Radiology Forums

miami305 · Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 6

i know that there are alot of different types of radiographers...like ultrasound,MRI,...are there anymore?

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers are not Radiographers.

Let's see, there is:

-General Radiography (and there are differences here - OR, fluoroscopy, trauma center .. private practice)
-CT

-IR - in the old days, it was called 'specials' or 'special procedures'. IR covers interventional radiology procedures, including neuro and peripheral vascular catherterizations, radiofrequency ablation (which you can google). You become an RT first, then specialize in this area. Lots to learn, very exciting.

MRI is becoming it's own specialty, it won't be long before you will not be able to simply cross-train into MR, you will need to attend an accredited program. Makes sense - it doesn't use radiation. It employes a combination of magnetic and radiowaves with computer reconstruction. Vastly different technology.

Ultrasound is no longer a 'subsection' of radiology/imaging. Ultrasound is its own specialty, and separate schooling is required. Uses sound waves, not radiation.

Nuclear Medicine is no longer a 'subsection' of radiology/imaging. Nuclear Medicine is its own specialty, and separate schooling is required. Actually, NM requires a 4-year degree (someone correct me if I'm wrong?)

CVT - Cardiovascular Imagers. Though once-upon-a-time CVT's all moved over from IR, there are now programs for CVT. Their programs share much in common with ours but there are differences, and their credentialing is different.

I'm sure I missed something - anyone else?

hjh, RT

miami305 · Joined: 15 May 2008 Posts: 6

thanks, i didnt know there were so many different positions. i thought once you grad from radiography, you'll be able to get into any. how long does it take in school to be a Radiographer?

hjhogle · Moderator Joined: 23 May 2006 Posts: 609 Location: CT

Programs which are accredited (necessary in order to be eligible to take the national certification exam) run about 2 years.

There are still a few programs that have no affiliation with a 2 year college (although there are not many of these left). Successful graduation provides a certificate and the eligibility to take the exam.

A program associated with a 2 year college provides a 2-year degree and the eligibility to take the exam.

There are programs associated with 34-year schools that provide a 4 year degree and the eligibility to take the exam.

Shortest time is about 2 years.

hjh, RT

papa · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 9:09 am Post subject:

just as a side note, i'd like to add that there are schools out there that will put you through school quicker, and give you a limited license. DO NOT GO TO THESE SCHOOLS!!!! these schools are not accreditted by the ARRT (our orginization that handles all of the credentials and certifications), and therefore you can not sit for the boards. also, limited x-ray techs are not allowed to perform all the necessary examinations, therefore jobs are scarce because nobody wants to hire a limited tech.

depending on who you talk to (this board included), limited techs are not radiographers. i personally feel that these limited tech schools should be closed down by the states. they do nothing but take your money, for little of what they call an education.

just my $.02

papa RTRCT
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