Radiography

Diagnosis

Radiography is used to diagnose the illness and diseases of the internal and hidden parts of the body using X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound (sonography), CTscan (Computer Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Angiography, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) etc. PET is a nuclear medicine medical imaging, a branch of medicine and medical imaging that uses unsealed radioactive substances in diagnosis and therapy, which produces a three dimensional image of the functional processes in the body.

In order to treat the ailment of the body a detailed image of the internal body part is required. Radiography is concerned with operating radio imaging machines such as X-ray and interpreting results. It also involves treatment of cancers and tumors with radiation.

In radiography there are career choices.

1. Diagnostic Radiography. The duty of a Diagnostic radiographer is to explain the procedure to the patients, get then ready for the tests and operate the machine, and do the maintenance of equipment and records. They also help physicians in performing procedures such as Myelograms (an exam to detect injuries, Cysts or tumors in the spinal cord) and surgeons in the operating room with portable x-ray machines or fluoroscopic machines.

2. Therapeutic radiography or Radiotherapy is now being used in a big way in the treatment and diagnosis of a large number of diseases, including cancer, tumors and ulcers. A therapy radiographer use radiation in highly controlled conditions in the treatment of tumor.

Today there is a great demand for professional radiographers as new technologies are being employed detection and treatment of diseases.

Eligibility:

The courses for radiography start at the graduate level. There are one year certificate courses also available. There are some institutes which conduct Diploma in diagnostic radiography and Radiotherapy of two years duration. There are degree courses such as B.Sc in Radiography, B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical Technology in Radiography. The duration for the graduate programme is three years. Candidates who have passed their 10+2 or equivalent are eligible for the course.

Job Prospect:

Job opportunities are immense in this field not just in India but also abroad. They are in a great demand in nursing homes, hospitals, diagnostic centers and super specialty hospitals. The job of a radiographer also covers areas like medicine, research and teaching. The field of nuclear medicine and photography are also open to x-ray technicians and radiographers. The following job profiles also come under radiography- Radio Diagnosis, Radio Therapy, Radiation Protection.

Institutes:

All medical institutes around the country offer courses in radiography.