Radiographers take X-rays and apply radioactive substances or ultrasound to patients for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. They work at the request of a dentist or a qualified doctor or specialist, such as a radiologist.
Note the difference between a radiographer and a radiologist. Radiologists are specialized medical practitioners, who diagnose and treat diseases using radiant energies such as X-rays, ultrasound, gamma rays and radio waves. While a radiographer may take the X-rays, only a radiologist may interpret them.
Radiographers are responsible for using complex and expensive equipment for the well-being of patients during their investigation or treatment. Radiographers take Rontgen photographs of the body's internal structures and treat abnormalities with radiation. There are four disciplines in Radiography, namely:
Diagnostic radiography: In this discipline the radiographer is trained to position the patient and record the relevant positions, conditions and functions of the various anatomical structures and organs of the body. They capture X-ray images of the human body on film or other media using sophisticated X-ray equipment. Any abnormalities in these recorded images enable the radiographer to make a diagnosis.
Therapeutic radiography: Here the radiographer is concerned with the treatment of disease, mostly cancer, through X-rays and other radiations, for example, gamma rays from radium and cobalt-60. Therapeutic radiographers are also involved in the technical planning of the treatment and patient care.
Nuclear medicine: In this discipline, radiographers are trained in the use of radioactive nuclides that are introduced into the body to take images of the anatomy and physiology of the patient. By means of different radiation structures, organs in the body can be visually monitored and analyzed so that doctors can make diagnoses.
Ultrasound: These radiographers, also called sonographers, specialize in ultrasound and use apparatus that generates high frequency sound waves to record images of soft tissue.
Radiographers or radiological technologists use highly sophisticated X-ray equipment, mammographs, or C.T. (computerized tomography) scanners to produce image that are used by radiologists to diagnose the extent of disease or injury. These images may be displayed on X-ray film, movie film, videotape, television monitors or computer read-outs.
Medical imaging technologists who are employed in a hospital may work in the radiology department, use mobile X-ray units at patients' bedsides or work in an operating theatre. They work as part of a team with other health professionals, medical staff and nursing staff.
Radiographers may also be involved in administration, personnel management or teaching. Participation in an on-call roster for after-hours emergencies may also be required.
The work is highly technical and exacting, and applicants must feel comfortable with complex instruments, possess considerable manual dexterity and have meticulous work habits. The profession is both physically and mentally demanding and therefore requires individuals who cope well in a stressful environment.
Satisfying Aspects
- helping people
- being an important member of a medical team
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work shifts and, when on call, having to work nights, weekends and holidays
- working with demanding or unpleasant people
- having to work with very sick or seriously injured patients
Requirements
A radiographer should:
- have good health and stamina;
- be able to get along well with others;
- have a desire to help people;
- be emotionally mature and stable;
- inspire confidence and set patients at ease;
- be an accurate and thorough worker;
- have sympathetic and understanding approach, caring nature
- be able to inspire confidence and set patients at ease
- be accurate and thorough worker
- have a strong sense of responsibility
- have excellent interpersonal skills
- have strong problem-solving skills
- be able to work as part of a team
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting diploma requirements for a diploma course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Degree: BRadiography (Radio Diagnostics) - UP, NMMU, UJ, UL.
Diploma: N.Dip:and B.Tech: Radiography - CUT, CPUT, DUT, TUT.
The duration of the course is 3 years. A fourth year will culminate in the BTech Radiography. Students can also complete the MTech and DTech degrees - UJ, NMMU.
All students and qualified radiographers must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Employer
- Hospitals and clinics (private as well as government controlled)
- The Department of Health
- The Chamber of Mines
- South African Defence Force
- Municipalities
- Santa
- Private radiological practices
- Universities and universities of technology
- Self-employment, after registration can go into private practice or partnership
Contact
The Society of Radiographers of South Africa
P O Box 6014
Roggebaai, 8012
Tel: (021) 419-4857 Fax: (021) 421-2566
www.sorsa.org.za