radiography

Q.Silver

4.7.03

Analysis of a Career in Radiography

Education

     To obtain an occupation in radiography, an interested student can attend a 2-4 year college and earn either an Associate in Applied Science degree, or a Bachelors degree. After graduating from high school or receiving a GED, the student can begin the basic college course work.In the Virginia Community College system those courses are:

* four credits of college-level human anatomy and physiology
* three credits of college-level English
*three credits in medical terminology
* three credits in a public speaking course
* an orientation to health care, and
* six credits in a social science course
      Upon completion of these courses, the student can begin the radiology course work.



    There are many areas in which to specialize in the field of radiology. Radiography, or the production of x-ray films of the bones, tissue, organs and othe parts of the human body is more commonly known. However, this fascinating career also consists of computerized tomography, where the technologist operates scanners to produce cross-sectional views of the patient. Floroscopy invovles the use of a solution which the patient takes by mouth to illuminate the soft tissue of the body for x-ray. An MRI technician uses radio waves and huge magnets to produce images instead of radiation. Radiation therapists use radiation to treat diseases; and thoses who study nuclear medicine learn how to use radioactive material to diagnose as well as to treat their patients.

Radiation Therapy Procedure.
photo courtesy radiationinfo.com

Image of Pelvic Bone
photo courtesy radiationinfo.com

Learning Institutions

For students who need to work while earning their degree, Tidewater Community College is a good choice. Located in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia, the college offers a Cooperative Education Program that "combines college study and work" in the effort to prepare students for full time positions in their career field or to help them advance in an existing position. The student is paid for the work they perform while earning college credit and gaining work expirence. According to the "Career Information" page of the school' s web site, many students have been promoted on the job as a result of their participation in the co-op program.

The site also offers students help in planning their academic career; finding jobs and posting resumes online; locating a co-op job that fits the students major; and interviewing techniques, among many other services.

For students out of high school or those seeking a bachelor's degree in radiography, Virginia Commonwealth University is an excellent choice. Located in Richmond, Virginia, this impressive school has the only bachelors degree program in radiography in the state, and offers the MCV or Medical College of Virginia, where a student has access to state-of-the-art technology for a top-of-the-line learning experience. The proof of such lies in the facilities: the radiographic/fluoroscopic room; the CR or computed radiography equipment; classrooms with view boxes (where the student can observe procedures in progress!) "hot labs" which offer an actual hospital setting with nuclear medical departments; the mammography facilities... I could go on and on!
The school's web site boasts of these things and other learning opportunities in the field of radiography; not only for entry level students, but also for students who are certified in the radiography areas and wish to further their education on a full-time or part-time basis through the school's Degree Completion Program.

Students plan the medical treatment of patient.

To be accepted in the radiography program at VCU without an associates degree, the student must first obtain these credits:
* three credits of college English
* three credits of precalculus
* eight credits in human anatomy and physiology
* eight credits of college level physics
* three credits of psychology, and
* three credits of social science

Once these courses are completed, the student may begin the bachelor degree radiography curriculum.

Graduates of Virginia Commonwealth University:: Class of 2002
Radiation Sciences
photo: radiation sciences web page vcu.edu

Salary and Job Opportunities

According to "eDISCOVER" -ACT's career planning tool- the average starting salary was " $28,500 per year or $13.70 per hour in 2000-01 for a radiographer," with a salary of $51,500 per year for radiographers with expirence.The site predicts that 32,414 new jobs will open by the year 2010 with a moderate growth rate of about 20% through the year 2008. Benefits range from full coverage including dental and eye care to none at all, depending on the amount of hours an employee works per week.

The DailyPress.com (the Daily Press of Hampton Roads, Virginia's online newspaper) features the "Career Builder"- a section of the press that not only lists job opportunities but also helps its users post resumes whether the user is seeking full-time, part-time, salaried, or hourly employment. Sentara Hospital, and the Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters were present on the Press' web site with numerous listings for radiographers in a variety of departments.
A student can also consider teaching as a career choice; and radiographers can find careers in doctors' offices, laboratories, clinics, and cancer treatment centers.