Radiological Sciences Degree: A Good Way to Advance my Career?
A bachelor degree in radiological sciences might be your key to more responsibility, a more interesting job, and a higher salary than you may be earning now with an associate's degree. If you've already been working as a radiologic tech, you might be wondering, where do I go from here? The next step might be earning your bachelor's in radiological sciences!
What does a radiologic technologist do?
Radiologic technologists, or radiographers, perform diagnostic investigations on patients to help their doctors diagnose diseases and determine the nature and extent of injuries. They use many different methodologies, including x-ray and computed tomography.
If you've ever had an x-ray or other radiological tests, you know the radiographer's job begins when you walk in the door. They will provide you with whatever special clothing you may need to wear, take your medical history, and answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
As a radiographer, you will also protect your patients from unnecessary exposure to radiation by shielding the body parts that are not the subject of the examination. Depending on the nature of the exam, you may ask the patient to ingest a dye or other mixture to improve the contrast of the image you are about to take.
Working with patients
You will then help the patient and the equipment into the correct position for the exam. You will also need to know how to operate the equipment used to obtain the image.
Once you have taken the image and checked to make sure it is clear, that the patient hasn't moved, etc., some radiographers work with the physicians to interpret the image and determine what, if any, additional investigations may be necessary.
Some radiologic technicians specialize in mammography. This involves using a low-dose x-ray system to take images of the breast that help them determine whether the patient has a mass or tumor in the breast or lymphatic glands around the armpit.
Although the procedure is over in a matter of seconds, it can be very painful because it involves compressing the breast between two heavy metal plates. Part of the job, therefore, involves offering the patient sympathy and reassurance that any discomfort they experience will be over very quickly.
Patients are often very anxious about the condition that brought them to your exam table and may ask you to give them the results of the test now. Gently explain to them that their doctor is best qualified to explain what the image tells them and let them know when to either contact their doctor's office to make an appointment to explain the results.
MRI technologists
A magnetic resonance technologist performs many of the same tasks as a radiologic technologist, especially in terms of patient management. A magnetic image scanner uses magnetic fields in conjunction with an injected contrasting agent to get the most accurate picture available of whatever tissue injury or pathology might be underlying a patient's problem.
Other imaging technologies
Other types of imaging technologists include:
- Nuclear imaging technologists
- Diagnostic medical sonographers
- Cardiovascular technicians and technologists, including vascular technologists.
What does a bachelor degree prepare you for?
While most entry-level positions require an associate's degree, a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science prepares you to specialize as a radiologist extender. This is a professional who has been educated and trained beyond the associate level to perform duties beyond those of the Radiological technologist. These include radiologist assistants (RA's) and radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs).
An RA will monitor a patient's imaging and let the physician know if there are any emerging problems or complications with their condition. The RA will go into more depth when explaining the details, reasons, and risks of a procedure to the patient and their family.
The bachelor degree course
The curriculum of a bachelor of science in radiologic science includes instruction on healthcare administration, the law, and ethics of radiology administration, anatomy, the various imaging modalities, advanced assessments and treatments, pathophysiology, radiologic supervisory skills, healthcare delivery systems, and usually a professional capstone.
Getting started
Are you currently working as a radiological tech with an associate's and want to move ahead in your career. If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Sciences, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information about this exciting degree, connect with a friendly admissions counselor.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Radiologic Sciences – Bachelor's
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