Why You Should Choose a Career in Radiation Technology

Have you noticed the women and men who escort patients needing a CT scan, an X-Ray or chemotherapy? These women and men are known as radiographers. Alternatively, they are also called radiologic technologists. They are certified technicians who operate the respective machines, capture images of various organs, tissues, and bones for diagnosis, and finally interpret these results for the physicians. The radiographers have technical knowledge and skills to handle the equipments along with skills to provide patient care. In addition, these allied health care workers bridge the gap between diagnosis and delivery of medical treatments. No wonder, the demand for these professionals is ever increasing.

In India, the license for practice and educational requirements vary from state to state. However, a certificate course or a two-year degree such as a M.Sc. in Radiation Technology in Delhi is quite common. If you are interested in beginning a career in radiation or radio-imaging technology, now is the time to do so.

Radiologic technologists or radiographers administer radiation therapy and perform medical imaging examinations in patients. Using the imaging technologies, they capture pictures of different parts of the body. Later they interpret the images for diagnosing the cause of an ailment. In most cases, radiographers specialise in specific examination techniques such as bone densitometry or mammography. In addition, they play an important role in oncology teams, where they administer chemo- or radiation-therapy to patients diagnosed with cancer.

Radiographers can be found working in clinics, hospitals, private clinics, imaging centres, and sometimes even in mobile imaging centres. However, hospitals continue to be the most common job providers for them. On an average, a radiology technician works for 40 hours in a week and in some cases, work overnight or during the weekends.  

In general, a student pursuing a B.Sc degree in Radiation Technology in Delhi or other states would require doing coursework along with clinical exercises. This is where they learn about performing procedures, positioning patients under supervision. Applicants are required to provide background check, go through physical examination, and immunisations before entering a program in radiation technology. They have the choice to pursue a certificate course, a bachelor’s course, a master’s course, or any diploma courses for the same. Courses are usually one to three years long and require an eligibility of 10+2 with science background (Math is preferred) or any other stream equivalent to it.   

A B.Sc. in Radiation Technology in Delhi is of prime value opening a young radiographer to many clinical specializations including orthopaedics and prenatal care. In addition, young graduates can find work in suburban outpatient centres, large hospitals, private clinics, and rural healthcare centres. With more practical experience, they can be promoted to manage a radiology department, determining its personnel and budget. Research and academia are also future prospects that graduates can look into.

The skills essential for a radiographer are important and cannot be done without. Some of these skills include focus on detail, communication skills, precision, and attention to the procedure conducted. Because radiographers are likely to operate heavy imaging techniques, their physical strength and overall good health is prerequisite. But more importantly, they need to be sensitive to different cultures, should have ethical standards, and have empathy to work with patients, young and old.

In India, remuneration for a radiography career is promising. The average salary in private or government hospitals is between INR 7,000 and INR 10,000 per month. There are also work opportunities in the Middle East and the Gulf countries. They can easily earn anywhere up to INR 50,000. At the moment, there are above 17,000 positions In India that need graduates and the demand is not going to decrease any time soon.

Established in 1976, Institute of Public Health & Hygiene (IPH&H) is one of the leading autonomous teaching institutions in the Country today, offering several courses in allied health Under and Post graduate Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees. 

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Created on Oct 16th 2017 03:54. Viewed 438 times.

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