Mod 4 L2: Job opportunities and description

• X-RAY TECHNOLOGIST - practice includes technical application of x-rays in the diagnosis of diseases and injuries in Diagnostic Radiography, Fluoroscopy and Mammography
• RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST - The practice includes the technical application of radiation such as x-rays, beta ray, gamma rays, ultrasound and radiofrequency in dx and tx of dse. in the ff. areas of radiography and fluoroscopy.
• EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES (X-RAY TECH)

  
  

  DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY

  FLUOROSCOPY

  MAMMOGRAPHY
• DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHY

  ·       It uses x-rays (radiography) to produce images of the internal parts of the body for Dx purposes
• ·    Radiographer performs a wide variety of diagnostic x-ray procedures, including examinations of the skeletal system, the chest, and the abdomen.
• FLUOROSCOPY

  • Viewing the study “live” is necessary.
  • Digital images or spot films are obtained by the radiologists during the fluoroscopy
  • RT assist in operating the machine and positioning of the px
• FLUOROSCOPY:

  • Esophagogram 
  • Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGIS)
  • Barium Enema
  • Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
• Esophagogram 

  – is a study of the esophagus, requires the px to swallow a BaS04 preparations, while digital images or spot films.
• Upper Gastrointestinal Series (UGIS)

  – the px must drink the BaS04 solution while fluoroscopy-controlled images are obtained.
• Barium Enema

  – radiographic examination of the colon, that involves introducing of Ba solution into the colon.
• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

  – it involves the use of an iodinated contrast agent injected into the bloodstream through a vein in the arms. Radiographs are obtained at intervals of several minutes.
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

  – a contrast medium is injected into the common bile duct after it is located with a fiber-optic scope passed down the esophagus, through stomach, and into the small intestine.

   
• MAMMOGRAPHY

  • A mammogram is a radiographic study of the breast. Because breast tissue has little inherent contrast, high-contrast radiographic film and specially designed cassettes are used.
  • Breast is compressed to allow for maximum visualization.
  • Early detection of breast cancer.
• LITHOTRIPSY 

  • procedure destroy stones in the kidney or ureter by using sonic shock waves.
• BONE DENSITOMETRY (BD)

  • is most often used to dx osteoporosis, a cond. that is often recognized in menopausal women but can also occur in men.
  • Osteoporosis involves a gradual loss of Ca, causing the bones to become thin, fragile, and prone to Fx.
  • To detect osteoporosis accurately, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA or DEXA) is used.
  • DEXA BD is the current standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD).
  • lower spine and hips -- most performed
• MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY / ULTRASONOGRAPHY

  • Specialized by diagnostic medical sonographer
  • Diagnostic medical sonography is the visualization of structures of the body by recording the reflections of pulses
  • High-frequency sound (ultrasound) waves directed into the tissue
• MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY / ULTRASONOGRAPHY

  ·   Kidney

  ·   Sonomammography

  ·   Obstetric ultrasound

  ·   2D

  ·   3D

  ·   2D-Echocardiography

  ·   Carotid/Duplex Scan
• Sonography

  Mammography – study of breasts

  Sonomammography – procedure specifically for breats

  Ultrasound - high frequency sound

  Sonographer - person
• COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

  ·   is the recording of the predetermined plane in the body using an x-ray beam that is measured, recorded, and then processed by a computer for display on a monitor.

  ·   allows MDs visualize px anat. from various sectional planes.
• MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI)

  • uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves along with a computer to generate sectional images of px anat.
  • Many procedures needed to allow, requires skillful, knowledgable RRTs
  • Stronger than the earth's gravitational force
  • Can wipe out the SIM cards data due to its strong force
• INTERVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY

   

  • Angiography
  • Cardiac catheterization 
  • Coronary arteriography 
  • Angioplasty 

   
• INTERVENTIONAL RADIOGRAPHY

  ·    These procedures involve the injection of iodinated contrast media for diagnosing dse. of the heart and blood vessels.

   
• Angiography

   – is the term for radiologic examination of the blood vessels after injection of a contrast medium.

   
• Cardiac catheterization 

  – placing a catheter into one of the chambers of the heart.

  -   this catheter then can be directed into one or both of the two main arteries that supply blood to the heart itself. These arteries are called the coronary arteries.

   
• Coronary arteriography 

  – an extremely valuable tool in diagnosing atherosclerosis, which can block the coronary arteries and cause MI.

   
•  

  Angioplasty 

  –   tx of a blocked blood vessel

  –  is used to treat px w/o the need for invasive open-heart surgery. Blood vessels are also treated by placing a stent in the vessel to physically keep it open.

  –  special catheter with a balloon tip, effective Tx of atherosclerosis is possible.

   
• RADIATION THERAPY – radiation therapy technologist, or radiation therapist

  –   a person who administers radiation tx to px according to the Rx and instructions of radiation oncologist.

  
  

  RADIATION ONCOLOGY

  ·   involves the use of high-energy ionizing radiation to treat primary malignant tumors (cancer).

  –   Therapists administering a planned course of prescribed radiation Tx using high-tech therapeutic equipment and accessories 

  –   They provide specialized px care and observe the clinical progress of their px.
• • Radiation therapists can specialize in the area of medical dosimetry.
  • Medical dosimetrists are involved in treatment planning and dose calculations
• NUCLEAR MEDICINE

  • Involves procedures that require the use of

  radioactive materials for Dx or therapeutic purposes.

  • usually involve the imaging of a px’s organs 

  – such as liver, heart or brain

  
  

  – after the introduction of a radioactive material known as Radiopharmaceutical -- are usually administered intravenously but can be administered orally or by inhalation.

  
  

  • Procedures also can be performed on specimens such as blood or urine.

  
  

  Samples from a patient can be combined with a radioactive substance to measure various constituents in the sample.
• POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY  (PET SCAN)

  • similar to nuclear medicine radioisotope emission procedures. Both methods produce images that represent the distribution of the radiotracer throughout the body.

  
  

  • In both modalities, radioactive compounds or “tracers” are administered to a patient by injection or inhalation.

  
  

  • When these tracers are inside the body, the PET scanner detects the radiation emitted from the tracer within the patient’s anatomy.
• OTHER OPPORTUNITIES for RT

   

  EDUCATION / ACADEME

  –  CI 

  – Didactic faculty member 

  – Clinical coordinator

  – Program director  
• APPLICATION SPECIALIST OR ENTREPRENEUR

  • Selling of x-ray equipment, film,processing chemicals, and related x-ray supplies.

   

  •  These companies need sales representatives with technical knowledge of the radiologic procedures and equipment, as well as the ability to sell.

   

  • Companies hire technical specialists who are not directly involved in sales but who are involved with the education and training of the staff at the sites where the equipment is installed.

  –  RESEARCH

  – CONDUCT QA/QC MEASURES OF RADIOLOGY DEPT.

  – INVOLVEMENT IN THE DOH IN INSPECTING X-RAY FACILITIES
• EDUCATION / ACADEME

  • interest in teaching any of the specific disciplines can find opportunities in hospitals, colleges and universities. 

   
• CI teaches students primarily on a one-on-one basis in the clinical setting.

   
• Didactic faculty member teaches student typically through classroom lectures and laboratory activities.

   
• Clinical coordinator has teaching responsibilities along with administrative duties in overseeing clinical education, most often in programs using many clinical education centers.
• Program director has teaching responsibilities, as well as overall administrative responsibility, for the entire education program.
• MRI

   

  • As a tech you’re responsible for obtaining the best images possible. Your px might be in pain or distress, or they might feel claustrophobic. You’ll provide support while talking patients through the procedure and letting them know what to expect.
• RADIATION THERAPY

   

  • Radiologists and radiation oncologists often prescribe radiation therapy for px who have cancer or other serious diseases. 
  •  As a radiation therapist, you’ll be part of an interdisciplinary team of oncologists, medical physicists, and oncology nurses. You’ll work c the team to plan and administer Tx, and you’ll help monitor each px’s cond.
•  RADIOGRAPHY

  • Most RT enter radiography. In this role, you’ll capture images of pxs’ internal organs, soft tissues, and bones using X-ray equipment. 

   

  • You also might assist radiologists with a range of procedures, such as fluoroscopic imaging or gastrointestinal exams that require the use of contrast media.