The Profession of Radiology

Now that we have looked at the health professions and the healthcare environment, we will take a closer look at the profession of Radiology.

 

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary peer review process through which an agency grants recognition to an institution for a program of study that meets specific criteria. Hospitals are accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC) who indicates that the institution meets criteria for equipment, staff, safety, lending, management and patient care. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is an independent agency that awards accreditation to programs in radiologic technology and radiation therapy.

Regulatory Agencies

Because Radiologic Technologists work with ionizing radiation, there are rules and regulations that must be followed. There are regulatory agencies that are responsible for regulating the safety of radiation workers. The regulatory agency for those who are using medical diagnostic x-ray equipment is most often the state where the work is being done. For example, the regulatory agency for those working in Colorado is the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. This agency provides the rules and regulations for workers and facilities in Colorado.

Professional Credentialing and Certification

Certification is the process through which an agency grants recognition to an individual on demonstration, usually by examination, of specialized professional skills.

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) evaluates the standards of radiologic technology and conducts the examination and certification of eligible candidates.   The ARRT also publishes a listing of all registrants.   The designation for a registered technologist is RT with the specialty designation for radiographer (R).   Example:   John Smith RT(R). In addition, most but not all, states and territories require an additional state license.

 

Certifications are offered in a variety of medical imaging professions:

–Radiography (R)

–Nuclear medicine technology (N)

–Radiation therapy technology (T)

–General sonography (S), vascular sonography (VS), breast sonography (BS)

–CT scanning (CT)

–MRI scanning (MR)

–Cardiac interventional technology (CI)

–Vascular interventional technology (VI)

–Quality management (QM)

–Bone densitometry (BD)

–Radiologist assistant (RA)

•Certified professionals are listed in a national registry as proof of achievement.

•Certification provides the privilege of displaying professional credentials as earned.

 

Professional Organizations and Societies

There are many professional societies within medical imaging. These societies usually publish professional journals, conduct educational meetings and represent their members to governmental bodies. Some of these societies provide continuing education, scholarships, information networking, malpractice insurance and recruitment and promotional materials.

Some of the professional organizations include: The American Society of Radiologic Technologists, American Healthcare Radiology Administrators, Association of Educators in Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, Association of Vascular and Interventional Radiographers, American Society of Echocardiography, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine/Section for Magnetic Resonance Technologists, International Society of Radiographers and Radiologic Technologists, Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographer's, Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologist Section, Society for Vascular Ultrasound and state and local radiologic technology societies.

 

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) - Oldest and largest national professional association of imaging sciences

International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) - ISRRT is one of more than 70 national organizations of technologists around the world.