Archive for the ‘radiology schools’ Category

PostHeaderIcon The Basics Of Radiology Transcription Jobs

Are you interested in a job in radiology transcription? We’ve got all the information you need right here. Read on for plenty of details regarding what this job is, what you need in order to do it, and what to expect from this rewarding career.

What is radiology transcription?

Radiology transcription jobs are a branch of medical transcription that specializes in patients undergoing radiology procedures. Let us elaborate.

Every day, all over the country, patients are in and out of hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. While there, they are given multiple tests and undergo several different procedures. Often patients are under the care of multiple people at once, including nurses, specialists, and physicians.

Now keep in mind that all of this activity must be recorded in the patient’s records for future reference. It must all be combined with all of the patient’s past history and any other relevant information concerning the patient’s treatment. This is vital for two reasons. Number one is the health of the patient; all activity must be documented to ensure the patient is getting the best treatment possible. Reason number two is to protect the hospital in the case of their activities being called into question.

This is where the transcriptionist comes in. If you’re looking for jobs in radiology transcription, your job will revolve around recording various activities for patients undergoing radiology treatments and procedures.

You may simply be helping keep records of ultrasounds, X-rays, and sonograms received by the patient. You may also be working on the therapy side of radiology, where your transcriptionist job will include keeping records of chemotherapy and other forms of radiology treatment.

So how do you know if you have what it takes to get a radiology transcription job?

Requirements

Needless to say, radiology transcription jobs require excellent knowledge of computers and fast, accurate typing skills. But that’s not all. A radiology transcriptionist should also have a good working knowledge of medical terms and procedures. You will spend a great deal of time transcribing information from doctor’s recordings, and you’ll need to know the terms that are being used in order to ensure your record is correct.

As a radiology transcriptionist, you’ll also be required to have excellent grammar and spelling skills, and the ability to research information in medical texts when you feel it’s necessary, i.e. when a term comes up with which you’re not familiar. Finally, you should be able to work independently if you’re interested in a transcription job. Many transcriptionists work from home and under minimal supervision.

How to gain the necessary skills?

Most transcription jobs require previous experience in the field. Naturally, in order to get experience you need to land the first job first, and the quickest way to do that is through training.

You’ll find many courses available on medical transcription. Some are at-home courses that you can take through the mail or over the Internet. Make sure to check the validity of these courses before signing up for them- some of them will “train” you, but won’t actually teach you the skills necessary to succeed in the job market.

Your best bet is a local community college or learning center. Many schools offer evening classes for adults interested in learning medical transcription. Although no special degree is required, what you learn by attending these classes will be invaluable- and should help you land your first job, too.

Keep in mind that if you’re interested in radiology transcription jobs in particular, you’ll need to brush up on the area of interest and learn as much as possible about radiology. Study the terms and processes well, and ask local hospitals what they look for in radiology transcriptionists when they’re hiring.

The field of radiology transcription jobs is fairly competitive. Among all medical transcription jobs, radiology seems to attract a great deal of interest. And little wonder- the field of X-rays, ultrasounds, and chemotherapy is one of the most exciting medical fields working today.

PostHeaderIcon X Ray Technologists or Radiologic Technologists Profiled

Radiology / X-Ray – a fascinating world of medicine and technology!

Did you know that x-rays were invented by accident?

In 1895, a German physicist named Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen made a discovery, which he later termed “x-rays,” while experimenting with an electron beam in a gas discharge tube. Roentgen noticed that a fluorescent screen in his lab started to glow when the electron beam was turned on.  Roentgen’s tube was surrounded by heavy black cardboard, so he continued to investigate what mysterious entity might be traveling right through matter.  This discovery laid the foundation for what we know to be the field of Radiologic Technology.

Beginning in the early 1900’s, the use of x-rays in medicine marked an immense change in the way that patient anomalies were diagnosed. Using x-ray imaging, physicians were able to see the internal structures in the human body—bony structures, hollow organs, and soft tissues without the use of invasive and dangerous surgical procedures. Today, the field of Radiologic Technology includes other diagnostic techniques and modalities, some of which do not use ionizing radiation. For this reason, the more accurate terminology used for this branch of medicine is Diagnostic Medical Imaging.  The continuous expansion of this profession and the diversity of methods used for diagnosis have allowed the modern Radiologic Technologist tremendous growth within this field—both in upward and lateral mobility.  

The career potential is expanding along with its learning opportunities. After the successful completion of the classroom and clinical experiential training, graduates must obtain state and/or national certification to be employed as a Radiologic Technologist. Once certified, a Radiologic Technologist may work in an acute-care setting in a hospital, or in an outpatient facility or doctor’s office. The technologist utilizes modern digital technology to create images in the radiographic facility, or in emergency rooms, surgical suites, and at the patient’s bedside. Some technologists choose to be employed by mobile companies and cover large geographical regions in vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities as well as vocational schools and academies.

What else do Radiologic Technologists do?

When assisting in fluoroscopy, for example, they might prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to examine some of the hollow organs and other dynamic structures within the body, such as the heart.   Technologists are also utilized during endoscopic procedures, pacemaker insertions, in the operating room, emergency room, neonatal nursery and in ICU.

There are many more areas in which the expertise of an experienced Radiologic Technologist is needed.  They may be involved in more complex imaging procedures, such as areas of cardiovascular interventional procedures, angiography, mammography, bone densitometry, CT, and MRI, to name a few.

For the skilled radiographer, the creation of diagnostic images is both an art and a science.  We utilize complex equipment and apply critical thinking under adverse conditions to create an image with maximum information while minimizing exposure to the patient. It is very gratifying to play such a role in helping our patients achieve health. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, we learn how to keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. We also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, and eventually might manage a radiology department. Medical Imaging is a magnificent addition to the world of medicine.  

Radiologic technologists are never exposed to the primary beam, but will receive a small amount of secondary exposure within the occupational dose limits established by the government.  Both technologists and students are carefully monitored for any radiation exposure received, utilizing individual state-of-the-art monitoring devices read monthly by specialized labs.  Exposure is minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices. The changes today in regard to the growth of radiologic specialization and in general diagnostic imaging are projected to move in the direction of upward and lateral mobility.   It is a growing and expanding profession.

A good analogy is a tree that grows and produces more and more branches, so does diagnostic imaging ; it branches out into separate fields, like Ultrasound, MRI, CT and X-Ray. It’s a great field to be in, because you will never be bored. There are always more options, more specialties that come up due to this growth and technological advancements!

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