What Different Types of Scans Do You Learn About in a Rad Tech Program?
In a radiologic technology program, you learn about the medical scans commonly used in radiology units or imaging centers. These scans include X-rays, CT (computed tomography) scans, MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging), and ultrasounds or sonograms. The medical images produced from these different technologies are used by doctors to diagnose a wide range of diseases and injuries, and to monitor patient conditions.
Rad Tech Programs Teach X-Ray Scans
Since an X-ray is the most common type of medical scan, it’s the first one you learn about in your radiologic technology program. They are widely used in healthcare because they are quick, non-invasive, and effective for diagnosing a variety of conditions. If you’ve ever broken a bone or visited the dentist, you’ve probably had an X-ray. An X-ray works by sending a small about of radiation through the body. Because bones absorb more radiation than tissue, they appear white on film and digital sensors. What doctors see on the images help them diagnose fractures, infections, and other conditions.
Learning how to take X-rays in your radiologic technology program provides a foundation for you to understand more advanced imaging technologies like CTs and MRIs. In your program you learn the basics of radiology and patient care and how to properly capture images of bones and internal organs. You learn about positioning, safety, and image interpretation, before moving on to specialized techniques.
To take the X-ray, you have the patient lay the part of the body to be examined on an X-ray table between the machine and the beam. You cover the parts of the body not being imaged to protect them from radiation. The beam captures the internal image and sends it to a computer. Once you capture an image, you check its quality. With the right training, you can recognize abnormalities and bring them to the attention of the treating physician. You can take the techniques you learn from X-rays and apply the strategies to other scans.
Radiologic Techs Learn Mammography
Mammograms are a type of X-ray used specifically to examine breast tissue. As a Radiologic Technologist specializing in mammography, you learn about breast anatomy, patient positioning, and proper technique for capturing clear, detailed images of breast tissue. You also learn how to operate mammography equipment, follow safety protocols, and make your patient as comfortable as possible. And you’re trained to recognize normal and abnormal breast tissue and the importance of breast cancer screening.
Learning About CT Scans
A CT scan uses several X-rays taken from different angles around the body. The machine resembles a short tunnel, and the patient lies still inside it while its rotating X-ray beam captures multiple images. Once the images are processed, they create cross-sectional, detailed 3D images of the body’s internal organs and structures. These images help diagnosis conditions affecting bones, organs, and tissues.
As a Radiologic Technician working with CT scans, you prepare the patient for the exam, explain the procedure, and position them on the scanner table. You operate the CT machine, monitor the patient from an adjacent room, and ensure that you capture a clear, accurate image for diagnosis. Just like you learned in X-ray courses, you follow critical safety protocols to minimize radiation exposure.
Ultrasounds or Sonograms
Most everyone has seen an ultrasound image of a developing fetus. Sonograms, or ultrasounds, don’t use radiation. Instead, they use high-frequency sound waves emitted from a transducer. The sound waves bounce off internal structures, and the returning echoes convert into images.
Learning to take sonograms means understating anatomy, proper patient positioning, and how to operate ultrasound equipment. In your program, you’re taught how to adjust the transducer for optimal imaging, interpret results, and communicate the findings. You also need to have a good bedside manner, making sure your patients are cared for and comfortable.
While sonograms are commonly used to monitor the health of unborn babies, they are also used to take images of organs, tissues, and veins. They’re used by physicians to diagnose a number of health issues including gallbladder disease, cancer, prostate problems, and a malfunctioning thyroid. And they can be used to assess joint inflammation and evaluate blood flow.
MRIs
Magnetic resonance images, or MRIs, use magnetic fields and radio waves to capture detailed images of the inside of the body. Patients are placed in a long cylinder machine with a strong magnetic field that sends out pulses of radio waves. Those signals are sent back to a computer, which assembles the image. MRIs can be used to diagnose brain tumors, tissue diseases, and health conditions of the heart.
Learning to use an MRI means knowing how to operate the MRI machine, including adjusting settings to capture high-quality images. You also develop a deep knowledge of anatomy and protocols for imaging different body parts. And to ensure patient safety from the powerful magnetic field, you need to screen for metal implants or devices that may interfere with the scan. And like with any patient-facing procedure, you need to prioritize patient comfort.
Radiologic technology is a critical component to modern medicine and a field in high demand. Do you want a job helping others with good future prospects? Charter College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology that can help you prepare for a career as a Radiologic Technician. Learn about all of the scans and the specialties in this rewarding medical field. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.