Radiography is the use of radiation, sound waves and magnetic resonance to generate images of internal anatomy in order to diagnose various medical conditions. Radiography can be described as one of two types, Diagnostic or Therapeutic (Radiation Therapy).
Diagnostic: A Diagnostic Radiographer operates x-ray equipment that produces ionizing radiation to create static images of the body and is also responsible for producing dynamic fluoroscopic images using contrast media.
Radiation Therapy: A Therapeutic Radiographer or Radiation Therapist plans and applies targeted doses of high energy radiation to treat malignant conditions.
DUTIES DIAGNOSTIC RADIOGRAPHER:
- Performs routine x-ray examinations of all body structures competently.
- Maintains radiation safety standards of exposure
- Assists Radiologists during special procedures.
- Explains procedures, comforts patients, provides emotional support and contributes to patient education.
- Responsible for general care and safety of patient while in the department.
- Maintains proper care and use of equipment, reporting faults as they occur.
- Manage patient flow and work schedules.
- Participates in quality control / quality assurance exercises.
- Performs other related duties as may be required
RADIATION THERAPY
- Determines radiation doses to be administered during therapy.
- Administers radiation treatments.
- Explains procedures, comforts patients, provides emotional support and contributes to patient education.
- Positions patients and equipment correctly, and constructs and fits accessory devices.
- Ensures proper radiation handling and protection techniques are followed.
- Monitors patients during procedures.
- Performs treatment simulations.
- Participates in quality control / quality assurance exercises.
- Performs other related duties as may be required
AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION Apart from Radiography, the field of Radiological Technology offers several other areas of study or post-graduate specialization. These include:
Cardiovascular / Interventional Radiography uses sophisticated imaging techniques to guide catheters, filters, stents or other tools through the body to treat various conditions without surgery.
Mammography is the use of special x-ray equipment to obtain diagnostic images of the breasts.
Computed Tomography (CT) uses a rotating x-ray unit to obtain "slices" of anatomy at different levels throughout the body. A computer then processes the acquired information to create a diagnostic image.
Magnetic Resonance Technologists uses a powerful magnetic field and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed images of internal body structures.
Sonography / Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce dynamic visual images of organs, tissues or blood flow inside the body.
Echocardiography or cardiac sonography uses ultrasound technology to create diagnostic images of the heart.
Nuclear Medicine Technology involves the use of radioactive drugs called tracers that concentrate in specific organs when introduced into the patient’s bloodstream. A gamma camera is used to detect radiation emitted by these tracers.
Dosimetry is the technique of determining how much radiation will be delivered to a tumor site during radiation therapy. Under the supervision of a medical physicist, dosimetrists calculate and generate radiation dose distributions in accordance with the treatment plan developed by the radiation oncologist.
Brachytherapy involves the implantation of a radioactive source to administer a targeted single dose of radiation therapy to a specific internal structure.
QUALIFICATIONS
- CXC/ CAPE passes in sciences will be an asset.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiography / Radiation Therapy.
- Registration with the Council for the Professions related to Medicine / Radiographers Board of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Formal post-graduate certification for specialty areas.
PROFILE
- Conduct all technical procedures with due regard to current radiation safety regulations.
- Function well under stressful circumstances.
- Make rapid and sound decisions.
- Possess excellent communication skills.
- Possess solid critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Foster healthy relationships within the health-care setting.
- Conduct administrative tasks as required
- Provide service with dignity and respect to all people regardless of race, religion, sex, age, illness or mental or physical disability.
- Maintain patient confidentiality.
