Radiographer

Job Description

• Radiographers are health care professionals who operate diagnostic equipment to examine patients for an illness or injury.
• Their job description involves using technological equipment such as ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI to diagnose a disease.
• It also entails developing treatment plans and overseeing the administration of radiotherapy for patients.
• In performing their duties, radiographers collaborate with oncologists and physicians to plan radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients.
• They operate CT scanners, nuclear dyes, X-rays, and fluoroscope to obtain radiographic images of patients.
• These images are used to identify medical conditions such as diseases or injuries.
• Radiographers usually evaluate patient condition prior to radiotherapy to determine the suitable radiographic technique for treatment.
• Their role also involves interacting with patients to offer them psychological support and reassurance.

• Radiographers perform various functions in their effort to perfectly diagnose patients’ diseases.
• Here is an example of a typical radiographer job description, consisting of major duties, tasks, and responsibilities commonly assigned to the role in most firms:
• Evaluate patients’ medical condition and history to determine most suitable radiographic technique for diagnosis
• Interact with patients to offer them psychological support and address their concerns regarding an imaging procedure
• Adjust diagnostic equipment to deliver accurate amount of radiation to patients
• Operate complex medical instruments such as MRIs, CT scanners, X-ray, ultrasound, and several other imaging devices
• Liaise with oncologists and physicians to plan treatment for cancer patients
• Direct and supervise the activities of radiography assistants and trainee radiographers
• Maintain proper records of patient details ensuring confidentiality of sensitive information
• Follow up on patients after treatment to track the progress of recovery and ensure patients show no signs of radiation side effect
• Explain to patients and their family the details of a procedure and ways to manage possible side effects
• Regularly inspect diagnostic equipment to ensure they are functional and operate efficiently
• Assist oncologists and physicians during complex radiological examinations
• Ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines to minimize risk of exposure to ionizing radiation
• Correctly position patients prior to X-ray imaging in order to obtain high quality films
• Use portable devices to conduct diagnostic scans on patients who can’t move to the radiology unit.

If you are interesting in working as a radiographer and want to know the requirements you need to meet to be considered for the job by most employers, then check out the following points:

• Education and Training:
  To become a radiographer, you need an Associate’s degree in radiologic technology, or a Bachelor’s degree in radiography/sonography. Certification by ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) or ARDMS (American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers) is usually required for the job. Radiographers are also required to fulfill state requirements for obtaining a license, which involves passing a licensing exam
• Attention to details:
  Radiographers are able to deliver accurate amounts of radiation to patients during diagnosis and therapy
• IT
  
  Skills:
  
  They are proficient in operating computerized machines such as MRIs and Ultrasound equipment
• Teamwork Ability:
  They are adept to working with other health professionals such as oncologists and physicians to develop treatment plans for patients.