If you\u2019re looking for a health career that puts you at the centre of the diagnostic process, while gaining cutting-edge knowledge in the latest medical technologies, then becoming a radiographer might be the career for you.<\/p>\n
What is a radiographer?<\/strong><\/p>\n Radiographers, otherwise known as Medical Imaging Technologists<\/a>, are allied health professionals<\/a> who take x-rays and other medical images, which doctors view in order to diagnose diseases and injuries.<\/p>\n At the heart of modern medicine, radiographers are integral to accurate medical diagnosis, and in turn, the long-term health outcomes for patients.<\/p>\n As part of a diagnostic health team, radiographers are highly skilled individuals who operate extremely advanced technical equipment such as MRI scanners (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography) and mobile X-ray machinery.<\/p>\n A career that is challenging and diverse by nature, many radiographers undertake additional training in specialist fields such as:<\/p>\n \u2022 Mobile radiography \u2013 for people who are too ill to attend an X-ray department How to become a radiographer<\/strong><\/p>\n Becoming a Radiographer requires tertiary qualification in medical radiation science, either at undergraduate or graduate level.<\/p>\n If you’re applying for a 3 or 4-year undergraduate medical radiation sciences degree then you will need:<\/p>\n \u2022 Year 12 certificate or equivalent If you’re applying for graduate level then you’ll need:<\/p>\n \u2022 A Bachelor degree in medical imaging science or a health science discipline. For some courses you may need to hold a first or second class honours.<\/p>\n After graduating, medical imaging technologists will undertake one year of paid supervised practice, working within an accredited clinical radiology department, which is managed by the (AIR) Australian Institute of Radiography, and may apply to the relevant board of registration (depending on the State ) to be authorised to practice.<\/p>\n What personal characteristics does a radiographer need?<\/strong><\/p>\n A person who is considering becoming a radiographer should be:<\/p>\n \u2022 Compassionate, with strong interpersonal skills Despite being a highly technical position, radiographers should enjoy working with people and be able to focus their attentions on the care and welfare of patients to create a positive experience.<\/p>\n A radiographer also needs to have a thorough understanding of the body’s structure and the effects of injury and disease on the body when taking X-ray images.<\/p>\n They won\u2019t need to interpret imaging though \u2013 that\u2019s the role of the radiologist, who will have an advanced medical degree.<\/p>\n Radiologists rely heavily on radiographers, and together they will have a close working relationship.<\/p>\n Career diversity<\/strong><\/p>\n Radiography offers immense variety and scope.<\/p>\n Besides performing X-rays or specialist imagery, there are also opportunities to progress to other areas such as:<\/p>\n \u2022 Clinical leadership \u2013 supervisory roles Radiographer salary<\/strong><\/p>\n Salaries vary according to where you work and in which territory but you can expect to start off at around $50,000 per year, rising to around $100,000 at a senior level.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Magnetic resonance imaging \u2013 3D imagery which is powered by a huge magnet
\n\u2022 Angiography \u2013 taking images of the heart and blood vessels
\n\u2022 Trauma radiography \u2013 somewhat tricky examinations on injured patients
\n\u2022 Computed tomography \u2013 3D X-ray imaging test
\n\u2022 Fluoroscopy \u2013 An X-ray which looks internally into the body and projects moving images on to a screen
\n\u2022 Operating theatre \u2013 helping surgeons during an operation with specialist X-ray equipment<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 To meet additional criteria such as criminal, immunisation status and working with children checks<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Equipped with a technological and scientific background
\n\u2022 Accurate and pay close attention to detail
\n\u2022 Able to calculate timings of procedures including exposure to radiation
\n\u2022 Skilled at placing patients and equipment in the correct position to ensure their safety
\n\u2022 Well versed at explaining procedures to patients to put them at ease
\n\u2022 Competent at developing and checking X-ray films<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Education \u2013 lecturing
\n\u2022 Research
\n\u2022 Corporate sales
\n\u2022 Sonography (diagnostic ultrasound procedures)
\n\u2022 Setting up your own business in conjunction with a radiologist<\/p>\n