Radiographer
Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, diagnostic radiographers and medical radiation technologists are healthcare professionals who specialise in the imaging of human anatomy for the diagnosis and treatment of pathology. Radiographers are infrequently, and almost always erroneously, known as x-ray technicians. In countries that use the title radiologic technologist they are often informally referred to as techs in the clinical environment; this phrase has emerged in popular culture such as television programmes. The term radiographer can also refer to a therapeutic radiographer, also known as a radiation therapist.
A radiographer with a radiographic examination table and X-Ray tube. | |
| Occupation | |
|---|---|
| Names | Radiographer, Diagnostic Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist |
Occupation type | Professional |
Activity sectors | Allied health profession |
| Description | |
| Competencies | The use of technology to produce diagnostically useful radiographic media. Requires knowledge of Anatomy, Medical Law, Pathology, Patient Care, Physiology, Radiation Protection, Radiography, Radiology, Physics and Treatment |
Education required | Usually an undergraduate degree (BSc, BSc or A.Sc.), or diploma in less developed countries; see Education and Role Variation for more information. |
Fields of employment | Healthcare, Military, Medical Imaging, Radiology |
Related jobs | Radiologist Radiation therapist |
Radiographers are allied health professionals who work in both public healthcare and private healthcare and can be physically located in any setting where appropriate diagnostic equipment is located, most frequently in hospitals. The practice varies from country to country and can even vary between hospitals in the same country.
Radiographers are represented by a variety of organizations worldwide, including the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists which aims to give direction to the profession as a whole through collaboration with national representative bodies.