- Cuyahoga Community College, Parma (A)
- Cleveland Clinic, Euclid (C)
- Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky (C)
- Kent State University/Salem Campus, Salem (A)
- Lakeland Community College, Kirtland (A)
- Lorain County Community College, Elyria (A)
- Mercy College of Northwest Ohio, Toledo (A)
- Mercy Medical Center, Canton (C)
- Owens Community College, Toledo (A)
- University of Akron/Summit College, Akron (A)
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Cuyahoga Community College, Parma (A)
- Lorain County Community College, Elyria (A)
- Mercy Medical Center, Canton (C)
- Owens Community College, Toledo (A)
(Type of program: A=Associate Degree; C=Certificate; D=Diploma)