Beyond working directly with patients in the hospital, radiology allows you to work with patients indirectly. Radiology uses imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasounds to diagnose and treat patients.
While I had a general understanding of radiology, my rotation in the department provided a much deeper insight. It was my first experience where I wasn’t directly interacting with patients. I learned that the radiology department extends beyond just a radiologist.
There are multiple different specialized technicians who perform imaging tests and each technician requires their own certification depending on the procedure they want to perform. For example, someone who wants to conduct X-rays has to get certified with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in Radiography which is different from someone who conducts ultrasounds, who gets certified with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). CT scan technicians often get cross-trained to operate different techniques because conducting and reading CT scans overlaps with other types of imaging techniques.
During my rotation, I learned the most about CT scans. CT scans are used to image bones, organs, and blood vessels and require a small amount of radiation. I watched how CT scan technicians prepared the patients based on the type of scan they received. The technician would first make sure that the patient had an intravenous (IV) line in place so they could inject contrast if needed. Then, the technicians would begin the scan. It was fascinating to see different organs appear in the CT images.
Next, the technician would inject the contrast through the IV line. Contrast is a dye that helps highlight certain areas of the body, making them easier to see on the scan. The contrast moves quickly through the patient’s body which creates a warm sensation for the patient. The technician carefully controls the amount of contrast used, adjusting it based on the patient’s height, weight, and the specific area being scanned.
Once the scan is complete, the technician reconstructs the image in a process called recon. This way, the scan is reconstructed into a clear image that the radiologist can analyze. The scan is sent to the radiologist, who is able to read the scan and identify any issues, make a diagnosis, and write a detailed report for the referring physician.
While my rotation in the radiology department was fascinating, I didn’t enjoy the fact that I barely got to interact with patients which is one of the reasons I want to go into the healthcare field. The experience gave me a better understanding of anatomy and imaging techniques, but it reinforced that radiology may not be the right path for me in the future.
