Chest radiography for radiologic technologists

The chest exam is performed more frequently than any other exam in the imaging department. It is important for radiographers to understand the standards for imaging the chest because good chest radiographs are critical in managing patient care. This article provides an overview of chest radiography from the perspective of both the radiologist and the technologist. Readers will gain an understanding of several pathologic processes involving the chest and can use this information to perform optimal radiographic imaging.     

Radiation protection for radiologic technologists

This article provides a review and update on radiation protection principles. Major topics include the effects of radiation on the body, natural and artificial sources of radiation, the basic principles of radiation protection and recommended dose limits.     

Radiation safety for radiologic technologists

Radiologic technologists and ancillary staff who work with or near ionizing radiation face possible short- and long-term effects of occupational radiation exposure. Further, radiologic technologists must minimize unnecessary exposure that risks the patient's safety, while achieving the best possible image or outcome. This article reviews occupational dose limits, dose calculation, devices used to measure exposure, and safety best practices that can help technologists keep radiation exposure "as low as reasonably achievable" for them and their patients. The article also discusses the appropriate use of mounted and mobile equipment, personal protective equipment, and safety features on imaging equipment to minimize unnecessary radiation exposure.     

Recruitment for radiologic technologists.

The increasing shortage of radiologic technologists makes the recruiting of new staff more important than ever. This paper introduces the manager to numerous recruiting concepts and discusses some useful strategies to employ when approaching the important recruiting task.     

Acceptance of distance learning by radiologic technologists

OBJECTIVE: A national survey of 1300 registered radiologic technologists was conducted to determine acceptance of distance learning for continuing education, advanced certification and higher academic degree requirements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Differences between the demographic data and reported acceptance levels were compared using the chi2 (chi-square) test of significance. RESULTS: None of the demographic variables indicated statistically significant differences in acceptance levels. T tests were performed for continuous variables with no significant differences. A rank-order analysis was performed to determine the most preferred method of distance learning. Internet, correspondence and video tape courses were reported to be the most preferred methods for distance learning. CONCLUSION: Study results suggest a high level of acceptance of distance learning for continuing education (95%), advanced certification (93%) and higher academic degree requirements (87%).     

Reporting incidents with medical devices: procedures for radiologic technologists

Because of some fairly new rules established by the Federal government, the judgment of radiologic technologists concerning incidents with medical devices has become extremely important. This article explains the rules and their consequences, describes the responsibilities of technologists to report incidents, and includes a checklist for technologist use when submitting a report.     

Update on state licensing of radiologic technologists.

The number of states that license radiologic technologists has grown since federal legislation aimed at promoting licensure was passed in 1981. The federal government, however, has played a limited role at best in encouraging states to comply with the law, and many states still do not regulate certification of radiologic technologists.     

Occupational stress and burnout in radiologic technologists.

Burnout in radiologic technologists can have a direct economic impact on the radiology department in the form of absenteeism, tardiness and employee turnover. This article reports on the results of a study of stress and burnout among a sample of radiologic technologists and technologist interns in a hospital setting. Suggestions are made on how to reduce or eliminate sources of stress, thereby reducing the risk of burnout.     

Survey on medical information education for radiologic technologists working at hospitals

Recently, the importance of medical information for radiologic technologists has increased. The purpose of this questionnaire survey was to clarify the method of acquiring skill in medical information for radiologic technologists from the point of view of the managers of radiology departments. The questionnaire was sent to 260 hospitals that had introduced picture archiving and communication systems (PACSs) for the person responsible for medical information in the radiology department. The response rate was 35.4% (92 hospitals). The results of this survey clarified that few hospital have staff for medical information in the radiology department. Nevertheless, the excellent staff who have the skills to troubleshoot and develop systems are earnestly needed in radiology departments. To solve this problem, many technologists should understand the content, work load, and necessity of medical information. In addition, cooperation between radiologic technologist schools and hospitals is important in the field of medical information education.     

Certification and licensure of radiologic technologists: Part II

This article focuses on the vast inconsistencies in radiologic technology credentialing within the United States. There is no Federal statute requiring licensure of medical radiologic technologists. Historically, professional self-monitoring certifying agencies have provided the voluntary competency requirements that are used in some states. However, among these agencies varying standards prevail. Even though the majority of states do not license radiologic technologists, there are efforts underway to introduce licensure within the field.     

Certification and licensure of radiologic technologists: Part I

This article focuses on the vast inconsistencies in radiologic technology credentialing within the United States. There is no Federal statute requiring licensure of medical radiologic technologists. Historically, professional self-monitoring certifying agencies have provided the voluntary competency requirements that are used in some states. However, among these agencies varying standards prevail. Even though the majority of states do not license radiologic technologists, there are efforts underway to introduce licensure within the field.     

Assessment of the continuing education needs of California's radiologic technologists

The California radiologic community was surveyed concerning Continuing Education (CE) to determine (1) the factors that affect participation, (2) preferred CE activities, and (3) opinions on adding CE to existing certification law. Generally, respondents recognize CE's value for radiologic technologists and its cost effectiveness. Respondents are more likely to attend if financially supported. Though all populations recognize CE's value, radiologists favor enactment of mandatory CE, while technologists prefer state encouragement for CE.