Radiology Career Paper

Words: 2209
Pages: 9

Sean Aiken once said, “The belief that you can have a meaningful career is the first step to finding one.” Throughout the years of my life, it has been my goal to choose an impactful career that best suits me as a person. My goal has inspired me to learn about different careers and find out which career will best help me reach my goal. After taking the time to learn about multiple careers that I can choose from, I have found two careers that I think I should consider. After conducting research, I have decided to become either a librarian or a radiological technologist because both careers impact society, compliment my skills, and are intriguing to me in a variety of ways. The first career that I am considering is as a librarian. A librarian …show more content…
While experimenting with a cathode-ray tube and a piece of glass, he unintentionally managed to measure invisible rays that passed through objects and left shadows on photographic plates. ("History of Radiology"). The discovery of X-rays has allowed individuals who work in radiology to examine their patient's internal organs without dissecting them and exposing their organs. X-rays have also allowed radiologists to observe internal body functions without disrupting them, allowing them to further their knowledge and research of human anatomy. Röntgen's discovery of x-rays was not something that was expected, but it has greatly advanced technology, improved patient care, and expanded biological knowledge in the medical field. To become a radiological technologist, a bachelor’s degree is not required, but there are still certain qualifications one must meet. “Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified” (“Radiologic and MRI Technologists”). A radiological technologist is one of several jobs that individuals can obtain without a four-year …show more content…
Will Erstad, the author of “What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? An Inside Look at the Job,” states, “Radiologic technologists are skilled equipment operators who know exactly how to capture the images they need and how to shield patients from harmful radiation in the process.” It is important for radiologic technologists to learn and understand the concept of radiology and the technological equipment that revolves around it; furthermore, they apply this knowledge to their jobs through the duties that Will Erstad mentioned. Essentially, a radiologist is required to operate machinery precisely and ensure patient safety daily. Similarly to librarians, radiologic technologists may face a variety of challenges in their careers. One challenge that radiologic technologists face is properly protecting patients from radiation exposure. Moreover, Mahdieh Montazeran, Davide Caramella, and Mansoor Fatehi, the authors of “Patient Safety in Radiology”, reveal that “several studies have reported an alarming lack of knowledge among health professionals about radiation protection issues and radiation doses.” When radiologic technologists do not learn or are ignorant of the proper ways in which to ensure patients are not overexposed to radiation, they are putting their jobs and the lives of their patients at