Introduction to Radiologic Science
RADT 1010 – Introduction to Radiology
Mr. Eliot Lee, MHA, R.T. (R)(ARRT)
Mrs. McKinsey Bray, BSRS, R.T. (R)(ARRT)
Fall 2024
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History of Medicine
Timeline goes back 5000 years.
Hippocrates considered the “Father of Western
Medicine”.
Scientific method applied to medicine in 17th century.
Louis Pasteur discovered the role of germs in disease
process.
Antibiotics and vaccines discovered in 20 th century.
Human genetic code (DNA) discovered in mid-20th
century.
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History of Radiology
Discovered by Wilhelm C. Röntgen.
November 8, 1895.
Received Nobel. Prize in Physics in 1901.
First known X-ray image is of wife’s hand.
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Radiology
Can be referred to by a number of different names:
Radiology
X-ray
Medical imaging
Diagnostic Services
Imaging Services
Imaging
Predominantly a diagnostic service that focuses on
imaging of patients to diagnose their medical
condition.
Ionizing vs Non-Ionizing Electromagnetic Energy
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Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sound is a form of mechanical energy
Uses high-frequency sound energy to create medical
images.
Non-ionizing.
Has a wide variety of medical applications.
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Uses the energy of high-strength magnetic fields and
radio waves to create images of the human body.
Non-ionizing imaging modality.
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CT Scanning
Uses X-ray energy and sophisticated software to create cross-
sectional images of the human body.
Acquires hundreds of views of patient anatomy, as the X-ray
tube and CT detector rotate around the patient.
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Nuclear Medicine
Uses the nuclear energy of the atom to create medical images.
Energy form is gamma radiation.
Uses radioactive isotopes to create gamma radiation.
Radiopharmaceuticals administered to patients to assess
physiological functioning.
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Cardiovascular Interventional Technology
(CVIT)
Uses X-rays to visualize human blood vessels and heart
anatomy.
Requires the use of a catheter and the injection of X-ray
contrast material to visualize anatomy.
Procedures performed in a sterile, angiography lab.
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Radiation Therapy
Uses very-high-energy ionizing radiation to treat malignant
tumors (cancer).
Radiation therapists work with other Oncology Team members
to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Radiation oncology
Medical oncology
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American Registry of Radiologic
Technologists (ARRT)
Provides credentialing in many areas of the radiologic
and imaging sciences:
Primary and post-primary pathways
15 disciplines
Headquarters in Minneapolis, MN.
[Link]
Founded in 1922
Internationally recognized.
Continuing Education requirements to ensure
competency.
CQR
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ARRT Credentials
Bone Densitometry (BD)
Breast Sonography (BS)
Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI)
Cardio-vascular Interventional (CV)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MR)
Mammography (M)
Quality Management (QM)
Nuclear Medicine Technology (N)
Radiation Therapy (T)
Radiography (R)
Registered Radiologist Assistant (R.R.A.)
Sonography (S)
Vascular Sonography (VS)
Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)
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Radiologic and Imaging Sciences as a Career
Offers a wide variety of career paths.
Clinical Practice Standards for Radiography:
Developed by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT).
Often begins with a general radiography background.
R.T.(R)(ARRT)
Specialty areas require additional education and certification.
Career opportunities are nearly limitless
and demand initiative and a desire for professional success.
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Career Opportunities
Credentialed specialties.
Radiology administration:
CRA
Education
Research
Commercial entities:
Sales
Applications
Service
Biomedical engineering
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Health Care Team
Team members:
Physicians
• Medical Doctor (MD)
• Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
Nurses
Allied health personnel
Supporting members
• Non-clinical
Most health careers are referred to as allied health.
Hospitals are “communities within communities.”
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Conclusion
X-rays were discovered by W.C. Röntgen in 1895.
Medical imaging consists of many diagnostic areas
involving energy and particularly electromagnetic,
radiant energy.
Radiologic and Imaging Science professionals perform
as essential members of a health care team.
Career opportunities are many and demand initiative
and a desire for professional success.
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