• Radiographer Job Description

    A radiographer is a medical technologist who uses medical imaging equipment to take images of the internal body. A radiographer may also apply radiotherapy in the treatment of medical conditions such as cancer. Radiographers are also known as medical imaging technologists, Medical Imaging Scientists, and radiologic technologists

    Radiographers work anywhere where medical imaging equipment is used for the diagnostics and treatment of medical conditions. They may not be responsible for interpreting the radiographic images they produce, as it is the responsibility of radiologists. Both radiographers and radiologists work hand in hand in the application of radiation to healthcare.

    There are two kinds of radiographers, diagnostic and therapeutic radiographers. diagnostic radiographers use medical imaging equipments to produce high quality images of an injury or disease, while therapeutic radiographers use radiotherapy, medical treatment using radiation, to treat diseases such as cancers.

  • What does a Radiographer do?

    Radiographers may do some or all of the following:

    • prepare patients for medical scans and explain procedures to them
    • operate medical imaging equipment to capture images of patients
    • ensure that radiation level are safe while using the equipment
    • process the digital images
    • perform radiotherapy on cancer patients
    • supervise students and assistants
  • Where does a Radiographer work?
  • Working Conditions

    Radiographers may work rotating shifts including evenings, weekends and public holidays. They work in hospitals, clinics, cancer centers and industry.

  • What is Required to Become a Radiographer?

    To become a radiographer, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in radiography or a similar discipline.

  • Modules

    Just to give you an idea, some of the classes that you’ll be taking in college may include:

    • Medical Terminology
    • Human Anatomy and Physiology + lab
    • Radiologic Technology
    • Radiographic Physics
    • Radiation Biology & Protection
    • Imaging and Image Evaluation
    • Radiographic Procedures + lab
  • Specializations

    A radiographer may specialize in operating any one or more of the following imaging equipment listed below:

    • X-ray
    • CT (Computer tomography)
    • MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
    • Sonography
    • Angiography
    • Fluoroscopy
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Radiographers need to have:

    • empathy
    • patience
    • adaptability
    • accuracy and precision
    • arm – hand steadiness
    • manual and finger dexterity
    • good eyesight
    • good attention to detail
    • analytical and problem solving skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • basic patient care skills
    • computer and technical skills
    • record keeping skills
    • the ability to teach others how to do something
    • the ability to keep patients health information confidential
    • the ability to work calmly under pressure
    • knowledge of physics
    • knowledge of anatomy
    • knowledge of physiology
    • knowledge of pathology
    • knowledge of radiation and treatment
    • knowledge of radiation safety
    • knowledge of radiographic procedures
    • knowledge of patient care
    • knowledge of medical laws and ethics
    • knowledge of medical terminology

References

Should I be a Radiographer?

Take our career test to find out if this career is ideal for you!



Alternative Careers
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Nurse
  • Physiotherapist
Share this Page

If this is your profession and you would like to add to or amend any of the information on this page, then please get in touch with us at mail[at]careersome[dot]com