Medical Radiation Technologist Job
What is Radiation Technology?
Radiation technology is the production of images of internal organs and structures by passing a small, highly controlled amount of radiation through the human body, and capturing the resulting image on an image recording device. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. Bones, for example, will absorb much of the radiation and, therefore, appear white or light gray on the image, whereas soft tissue absorbs little radiation and appears dark.
Some Examples of Radiography:
- Plain film radiography is used to detect bone fractures and pathological processes, locate foreign objects in the body, and demonstrate the relationship between bone and soft tissue.
- Mammography produces radiographic images of the breast to detect cancer in its earliest stages
- Angiography uses contrast agents to examine the heart and blood vessels
- Fluoroscopy produces real-time images that show movement of material (contrast agents) through blood vessels or ducts; fluoroscopy is also used in orthopedic procedures, such as hip and knee surgery, to enable the surgeon to visualize the bony anatomy of interest in relation to surgical devices/hardware
- Computerized Tomography produces cross-sectional, 3-dimensional images of the body
What does a Radiation Technologist do?
A Radiological Technologists play an integral role in the detection of injury and disease. They are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations, including mammography and computerized tomography.
Radiation Technologist are detail-oriented and enjoy applying their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and mathematics; and are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality diagnostic image is produced. Working closely with patients, doctors, and other health professionals as part of the interdisciplinary health care team, Radiation Technologists use cutting-edge medical imaging technology and advanced computer systems to produce and enhance radiographic images which help other health professionals diagnose and detect problems in patients.
Where does a Radiation Technologist Work?
They work in a variety of different environments, including:
- Practicing and providing care to patients in hospitals and private clinics
- Contributing to scientific advances within the profession by performing research studies
- Regulating radiation safety practices and working for government and other agencies
- Advancing into administrative and management positions
- Digital imaging systems administration
- Specializing in sales or new product development with commercial companies
- Educating future professionals in the medical radiation sciences
Career Opportunities
A Radiation Technologists is a vital member of the inter-professional health care team devoted to patient care. Technologists must have the technical expertise to operate sophisticated instruments, but must also have the humanistic skills necessary to communicate with patients, problem-solve, and work well with other members of the health care team.
Radiological technology offers many areas of specialization:
- mammography (breast imaging)
- computed tomography (CT)
- diagnostic visceral and peripheral angiography with interventional radiology
- electronic image management (PACS)
- neuroradiology or trauma radiography
They work in a variety of different environments, including:
- Practicing and providing care to patients in hospitals and private clinics
- Contributing to scientific advances within the profession by performing research studies
- Regulating radiation safety practices and working for government and other agencies
- Advancing into administrative and management positions
- Digital imaging systems administration
- Specializing in sales or new product development with commercial companies
- Educating future professionals in the medical radiation sciences
Graduates are eligible to write the national certification examinations conducted by the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT). Certification qualifies graduates to work across Canada and allows them to register with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO).
Licensing
To become a licensed Medical Radiation Technologist in Canada you must:
- Complete a two- to three-year college, hospital school or other approved program in diagnostic radiography (for radiological technologists), nuclear medicine technology (for nuclear medicine technologists) or radiation therapy (for radiation therapists), or magnetic resonance (for medical imaging).
- You must be a certified Medical Radiation Technologist licensed with the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists.
- CAMRT certification requires candidates to:
- Obtain a passing score on the CAMRT certification exam, and
- Submit a completed Summary of Clinical Competence
Certification with CAMRT qualifies graduates to work across Canada and allows them to register with the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO).
For more information on licensing please visit www.camrt.ca
|
Call: 1 (877) 670-3426
|
