Radiology Technology

Alexandra Larson RT (R)

MY JOB.......So what do I for a living? I'm a Radiology Technologist and currently cross-training in CT. I have been for 2.5 years. I received my education at Weber State University. I completed 2 years of prerequisites, got my Associates of Science and applied to the outreach Weber State Radiology Technology Program with my clinical site at Evanston Regional Hospital, my first time and was accepted. I completed 1500 clinical hours, 132 competencies and 25 educational courses.
In my profession we are often called "glorified button pushers." Whelp, we are NOT just glorified button pushers. We are required to do more clinical hours than most medical fields including Nurses mind you and there with the patient longer then us (not a dish on RN's, they are just as important.) This is not just X-ray, but CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Cath and Nuc Med Techs which all require extensive clinical and educational training.

         

      Student Radiology Tech

Graduation 2013

                                           

This past week was Radiology Technology Week which striked my blog post for this week. I work 40 plus hours a week and sometimes feel like the Radiology Department is treated as the "red headed step child." Sometimes I wish we were more appreciated and respected for our hard work, time and knowledge. Our profession isn't as easy as everyone thinks. 

What my kitchen table looked like after studying for my boards!

                                      

We must position patients accurately for diagnostic images for accurate results, transfers patients twice our weight, think of the proper radiation techniques, push around portables/c-arms to provide care (and yes there heavy most of us have run over ourselves or someone elses toes and it hurts) provide efficient quality care (not as easy as it sounds, considering we have to move an already hurting patient around to achieve our images) and lastly but most importantly we expose ourselves to radiation, of course we take all the major precautions, but we still get a dose. Then on top of all this keep up with new technology and continuing education. 

URST Fall Conference 2015

                                       

I'm not saying all this to start debate or say hey look at us but, we love what we do and rather then be called a "glorified button pushers" or unappreciated remember that without use where would patient care be. Just THINK, we're would we be without the entire Radiology Department, really think about it. Could we last a whole day without them???......It's an IMPORTANT diagnostic tool for doctors to treat our patients. So why not treat them so, I'm I right!!! (Had to add some sass.) I respect all medical professions, our jobs aren't easy and we need each other to do it. This is someone's life, family member, friend and loved one. 

To all my fellow techs. I hope you had an awesome week. Cause REMEMBER, they can't do it without us.

HAPPY NATIONAL RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGY WEEK.