Backbone of all diagnoses

Usha Albuquerque

Ever since the discovery of X-ray technology in 1895 everyone of us has been subjected to some medical diagnosis involving medical imaging of some part of our body – an X-ray of a fracture, an ultrascan or MRI. By extending human vision into the very nature of diseases, medical imaging i.e the use of X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Angiography and PET technologies enable a more powerful generation of diagnosis and intervention. It helps in getting an image of internal body parts and their functioning that helps the doctors to easily diagnose the extent of disease and suggest effective treatment process and procedure.

Radiography, radiotherapy and radiation medicine have become important tools in the treatment and diagnosis of a large number of diseases, including Cancer, tumors and ulcers. The accelerated growth of technology in the field of medicine, with interventional radiology, nuclear medicine and the introduction of cross-sectional imaging, has resulted in the need for trained personnel to operate, utilise and interpret the new equipment.

Radiographers specialise in radiography, radiation medicine, sonography or nuclear medicine. They work with medically qualified radiologists, who are qualified doctors, and take X-ray images of the body tissues, bones and organs for doctors to diagnose diseases and injuries and carry out treatment. They also operate ultrasound and other high-tech equipment for CT scans and MR scans of patients. Moreover, they also assist qualified radiologists in the treatment, usually for malignant diseases, by means of radiation.

Work profile

The work of radiographers is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Diagnostic radiography is concerned with operating radio imaging machines providing diagnostic and evidentiary data used to help doctors identify the causes of illness. Therapeutic radiography involves treatment of cancers, ulcer and tumors with the help of radiation technology.

Radiology technicians and technologists are generally responsible for handling the x-ray machine, preparing and safely positioning patients in order to get diagnostic data to assist doctors. They perform the tasks of loading, fixing and developing X-ray films. Typical tasks for a radiology technician may range from assisting a radiologist with advanced preparation and testing, to administrative tasks, such as organising work schedules and maintaining patient records. A radiology technician may perform or specialise in mammography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging. Similarly, sonographers also assist physicians with data images designed to identify issues with internal organs using noninvasive sound waves. Sonographers may specialise in several areas, including women's health, vascular technology, or echocardiography.

Radiographers need to know and to monitor the levels of radiation exposure through correct positioning, and shielding of body parts not to be exposed, thereby, ensuring against over exposure to harmful radiation.

Getting in

Most of the courses in Radiography require a Plus II with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry. There is a three-year BSc course in radiography/radiotherapy/medical imaging technology, as also two-year diploma and certificate courses for medical technicians to qualify in this field. PG courses are also available for graduates.

The three-year undergraduate programme deals with the study of different aspects in the field of radiology, its realisation and also usage. It also includes classes such as image analysis, radiation protection, digital image acquisition and display, and radiographic procedures, and modern imaging techniques that can be used to diagnose a patient.

Various institutions all over the country offer professional training in radiography, both, at the graduate and postgraduate level. The duration of these courses varies between one to three years.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi., the University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi and the PGIMER in Chandigarh are some of the institutes offering the three year degree course in Radiography.

Diploma and Certificate courses in Radiography are offered at various institutions, including Madras Medical College, Chennai, S.M.S. Hospital in Jaipur and PGIMER Chandigarh

Along with academic qualifications you also need patience, a scientific bent of mind, good eyesight, stamina and a methodical approach to work. Working in a hospital or clinic also requires a spirit for teamwork and an understanding of people of all ages, temperaments and backgrounds, and a sympathetic, yet objective approach towards the patients.

Job prospects

Radiography is one of the most promising career options in the paramedical field. After training in the particular area of specialisation, radiographers, radiotherapists, X-ray and ECG technicians can work in the X-ray and ultrasound and other diagnostic departments in hospitals, clinics, private nursing homes, public health organisations, research institutions, pharmaceutical concerns and as well as medical institutions controlled by Defence, Central and State Governments. Radiographers can work in intensive care units, operating theatres and in a team with doctors and other hospital staff.

Radiographers are constantly in demand in-

• Private nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Diagnostic centres
• Super specialty hospitals such as Apollo, Max, Fortis in metro cities.

They can also opt for teaching, or go into nuclear medicine and research. Self-employment opportunities are also available in this field. There are also opportunities abroad particularly in countries in Europe, the US and Gulf countries.

With diagnostic techniques growing extensively more and more sophisticated, diagnostic radiography is a continually changing profession with extensive career prospects in clinical work, research, management and teaching and employment prospects increasing both within the country and overseas.

So, if you have a technical bent of mind and have an inclination towards working in medical profession, this is a career perfect to meet your future aspirations.

Skills required:

Radiography is essentially a service-oriented field that requires:

• Patience & calm temperament
• Liking for machines and technical equipment
• Ability to infuse confidence in patients
• Ability to organise and keep schedules
• Accurate judgement and precision
• Good powers of observation
• Meticulous record keeping abilities

Some of the courses offered include:

• BSc Radiography
• BSc Radiotherapy
• Bachelor of Radio Diagnosis and Imaging Technology
• BSc Imaging Technology Radiography
• BSc Medical Technology in Radiography
• MSc Medical Radiation Physics
• Diploma in Medical Radiography Technology
• Diploma in Medical Radiology
• Diploma in Medical Radiology & Electro -therapeutics
• Diploma in Radiotheraphy
• Diploma X-ray technology
• PG Diploma in Radiation Therapy Technology
• PG Diploma in Radiography and Imaging technology
• Certificate course in Radiography Technology
• Certificate in X-ray Technology

Institute watch

Institutes offering Radiography/ Radiotherapy/Medical Imaging Technology courses include:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences
• Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Bangalore
• Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research
• Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Post Graduation Medical Education Research
• National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore
• Apollo Institute of Hospital Management and Allied Sciences, Chennai