The country’s healthcare sector is on a growth trajectory offering plenty of lucrative options in radiography, says ARUNA SINGH
Have you ever noticed people in hospital gowns who escort patients for an X-Ray CT-Scan or chemotherapy? They are the one who operate the machine for you and later interpret the results for doctors. The word used for them are radiographers. They are equipped with the technological skills to handle imaging equipment and the interpersonal skills necessary for patient care. Educational and licensure requirements vary by state and profession, though completion of a certificate or two-year degree programme is common for radiologic technologists. Today, India’s healthcare sector on a growth trajectory, the career opportunities for such allied healthcare workers with expertise in diagnostic science have never been better. Services of diagnostic professionals can be essential for medical treatments and their demand is on the rise.
Nature of work: Radiologic technologists perform medical imaging exams and administer radiation therapy treatments. With the help of various imaging technologies, these professionals take pictures of a patient’s body for radiologists, who will then interpret the images. Radiologic technologists often specialise in a particular exam technique, such as mammography or bone densitometry. These professionals can also assist oncology teams in delivering radiation therapy to cancer patients. The technicians work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, private physician offices or even mobile imaging service centres.
Opportunity: You could specialise in dozens of clinical areas ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics. You could manage an entire radiology department, including its budget and personnel. You could teach, inspiring new generations of radiologic technologists, or you could perform research that leads to breakthroughs in diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. With additional education, you could become a radiologist assistant, expanding your capabilities by serving as a radiologist extender. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.
Skills: Good communication skills, a focus on detail, and careful attention to procedure are essential to success as a radiology technician. Physical strength is needed to position patients, and at times, to lift them onto examination table. As with health care professionals in general, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and high ethical standards are necessary as well.
Eligibility: The curriculum for radiologic technology and related programmes includes coursework as well as a series of supervised clinical exercises where students learn how to position patients and perform procedures. A background check, immunisations, and a physical examination may be required prior to entering these programmes. Applicants can pursue certificate courses, diploma courses, as well as bachelor’s course in the field of radiology. Duration of the diploma course is one-year and two-year, eligibility is 10+2 preferably with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Math or equivalent in any stream from a recognised Board or university.
Remuneration: The average starting salary ranges between Rs 7,000-Rs 10, 000 per month in Government/private hospitals. However, earnings are more in private practice as compared to salaried jobs. A large aging population in need of imaging to diagnose and treat medical conditions should keep demand strong for radiologic technologists. The Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts employment growth of about nine per cent between 2014-2024 for this profession, and 17,200 new positions will need to be filled.
Opportunities are also there in Middle-eastern countries. In these countries radiographers get salaries between Rs 30,000-Rs 50,000 per month. In the UK, the average starting salary of a newly qualified radiographer is around £17,000 per year which is much more than what it is in India.