Beijing Paradise BBS Backup/PARADISE.ISO/software/BBSDOORW/JOB4.ZIP/OOHB0119.HBK

Text File | 1995-10-24 | 14.1 KB | 290 lines

288
Radiologic Technologists

(D.O.T.  078.361-034, .362-026, -046, -054, -058, .364-010)

Nature of the Work

Perhaps the most familiar use of the x ray is the diagnosis of
broken bones.  However, medical uses of radiation go far beyond
that.  Radiation is used not only to produce images of the interior
of the body, but to treat cancer as well.  At the same time, the use
of imaging techniques that do not involve x rays, such as ultrasound
and magnetic resonance scans, is growing rapidly.  The term
diagnostic imaging embraces these procedures as well as the familiar
x ray.

   Radiographers produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the
human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.  They prepare
patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure,
removing articles such as jewelry, through which x rays cannot pass,
and positioning patients so that the correct parts of the body can
be radiographed.  To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure,
technologists surround the exposed area with radiation protection
devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam.
Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle
and height over the appropriate area of a patient's body.  Using
instruments similar to a measuring tape, technologists may measure
the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on
the machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density,
detail, and contrast.  They place the x-ray film under the part of
the patient's body to be examined and make the exposure.  They then
remove the film and develop it.

   Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging tests.
For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast
medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist, a
physician who interprets x rays, to see soft tissues in the body.
Some radiographers operate computed tomography scanners to produce
cross-sectional views of patients and may be called CT
technologists.  Others operate machines using giant magnets and
radiowaves rather than radiation to create an image and may be
called magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists.

   Radiation therapy technologists, also known as radiation therapists,
prepare cancer patients for treatment and administer prescribed
doses of ionizing radiation to specific body parts.  They operate
many kinds of equipment, including high-energy linear accelerators
with electron capabilities.  They position patients under the
equipment with absolute accuracy in order to expose affected body
parts to treatment while protecting the rest of the body from
radiation.

   They also check the patients reactions for radiation side effects
such as nausea, hair loss, and skin irritation.  They give
instructions and explanations to patients who are likely to be very
ill and may be dying.  Radiation therapists, in contrast to other
radiologic technologists, are likely to see the same patient a
number of times during the course of treatment.

   Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, use
non-ionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's
body; the equipment then collects reflected echoes to form an image.
The image is viewed on a screen and may be recorded on a printout
strip or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by
physicians.  Sonographers explain the procedure, record additional
medical history, and then position the patient for testing.  Viewing
the screen as the scan takes place, sonographers look for subtle
differences between healthy and pathological areas, and judge if the
images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.  Sonographers may
specialize in neurosonography (the brain), vascular (blood flows),
echocardiography (the heart), abdominal (the liver, kidneys, spleen,
and pancreas), obstetrics/gynecology (the female reproductive
system), and ophthalmology (the eye).

   Radiologic technologists follow precisely physicians' instructions
and regulations concerning use of radiation to insure that they,
patients, and co-workers are protected from over exposure.

   In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment,
radiologic technologists keep patient records and adjust and
maintain equipment.  They may also prepare work schedules, evaluate
equipment purchases, or manage a radiology department.

   Radiologic technologists may be on their feet for extended periods
of time.

Working Conditions

Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week;
they may have evening and weekend or on-call hours.

   Technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or
turn disabled patients.  They work at radiologic machines but may
also do some procedures at patients bedsides.  Some radiologic
technologists travel to patients in large vans equipped with
sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

   Radiation therapists are prone to emotional burn out since they
regularly treat extremely ill and dying patients on a daily basis.
Although potential radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they
have been minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other
shielding devices, as well as by instruments that measure radiation
exposure.  Technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels
in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their
cumulative lifetime dose.

Employment

Radiologic technologists held about 162,000 jobs in 1992.  Most
technologists were radiographers.  Some were sonographers and
radiation therapists.  About 1 radiologic technologist in 5 worked
part-time.

   About 3 out of 5 jobs are in hospitals.  The rest are in physicians'
offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges
and universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the Armed
Forces.  Hospitals, which employ most radiologic technologists,
prefer to hire those with formal training.

   Formal training is offered in radiography, radiation therapy, and
diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound).  Programs range in
length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate
degree, or bachelor's degree.  Two-year programs are most prevalent.

   Some 1-year certificate programs are for individuals from other
health occupations such as medical technologists and registered
nurses who want to change fields or experienced radiographers who
want to specialize in radiation therapy technology or sonography.  A
bachelor's or master's degree in one of the radiologic technologies
is desirable for supervisory, administrative, or teaching positions.

   The Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA)
accredits most formal training programs for this field.  CAHEA
accredited 687 radiography programs, 120 radiation therapy programs,
and 52 diagnostic medical sonography programs in 1992.

   Radiography programs require, at a minimum, a high school diploma or
the equivalent.  High school courses in mathematics, physics,
chemistry, and biology are helpful.  The programs provide both
classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology,
patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection,
principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients,
medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.

   For training programs in radiation therapy and diagnostic medical
sonography, applicants with a background in science, or experience
in one of the health professions, generally are preferred.  Some
programs consider applicants with liberal arts backgrounds, however,
as well as high school graduates with courses in math and science.

   Radiographers and radiation therapists are covered by provisions of
the Consumer-Patient Radiation Health and Safety Act of 1981, which
aims to protect the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure
to medical and dental radiation by ensuring operators of radiologic
equipment are properly trained.  The act requires the Federal
Government to set standards that the States, in turn, may use for
accrediting training programs and certifying individuals who engage
in medical or dental radiography.

   By 1992, 26 States required radiographers to be licensed, and 23
required radiation therapists to be licensed.  (Puerto Rico requires
a license for the practice of either specialty.) One State, Utah,
licenses diagnostic medical sonographers.

   Voluntary registration is offered by the American Registry of
Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in both radiography and radiation
therapy.  The American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
(ARDMS) certifies the competence of sonographers.  To become
registered, technologists must be graduates of a CAHEA-accredited
program or meet other prerequisites and have passed an examination.
Many employers prefer to hire registered technologists.

   With experience and additional training, staff technologists may
become specialists, performing CT scanning, ultrasound, angiography,
and magnetic resonance imaging.  Experienced technologists may also
be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and
ultimately department administrator or director.  Depending on the
institution, courses or a master's degree in business or health
administration may be necessary for the director's position.  Some
technologists progress by becoming instructors or directors in
radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales
representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

   With additional education, available at major cancer centers,
radiation therapy technologists can specialize as medical radiation
dosimetrists.  Dosimetrists work with health physicists and
oncologists (physicians who specialize in the study and treatment of
tumors) to develop treatment plans.

Job Outlook

Employment radiologic technologists is expected to grow much faster
than the average for all occupations through 2005, as the health
care industries grow, and because of the vast clinical potential of
diagnostic imaging and therapeutic technology.  Current as well as
new uses of imaging equipment are virtually certain to sharply
increase demand for radiologic technologists.

   Technology will continue to evolve.  New generations of diagnostic
imaging equipment are expected to give even better information to
physicians and be used more widely.  Since ultrasound is
non-invasive, it is also less risky and uncomfortable for the
patient than exploratory surgery.

   Radiation therapy will continue to be used alone or in combination
with surgery or chemotherapy to treat cancer.  More treatment of
cancer is anticipated due to the aging of the population,
educational efforts aimed at early detection, and improved ability
to detect malignancies through radiologic procedures such as
mammography.

   Although physicians are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of
new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends
largely on cost and reimbursement considerations.  Some promising
new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are
too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for
their use.  But on the whole, it appears that radiologic procedures
will be used more widely.

   Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic
technologists.  However, employment is expected to grow most rapidly
in offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging
centers.  Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very
rapidly through 2005 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care,
encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological
advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the
hospital.  Some jobs will also come from the need to replace
technologists who leave the occupation.


Earnings

In 1992, the median annual earnings for radiologic technologists who
worked year round full time were $28,236.  The middle 50 percent
earned between $22,932 and $33,748 a week; 10 percent earned less
than $19,708 a week; and 10 percent earned more than $40,456.

   According to a University of Texas Medical Branch national survey of
hospitals and medical centers, the median annual salary for
radiation technologists, based on a 40 hour week and excluding shift
or area differentials, was $25,615 in October 1992.  The average
minimum salary was $22,250 and the average maximum was $32,553.  For
radiation therapy technologists the median was $34,278 and for
ultrasound technologists, $32,219.

Related Occupations

Radiologic technologists operate sophisticated equipment to help
physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and
treat patients.  Workers in related occupations include nuclear
medicine technologists, cardiovascular technologists and
technicians, perfusionists, respiratory therapists, clinical
laboratory technologists, and electroencephalographic technologists.

Sources of Additional Information

   For career information, enclose a stamped, self-addressed
business-size envelope with your request to:

   American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 15000 Central Ave.
SE., Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917.

   Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 12770 Coit Rd., Suite
508, Dallas, TX 75251.

   American Healthcare Radiology Administrators, 111 Boston Post Rd.,
Suite 215, P.O.  Box 334, Sudbury, MA 01776.

   For the current list of accredited education programs in
radiography, radiation therapy technology, or diagnostic medical
sonography, write to:

   Division of Allied Health Education and Accreditation, American
Medical Association, 515 N.  State St., Chicago, IL 60610.

   For information on certification in radiologic technology, contact:

   American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 1255 Northland Dr.,
Mendota Heights, MN 55120.

   For information on certification in sonography, contact:

   American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, 2368 Victory
Pky., Suite 510, Cincinnati, OH 45206.