Scope of Radiology, Courses, Jobs & Salary

• Radiology has become an important part for the diagnosis of diseases. There are diseases which cannot be detected by a simple blood test or natural symptoms. Radiology has become a part and parcel of today’s diagnosis to ensure the correct prognosis of a disease. 
• The concept of radiology involves radiation to be used on the body to understand the internal status of the organ. Somme of the concepts which are very much in vogue include X-Rays, Ultrasonography, MRI or magnetic Resonance Imagery, CT Scan or Computer Tomography as well as Angiography.  
• Without doing either of the said processes it becomes very difficult to diagnose a disease which is latent within the body, particularly those relating to the nerves, bones, heart and brain. Fractures, infections, nerve lapses and other hidden issues are easily sorted out by radiology and give the doctor a better idea of the situation.
• A radiographer’s work is not simply to handle the equipments but to use the equipments, record the outcomes and analyze and interpret the results from the machine and provide the same to the doctor. Hence a job of a radiographer is actually quite crucial to proper diagnosis of a disease. 
• Radiography has spread in its usage. Cancers are being treated with the help of controlled radiation. Even non malignant tumors are being treated with the help of radiation. The field of Radiology has been divided into two major spheres being Therapeutic Radiography and the other being Diagnostic Radiography.
• Therapeutic Radiology involves the curing of cancer, non malignant ulcers and tumors and as the procedure requires precision, therapeutic radiation requires highly skilled radiographers.
•  Diagnostic Radiography involves x-rays, cyst detections myelograms, operating with the help of fluoroscopic machines and here it is more about explaining the process and procedure to the patient.
   

• To be a Radiographer and take it as a career, the candidate has to complete their 10+2 in Science subject with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Botany or Zoology or Anatomy as their basic subjects. Thereafter complete a bachelor degree in radiology. A diploma course can be for two years depending on the institution.
• One can also pursue a degree in medical technology in Radiography as well as nursing. There are also institutions which provide for a Bachelor degree in Medical Radio Diagnosis and imaging Technology as well as Medical Radiotherapy Technology. One can also pursue a post graduate diploma in Radio Diagnosis and Imaging Sciences or even X-ray Radiography and Ultrasonography. 
• Some institutions also provide for a certificate course in Radio diagnostic Technology and also for being a Radiological Assistant. 
   

As cancers and other internal diseases are required to be treated by a specialist, a radiographer can find employment in the following places:

• Government run hospitals 
• Private run hospitals 
• Nursing homes
• Military hospitals
• Clinics and the Health Department
• Schools and Colleges
• Rehabilitation centers
• Government sectors like the railways
• Teaching jobs
• Individual Cardiac surgeons
• Multi specialty hospitals
• Hospices
• ICUs
   

To be a radiographer, one must have few basic skills. These are as follows:

• The person should have a keen interest in people and their well being
• A radiographer should have excellent observation power.
• The person should have immense patience in his work.
• A radiographer should a keen aptitude to understand the dictates of the doctor’s and patient’s vital statistics during therapeutic radiology
• One should have good verbal and written communication skills.
• One should have attention to detail.
• One should have good personal skills while dealing with patients.
• Time management is also crucial 
• One is required to be methodical and have a presence of mind in critical cases
• One must be prepared for a variety of patients
• One must be very calm while administering radiation as per the dictate of the doctor during cancer treatment as well as avoid over exposure to both the patient and others in the room during treatment
   

• To pursue a career as a Radiographer, the candidate must have completed their 10+2 in science, preferably with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Zoology or Botany or Anatomy as their main subjects and then pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Radiography. 
• There are also options to pursue a certificate and diploma course in the field of radiography and diagnostic radiography.
   

• A radiographer is required to look into several aspects when handling the equipment. 
• A therapeutic radiographer is required to monitor the levels of radiation being used to avoid complications
• A radiographer is required to ensure that there is no over exposure of the levels of radiation used 
• A radiographer is required to analyze the levels of radiation involved in therapeutic radiation
• A radiographer specialized in diagnostic radiation is required to ensure that the machines used are in perfect condition
• A radiographer must check the results with the readings given by the machine and also ensure that there is no fault with the machine otherwise the readings from the machine can be wrong leading to wrong diagnosis and treatment of the patient
• A radiographer must ensure that the machines are kept in a clean and hygienic condition otherwise the machine will given erroneous readings which will affect the treatment.  
   

• A government radiographer can earn from Rs. 8000 to 10,000 based on their background and experience. 
• A privately appointed radiographer can earn up to Rs 30,000 depending on the duty.