Module :Medical English

Teacher :HENNAD Salima

1. What Is a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologic technologists are medical professionals who specialize in human
anatomy imaging. They conduct various imaging examinations to diagnose,
treat, or rule out disease or injury.

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

2. Types of Imaging and Radiologic Technologist Specialties

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

Radiologic technologists perform a variety of imaging procedures. These

include:

● X-ray uses high-energy beams that pass through soft tissue but not
bone, so it's the imaging mode of choice for diagnosing bone injuries.

● Mammography: Mammography is a variety of X-ray imaging of the

breasts. It's commonly used to detect breast cancer.

● Computed tomography: A CT scan takes a series of X-rays from

multiple angles, which computer software uses to create cross-sectional
images. It's useful for imaging soft and hard tissues.

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

● Magnetic resonance imaging: MRI scans the body with a powerful

magnet that's capable of generating detailed images. It's normally used
for diagnosing soft-tissue abnormalities, including cysts and tumors.

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

● Ultrasound: Also known as sonography, ultrasound uses

high-frequency sound waves to image the interior of the body. Some
common uses of ultrasound include examining lumps, monitoring the
progress of a fetus during pregnancy, and guiding needles for biopsies.

● Nuclear medicine imaging: Nuclear medicine imaging administers

radioactive tracer material and detects radiation from various parts of
the body. It is useful for diagnosing disorders of the heart, thyroid,
gallbladder, kidneys, lungs, bones, and blood.

● Bone densitometry ( Bone densitometer): Bone densitometry

assesses bone mineral content and density through X-rays, It is
beneficial for diagnosing conditions such as osteopenia and
osteoporosis.

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

● Fluoroscopy: Fluoroscopy is a continuous X-ray image, which can be

useful for diagnosing diseases of the heart or intestines and for guiding
implants, injections, and surgeries.

3. Radiologic Technologist Skills

Several skills may benefit radiologic technologists. Some notable abilities
include the following:

● Interpersonal skills: While radiologic technologists spend much of

their day using advanced radiography equipment, they also interact with
patients and other health care professionals. When patients share their

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

stories or personal information, it helps to have strong interpersonal

skills to empathize and offer support.

● Patience: Technologists display patience when helping their patients

and while operating radiologic equipment. It may be tempting to
produce images quickly, but taking your time on the first try allows you
to capture a quality image without having to repeat the process.

● Physical strength: Radiologic technologists require stamina, as they

spend most of their day walking and standing. Additionally, they need
strength to move heavy equipment or assist less mobile patients.
● Communication skills: Technologists have strong communication skills
to converse with other members of a medical team, their patients, and
physicians and to accurately record their patients' details.

● Mathematical and scientific skills: With a combination of

mathematical and scientific skills, radiologic technologists can operate a
variety of diagnostic equipment for patients.

● Medical skills: Radiologic technologists need to have a solid medical

background. This includes knowledge of CPR and how to check vital
signs. Additionally, technologists have a good understanding of human
anatomy and physiology.

● Attention to detail: They use their attention to detail to capture the

correct images for physicians. This skill helps them to accurately obtain
an image without having to repeat the process.

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Module :Medical English
Teacher :HENNAD Salima

● Medical safety skills: As with other medical professions, radiologic

technologists need to be mindful of their surroundings and follow proper
safety protocols and procedures.