|
X-rays were discovered by Wilhelm
Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895. Since the initial
discovery, technology has evolved rapidly. Radiography
includes diagnostic radiography as well as additional
imaging modalities such as mammography, computed
tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
cardiac-interventional radiography,
vascular-interventional radiography, quality management
(QM), bone densitometry, nuclear medicine (NM),
radiation therapy, and sonography.
Radiography has been an indispensable
diagnostic tool of modern medicine. Broken bones can be
aligned, ulcers can be detected, and many other injuries
and conditions can be treated when the exact nature is
known to the physician. The graduate of the ETSU
Radiography Program will become a competent radiologic
technologist who performs diagnostic radiographic
procedures.
What is Radiography?
Radiography is the art and science of
using radiation to provide images of the tissues,
organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body.
These images may be recorded on film or as a
computerized image. Radiologists, physicians who
have had special training in interpreting diagnostic
images, read or diagnose these images. Treatment
of a patient depends on the accurate and precise
production of radiographic images, otherwise called “x
rays” by the general public.
What does a Radiographer Do?
 The
radiographer is responsible for producing many of the
diagnostic images of the patient that radiologists use
to diagnose patient conditions. The body part of the
patient must be accurately positioned, and only the
amount of radiation necessary to produce a quality
diagnostic image must be applied.
Two important
aspects of the responsibilities of the radiographer
should be noted. The first includes the appropriate use
of technology, and the second involves caring for the
needs of patients in the health care environment.
Exams and procedures are performed on
patients of all ages, including pediatric and geriatric
patients. The radiographer works in many areas outside
of the radiology department, including surgery, the
emergency room, cardiac care, intensive care, and
patient rooms. Some tasks are performed independently,
while others are performed with the assistance of a
radiologist. With this expertise, the radiologic
technologist contributes a special talent to assist in
the diagnosis of injury and disease.
|
