RT pathways

 

diagnostic radiologic technologist

aka radiographer

difference between technician and a radiologic technologist

-technician: limited in radiographic procedures
-technologist: certified and can do more such as fluoroscopy (dynamic x-raying)

radiologist must

-communicate effectively w/ patients, staff, peers
-use good judgement & critical thinking skills

How many units of continuing education do R.T.s need each year?

12 C.E.s per year, renewed biannually (24CEs biannually)

ARRT

American Registry of Radiologic Technologist
-organization that certifies individuals in radiography

types of diagnostic exams

-chest
-extremities
-skull/facial
-spine
-gastrointestinal

governing organizations: graduation from occ

-associates degree in science
-certificate of completion from an accredited radiologic technology program (JRCERT)
-ARRT approved license by CDPH-RHB

licensed-state requirements

California Department of Public Health- Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH-RHB)
-radiography, fluoroscopy, mammography
-radiologic technology certification committee (RTCC)

certification and registration

ARRT
-graduation from accredited Radiologic Technology program
-passing board exam with 75% or better

5 ARRT primary exams

-Radiography (R)
-Nuclear Medicine Technology (NM)
-Radiation Therapy (T)
-Sonography (US) (RDMS)
-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)

*candiates must have successfully completed a formal educational program in the respective discipline that is accredited by a mechanism acceptable by ARRT

advance practice

(R.R.A) Registered Radiologist Assistant
-imaging informatics certification program
-merging IT and Medical Technology
-PET
-Management (BS/BA)
-Education (BS, MEd, PhD EDD)

Post primary exams

(taken after completions of ARRT- RT License)

-Mammography (M)
-Computed Tomography (CT)
-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
-Quality Management (QM)
-Sonography (US) (Vascular/Breast)
-Bone Densitometry (BD)
-Cardiac-Interventional Radiography (CV)
-Vascular-Interventional Radiography (CIV)

two categories of medical imaging

-ionizing
-non- ionizing

ionizing medical imaging

-diagnostic
-fluoroscopy
-angiography
-cardiac cath
-CT
-mammography
-bone densitometry
-nuclear medicine
-radiation therapy

non-ionizing medical imaging

-ultrasound (sonography)
-MRI

mammography

-radiographic imaging of the breast
-breast cancer
-ionizing

bone desitometry

-ionizing
-may also have certification w/o RT
-measuring mineral content and density of bones

CT

computed tomography
-uses ionizing radiation and computer to reconstruct images
-3D

MRI

-magnetic resonance imaging
-images are created by interaction of magnetic field, radiowaves with tissue
-atoms/nucleus/electrons
-non ionizing

nuclear medicine

-uses radioactive isotopes to make images
-RT (NM)
-ARRT or NMTCB
-images collected after injections of a radioisotope

PET scan

-Positron Emission Tomography

Accrediting agencies

SPECT scan

-Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography
-CT (x-rays) or MRI with radioisotopes

Cardiovascular Interventional Technology

-specialized radiographic examination where the images of the blood vessels of the body are demonstrated by injection of contrast media
-uses fluoroscopy
-ionizing radiation

Angiography

-specialized radiographic examination where the images of the blood vessels of the body are demonstrated by injection of contrast media

Radiation Therapy R.T.(T)

-1-4 years additional education
-City of Hope
-Loma Linda University (LLU)
-National University
-involves the treatment of disease by means of high energy X
-rays or radioactive substances
-medical dosemetrist are involved in treatment planning and dose calculations

Ultrasound

-1-2 yrs
-uses a technique similar to Navy Sonar to produce diagnostic images

breast sonography

-post primary exam
-valuable for tehnologist that specialize in mammography

additional opportunities

-education
-administration
-management QM
-commercial
-Radiologist Assistant (RRA)

RRA Radiologist Assistant

-new graduates = 100k/year
-art of radiologist group
-not approved by state to work as RA in California
Loma Linda University
-2 years RT
-BA degree
Weber State
-6yr RT

ARRT news

-ARRT certification last 10years
-prior to end of 10year the individual will be required to demonstrate continued qualifications in order to continue to hold the certification

ASRT American Society of Radiologic Technologist

-oldest and largest national professional association for technologist in Radiologic sciences (1920)
-developed Radiologic science curriculum for all modalities
-sets the instructional standards across the nation

ASRT

-only nationally recognized professional society representing all radiologic techologist in US
-serves its membership through significant contribution to education, professional advancement, legislation, and public relations

CSRT

California Society of Radiologic Technologist

X-rays (Roentgen-rays) were discovered on the 8th of November 1895 by the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen.

 

physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen

X-rays (Roentgen-rays) were discovered on the 8th ofNovember, 1895 by the German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. Fifty days after the discovery of X-ray, on December 28, 1895.