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Radiography is Medical sub field which diagnoses the ailment and diseases of the internal and hidden parts of the body using X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound (sonography), CT scan (Computer Tomography), MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), Angiography, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) etc. Radiography is mainly used for medical and industrial  applications. Radiographers are professionals who operate radio imaging machines such as X-ray and interpret results. Their work also involves treatment of cancers and tumours with radiation. 

List of Radiography courses in India

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Bone Densitometry - It measures Bone Mineral Density (B.M.C.).

• Basic X-Ray - It uses a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.

• CT - Computed Tomography is scan a particular part of the body using a large quantity of cross-sectional x-rays together with computer algorithms.

• Mammography - It is the use of low dose x-rays to produce images of the breast.

• MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to produce three dimensional images of soft tissues.

• Fluoroscopy - It uses x-ray and a fluorescent screen to to get real time images of the internal structures of a patient.

• Angiography - It is x-ray technology used to view the inside of blood vessels.

• Interventional Radiology - It is the non surgical treatment for medical conditions such as vascular diseases using radiologic technology.

• Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology - It uses imaging techniques for guidance while performing therapeutic procedures within the flow of blood to and from the heart. Example Angioplasty.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Clinical Radiotherapy.
2. Clinical Chemotherapy.
3. Radiobiology.
4. Clinical Trials.
5. Palliative Care.

Objectives

• To be perfect in identifying anatomical features displayed in radiograph obtained.
• To develop the safest radio diagnostic techniques and make it affordable to all.
• To go beyond the formal radiography and be a kind humanitarian as well while dealing with patients.

Basic Requirement

Educational Qualification - Candidates who have passed their 10+2 or equivalent with 50% marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry are eligible for entry into courses such as B.Sc in Radiography, B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical Technology in Radiography. There are one year certificate courses also available. There are some institutes which conduct Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography and Radiotherapy of two years duration.

Some of the Institutes providing Radiography Courses:

• All India Institute of Medical Sciences (A.I.I.M.S.), New Delhi.
• Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research : College of Nursing, Chandigarh,
• Apollo Institute of Hospital Management and Allied Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Dr. B.R. (Bhim Rao) Ambedkar Medical College Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka.

Personal Attributes

Radiography candidates need to have patience, an observant eye and a calm temperament. One also needs to have or develop a friendly nature as they would be dealing with people of all ages. Other skills  required are good communication skills, spirit for teamwork, adaptation, strong scientific and technical mind.

Job Perspectives

Therapeutic Radiography is being widely used in the treatment and diagnosis of a large number of diseases which includes cancer, tumours, ulcers etc. With advancement in science and technology new machines are making their way in Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers. These machines require experts in Radiography and it is here that te demand for a Radiographer arises. Owing to hectic and sedentary life style people are suffering from various health conditions and therefore more Medical Centres are springing up. So there is wide scope of employment in Radiography. They are employed in the X-ray and ultrasound departments of medical institutions and clinics. They also have to work in diagnostic imaging department, intensive care unit, operating theatre, along with doctors and other hospital staff. Nuclear Medicine and Photography are other options for Radiographers.

Some Job Types

• Therapy Radiographer.
• X-Ray Technicians.
• Radiation Protection Specialists.
• Radiation Therapy Team Supervisor.
• Radiation Therapy Equipment Sales Representative.
• Radiation Therapy Treatment Researcher.
• Radiation Therapy Educator.
• Radiation Therapy Technologist.

Some Employment Areas

• Educational Institutes.
• Nursing Homes.
• Hospitals.
• Diagnostic Centers.
• Clinics.
• Radiotherapy Equipment Manufacturers.
• Radiotherapy Research Organisations.