Radiology medical technologists or radiographers; administer non-radioactive materials from patient's bloodstream for diagnosis. In the testing, technologists use ionizing radiations to create image of the body parts. According to the images of injury, doctors diagnose patient and treat them. Radiology medical technologists carry out tests in laboratories at hospitals, medical laboratories and clinics.
To create images radiology medical technologists use their experience to utilize most favorable radiographic techniques in examination of patient. Examination is done according to patient's physical ability, and nature of injuries. For assessment of patient, technologists have to incorporate various machines and techniques like X-rays, sonography, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicines.
Besides test, technologists treat cancer patient as well by giving does of the radioactive elements to the patient. From the radiations, images are captured. Further treatment is decided according to the image results.
To become radiology medical technologists, student has to complete diploma course following their education. This formal course in radiography is of four years. Successful completion of course certifies candidate as radiology medical technologists. During the course students acquire knowledge about human anatomy, physiology, general and nuclear physics, radiation physics, mathematics, medical imaging science and diagnosis, radio diagnosis, radiological instrumentation, chemistry and photographic imaging techniques.
Besides this training, some additional training and experience helps technologist to become specialist in the field. However, for practicing as the technologists, there are strict regulations. Rules are made strict, because technologist has to work with hazardous ionization radiation.
In the field of radiology technology, technologists may have to expose themselves to radiation and therefore they have to take some precautionary measures. While testing patient, they need to cover themselves with shields. Shields secure them from radiations. Radiology Medical Technologists have to dedicate them in field and have to take care of the patient.
In worst conditions, they have to carry patient for the treatment. Some times, they have to examine patient in very critical and unfavorable conditions. In such cases, technologist may have to work other than their regular shift. Because of all such situations, radiology medical technologists need to have interest in this field. This dedication of work supports patient during the treatment.