Radiographer or Radiologic Technologist is an important part of a medical team. Radiographer's role starts when some kind of doubt falls in doctor’s mind or when he wants to make his observation a hundred per cent sure. Then he falls on the technology that the radiographer is apt to deal with. Correct diagnosis is important for providing exact treatment for a disease. For some ailments, it is not possible to find out the diseases by the symptoms alone.
Radiography is used to diagnose the ailment and diseases of the internal and hidden parts of the body using X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, Angiography, PET (Positron Emission Tomography) etc. It is these tests done by an efficient radiographer that a Dr. falls to take its further course of action with confidence towards the treatment of a serious patient. In this way, the role of the radiographer is considered to be very crucial and important to start a life-saving process of a patient.
To do this work tirelessly with all the care and devotion a radiologist should have Patience, a calm temperament, an objective approach towards the patients and an understanding of people of all ages, the ability to infuse confidence in patients, tolerance, a strong willpower, strength of mind and purpose are essential for people aspiring to make a career in the field. Other skills required are a strong scientific and technical bent of mind, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to the changes, communication skills and a spirit for teamwork, good powers of observation, accurate judgment and self-confidence
To discharge their duties with utmost perfection the prospective radiographer required professional knowledge about the filed and condition they are going to work in the coming time. For that, they need proper knowledge and training in their respective field which can only be achieved by doing professionally designed courses. So to be in this profession who has to undergo one or more of the ahead given courses?
Radiographer Eligibility
To Join Radiography as a career one has to undergo one or more of the following Courses:
Eligibility Conditions
Educational Qualification
To be eligible to join B.Sc in Radiography - a Bachelor degree one should be 10+2 with Biology, Physics and Chemistry as the main subject with 50% marks for some highly rated colleges providing this course.
How to become a Radiographer?
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various state and Independent medical educational bodies to admit candidates in various teaching institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam. These exams are usually held in the month of May-June and consists of Objective type questions based on the subject of relevant subjects the results of these exams are generally out by June/July. However, some colleges also give admission on the basis of % of marks obtained in the qualifying class
Step 2
After completing this 3 years of course in which one has to go through all the major aspects of the field of study-Apart from the theoretical part, Radiographer also goes through practical training courses in the attached Hospitals. One can opt for some job is private or state run Nursing homes or Hospital as Radiographer. There are one-year certificate courses also available. There are some institutes which conduct Diploma in diagnostic radiography and Radiotherapy of two years duration.
Fees and Other Expenditures: Although varying from college to college, the total course fee this course ranges from anywhere near 10 thousand at a government college to around Rs 50 Thousand in private institutes
Note: There are also other certificate courses in radiography which needs 10+2 as the eligibility. Courses are offered by colleges, universities as well as hospitals. However, some government agencies provide this course free of cost to the experienced untrained workers already working in this field to improve their knowledge and expertise.
Radiographer Job Description
The role of radiographer become more absorbing as he is the one on whose ability the doctor falls and treats the patient according to the feedback provided by him. Here small carelessness on the part of radiographer can prove fatal for the patient. He/She may have to work for 24 hours in an emergency condition. Although it a tough ask but the person who is engaged in this profession does not feel so, as this profession gives them enormous mental satisfaction when the patience they have taken care of stands on their feet and go back to their family blessing them for their recovery.
Radiographer Career Prospects
A well qualified and certified radiographer may find a challenging career in public and private sector hospital, minor emergency centres, diagnostic centres, blood donor centres. These days with the growth in the private sector there are so many private hospitals, nursing homes, blood banks, etc. the demand for a radiographer is on the upswing. With adequate knowledge and experience, Radiographer can advance to supervisory or management positions in laboratories and hospitals. These radiographers can also run private diagnostic centres. Career Prospects are:
- Assistant radiographer
- Radiographer
Radiographer Salary
Radiographer gets a reasonable salary in government and private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres etc. The average starting salary of a radiographer ranges between Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000 per month in hospitals and in clinics. Those working in private hospitals and clinics have more income than those of government employees. Those who are doing private practice are earning handsome returns depending upon their skill, knowledge, experience and popularity in the surrounding areas.
