Career Paper

February 22, 2013
A Radiographer is a certified technician that captures pictures of organs, bone, and tissue for patient diagnosis (Education-Portal 2012). There is a large scope under the radiology profession, and a Radiographer is one of these career options. A Sonographer and Radiology technician fall within this category as well (Education-Portal 2012). On a daily basis, a Radiographer works with radiation in some form. This may include x-rays, MRI, and ultrasounds (Education-Portal 2012). Radiographers also have the task of assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients for many different types of conditions and diseases (Education-Portal 2012). Radiographers must produce and read images in detail for the part of the body being examined (NHS Careers 2002). They may also have to have students shadow them or have interns that they are responsible for (NHS Careers 2002). The salary range for the typical Radiographer is $30,000-$55,000 (Radiographer Career Guide 2011).
There are two types of Radiographers; diagnostic and therapy. Diagnostic Radiographers work with images to diagnose injury or disease. These are the Radiographers that work daily and promptly with x-ray, fluoroscopy, CT, MRI, angiography, and ultrasound (Oldnall 2008). A Therapy Radiographer generally works with patients with cancer. They often treat the patients with radiation (Oldnall 2008). Although more people are involved in the team, the Therapy Radiographer is a key player in the process of radiation treatments, including the beginning, middle, and end visits and treatments (Oldnall 2008).
One of the skills a Radiographer should possess is the skill to communicate with other people on a regular basis, including patients and colleagues. A Radiographer may have to provide support for patients that may be frightened or uneasy (Oldnall 2008). If you choose to be a therapy Radiographer, you have to be willing to get to know your patient. When working close together often, it is important to be able to have conversation with the patient and know what is going on in their life. A Radiographer should also feel confident to work with the latest elaborate technologies, as well as, learn to adapt and process new information (Oldnall 2008). It is important to have an interest in the duties and sciences behind the career.
A Radiographer has educational requirements, of course. There are several different paths to take within this education field. An associate’s degree may be the bare minimum to get you into the door in the field (Education-Portal 2012). There are many Radiography programs to enter after doing core classes within a college. Many of these courses in the programs may be anatomy, physiology, and safe practices (Education-Portal 2012). According to Helen Moss in the video on how to become a Radiographer, her courses were biology, math, and physics (Moss 2011). The certificate to practice comes with two years of hospital work (Radiographer Career Guide 2011). This is generally done within a Radiography program. The Radiography programs mix continuing education with hands-on learning for students. In these programs, you complete the same tasks that will be expected of you when entering the field as a career (Radiographer Career Guide 2011).
Even after beginning to work in the field, there is always the option to specialize. This involves furthering education to become particularly knowledgeable in one area, such as CT, MRI, or ultrasound. This leads to more knowledge, pay, and reasons to be excited about the job. You can advance in the career to a management position where you are responsible for overseeing others. However, many Radiographers, like Helen Moss do not want to move up to the management positions because they do not get to experience the daily rewards from the job in these positions (Moss 2011). There are also certification and licensing requirements that may come along with being a Radiographer. These requirements vary based on the state in which you are going to practice (Education-Portal 2012). In some cases, the certification may be voluntary, but it can also improve your salary and chances for employment.
I chose to write about this career because this is the career path I am choosing. I want to be in the radiology field. I already knew I wanted to do it, but after seeing these facts, I feel like I would fit in even more. I have been through a lot in the last few years. I like the trauma and suspense that I may get to experience. Experiencing many different conditions and situations that people encounter is extremely interesting. The research I did on a Radiographer showed me that I am on the right track to completing the goal of being a part of this field. I have always had jobs in service, and I like the fact that I will be providing a service to people. I will be able to use my social skills and engage with people throughout my work day. Helen reassured me in the video that I would feel the sense of accomplishment for helping patients, especially when hearing a “thank you” (Moss 2011).
The video interviewing Helen showed me that the therapy sector of radiography will not be my area of interest. “It takes a special kind of person to work with these patients” said Helen in the video (Moss 2011). They have worsening conditions and very emotional paths, so the Radiographer has to know how to handle themselves in the situation. However, even in diagnostic radiography there is the risk of a patient being severely ill or die. I believe I can handle this aspect because of the excitement and unexpectedness.
There are also areas to improve, as the articles stated about continuing education. I have yet to complete a program; however I am in the middle of being accepted into one. I need to improve by being accepted into this program. I am taking the correct steps to do this and get the education I need. I will be able to have a life-long career in radiography if I continue the path I am on, and that is what I plan on doing.
References
Career Advice on Becoming a Senior Radiographer. Icouldstories. Helen Moss. YouTube. Icouldstories, 22 May 2011. 18 Apr. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azvSyv2Mzs8>.
Education-Portal. "Radiographer: Job Description, Duties and Requirements." Education-Portal. 2012. 18 Apr. 2012. <http://education-portal.com/articles/Radiographer_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html>.
NHS Careers. Radiographer. Bristol: NHS Careers, 2002. Print.
Oldnall, Nick. "Radiography Careers Information." E-radiography. 2008. 18 Apr. 2012. <http://www.e-radiography.net/careers/radiography_careers_information.htm>.
"Radiographer Career Guide." My Career Guide – Job Information, Advice, Requirements & Salaries. MyCareerGuide.net, 2011. Web. 24 Apr. 2012. <http://mycareerguide.net/Radiographer-career-guide/>.