Career in Radiotherapy

Radiology is the science that deals with X-rays and other forms of radiant energy, as used in medicine for X-raying bones, organs, etc. and for diagnosing and treating disease. Radiological technicians specialise in radiography, radiation therapy, sonography and nuclear medicine. they position the patient, position the X-ray machine and other equipment, set controls, position the X-ray film, and remove and develop the film after the X-ray has been taken. They also assist radiologists and doctors in applying radiation as a treatment intervention for cancers and tumours. Some technicians are also involved in helping medical professionals take CT scans, MRIs, Ultrasounds and so forth. The administrative tasks include maintaining patients record as well as the usage of equipments.

Training can be in the form of a three-year B.Sc. Medical Lab course (Radiology/Radiography) or a B.Sc. course in Radiography/Radiotherapy. The eligibility is usually 10+2 in ay stream and the duration of the course is 18 months.

The radiology technician course includes papers on X-Ray radiaton, fluoroscopy, computer tomography, projection radiography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, magnetic resonance imagery and so forth. The training also equips them with skills in positioning patients, setting of the X-Ray beams or ultrasound machines, capturing and recording images, and maintenance of the equipment. Patient care, safety rules and guidelines as well as physiological and anatomical subjects make up the course contents.

 Manual dexterity
 Fair mechanical ability
 Meticulousness in maintaining records
 Interpersonal skills
 Team Work

Radiology technicians usually work under the direction of radiologists, sonologists and other medical doctors. They can find employment in diagnostic centers, private clinics, hospitals, healthcare centers, dental clinics and medical research centers. While the demand for these technicians may not be booming, this is a field where there is usually a stable and steady demand for good technicians, as radiology is such an integral part in the diagnosis and treatment of so many illnesses and disorders.