what is radiologic technology

Radiologic technology, also known as radiography or X-ray, is the art and science of using radiation to provide images of the bones, organs, soft tissue, and vessels that comprise the human body. Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, are responsible for performing medical exams using X-rays on patients to create images of specific parts of the body. They work closely with physicians, nurses, and other members of the healthcare team to help diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologic technologists may specialize in various areas, including bone densitometry, cardiac-interventional radiography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, vascular interventional radiography, nuclear medicine, and sonography. They work in hospitals, medical labs, doctors offices, and outpatient centers, and may have full-time, part-time, or as-needed schedules, which may include evening, weekend, or on-call hours. Radiologic technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection, and basic patient care. They play a crucial role in the accurate and precise production of radiographic (X-ray) examinations, which are indispensable diagnostic tools of modern medicine.