Radiologic Technologist & Sonographer, Essay Example

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). The responsibilities of the technologist include the ability to maintain the imaging equipment, to take orders from physicians as to where the patient should be imaged, prepare the patient for the procedure, protect the patient from potentially harmful rays from the machinery, to take images of the patient, and to ensure excellent records are kept in the patient file. Equipment that may be used by the radiologic technologist includes x-rays, MRIs, and CTs.

Radiologic sonographers have similar job duties to the radiologic technologist when it comes to maintaining and operating imaging machinery. However, the main distinction between the radiologic sonographer and the radiologic technologist is that the radiologic sonographer takes diagnostic pictures of the patient by using technology that uses high-frequency waves to create the images, known as ultrasound (Locsin). The major difference between radiologic sonographers and radiologic technologists is therefore the kind of rays that are used to record the patient’s image. The ultrasound that sonographers use pose little risk on the patient’s health, and the imaging can usually be done regardless of pre-existing health conditions, such as cancer or pregnancy. Meanwhile, since x-rays can potentially interact with cellular health, radiologic technologists need to ensure that their patients protected from the rays. As a consequence, the technologists must have a greater understanding of the amount of exposure necessary and permissible to take the images in addition to an understanding of the health statuses of their patients; they must be able to inform the patient that they should not take the test provided they have certain contraindications.

Works Cited

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “What Radiologic Technologists Do”. N.D. Web. 1 Dec. 2013. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2>

Kundu T. Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation: engineering and biological material characterization. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2004.

Locsin A. “Radiologic Technologist Vs. Sonographer”. N.D. Web 1 Dec. 2013. <http://work.chron.com/radiologic-technologist-vs-sonographer-15031.html>