Diagnostic imaging is the process of creating visual records of structures and movements within the body in order for the radiologist to diagnose illness.
To become a registered radiologic technologist, one must complete an accredited undergraduate program in medical radiography. Following the completion of this academic program, the student must apply to, complete, and pass the national board exam in radiologic technology offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). As a registered radiologic technologist, one is licensed to complete diagnostic images of the skull, extremities, abdomen, spine, and chest. With an additional license in fluoroscopy, the registered technologist can complete exams of the kidneys, and upper and lower gastrointestinal track that require fluoroscopy and imaging contrast.
Specialties within the profession include: nuclear medicine, where radioactive chemical is introduced into the body to monitor body function; diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound), in which body organs are viewed with high-frequency sound waves; and special imaging technology, which includes computed tomography (CT) and magnetc resonance imaging (MRI).
Radiation therapy and dosimetry are specialties in the radiation sciences that address the need to apply a measured amount of radiation to specific locations in the body to treat disease, usually cancer. Students in this area can have exposure to the latest in radiation therapy with Loma Linda University Medical Center's proton-beam accelerator, which is expected to revolutionize cancer therapy by eliminating damage to surrounding tissue during treatment.
Once the radiologic technologist is experienced in the imaging field, further challenge and advancement may be sought. The radiologist assistant (RA) is an advanced clinical role for the ARRT-registered radiographer. RAs enhance patient care by extending the capacity of the Radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment.
Assets in the ProfessionRadiologic technologists must be able to communicate well with patients in a caring manner and also have good mechanical aptitude. It is also important to have the ability to accurately create visual images and consistently follow hospital procedures.
Students trained at Loma Linda University have the advantage of going through a program that prepares students to utilize the latest technology and procedures in all areas of the profession.
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Last Revised: Wed, Jan 30, 2008
