Radiological Technologists and Ultrasound Sonographers

Your Examiner: A Medical Professional

At Radiology & Imaging, the professional conducting your imaging exam is usually a radiologic technologist. The only exception is that if you're having an ultrasound, your exam is conducted by a sonographer.  That’s a complicated way of saying that you are in the hands of medical professional. He or she is specially trained and licensed to conduct your exam. Your examiner also is an expert on running the particular type of imaging equipment used in your exam.

Our examiners do only two things. They perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They also may administer radiation therapy treatments. Through advanced medical training, they are educated in:

  • Anatomy
  • Patient care
  • Patient exam positioning
  • Imaging examination techniques
  • Equipment protocols
  • Radiation safety
  • Radiation protection

 
Most of our technologists specialize in a specific imaging technique, such as those for bones or organs or breasts.

Certification & Education Helps Assure High Quality Exams

All of our examiners have successfully graduated from one of two formal higher education programs:

  • 2 years in an accredited hospital-based program
  • 2 - 4 years at an college-level academic institution

 
They all have passed a national certification examination. But their education never ends. Radiology & Imaging examiners must earn continuing education credits every year to renew their license.

Greater Skill Through Diagnostic Imaging Sub-Specialization

Surgeons don’t do all types of surgery. They tend to specialize and perform surgery on certain parts of the body. Our examiners are similar. They don’t all do all types of diagnostic image exams. They sub-specialize in certain types of exams.

For example, magnetic resonance technologists receive special training in operating MRI equipment. Their ability to perform MRIs is well above average because they devote most of their time to MRIs.

Our sonographers focus only on ultrasound exams. Our x-ray examiners become precisely skilled in x-ray exams. Sub-specialization like this builds greater expertise, more skill in working with you and increased ability to deliver the best diagnostic images. Other specialties within the radiologic technologist medical profession are:

  • Bone Density
  • CT Scan
  • Mammography
  • MRI
  • Nuclear medicine technologists
  • Quality management technologists