What Does a Radiographer Do?

Radiographers provide patient care with the use of radiographic and fluoroscopic equipment, as directed by physicians. They are responsible to demonstrate respect for patients' modesty, privacy, comfort, and safety, communicating in lay terms so the patient understands the procedure being performed, while maintaining a professional and compassionate environment. Radiographers are also responsible to provide emergency care and/or life support, if appropriate, until appropriate personnel arrive

Responsibilities of a Radiographer

  • Prepare radiographic equipment and supplies for various procedures involving the use of ionizing radiation.
  • Care for patients, including: Providing physical and emotional support to the patient during the x-ray procedure and be able to respond to situations involving first aid, as well as provide emergency care until the physician or appropriate personnel arrive.
  • Accurately position patients for radiographic imaging.
  • Calculate and select proper technical factors of radiation exposure utilizing radiation safety measures, according to procedure standards, with speed and accuracy.
  • Provide assistance to radiologists and other physicians during procedures, which may include emergency and/or high stress situations. Must be able to understand and follow verbal instructions in a variety of settings and act in a professional manner.
  • Review and evaluate the radiographs for the purposes of identifying proper patient positioning, proper radiation exposure, and other appropriate technical qualities.

Areas Where Radiographer May Work and/or Specialize

  • General Diagnostic Radiography: Plain films of the chest, abdomen, bones, etc.
  • Fluoroscopy: Real-time imaging of the body's internal organs following ingestion/injection of contrast media.
  • Emergency Room/Trauma: Immediate radiographs of trauma victims and acutely ill patients.
  • Operating Room: Use of C-Arm equipment for imaging during surgical procedures.
  • Portable/Mobile Radiography: Imaging patients with a mobile unit at the bedside who are unable to be transported (intensive care unit, special care nursery, recovery room, etc.)
  • Vascular/Interventional Procedures: Radiographic examinations of blood vessels, including diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
  • Computed Tomography (CT): Computerized cross-sectional imaging of the body.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Computerized imaging with the use of magnetic fields and radio-frequency waves to create cross-sectional images of the body.
  • Mammography: Breast imaging for the purpose of screening for early breast cancer detection or diagnostic evaluation.

Job Opportunities for Radiographers

  • Private Physician's Offices (Radiology, Orthopedic, Rheumatology, etc.)
  • Ambulatory Care Centers/ Walk-in Clinics
  • Mobile Imaging Companies
  • Radiographic equipment repair and manufacturing
  • Radiographic equipment sales and software applications
  • Radiography Education
  • Healthcare Management