Radiologic technologists perform a variety of jobs involving X-ray equipment, including angiography, CT scans, mammograms and gastrointestinal radiology. The X-rays helps radiologists diagnose conditions of organs, soft tissue and bones. To get a picture that a radiologist can read requires aligning the patient with the X-ray beam and capturing enough detail, contrast and density on film. The technologist then processes the film in a darkroom. A 1996 graduate of the radiologic technology program at Penn Valley Community College, Slocum said it was the chance to help people that attracted her to the health care field.
Next month marks the beginning of a new class of radiologic technology students at Penn Valley.
There are an incredible number of jobs that we can't fill. Taylor described the program as rigorous, but for those who successfully complete the 73 required credit hours, jobs are waiting. Students study patient care, image processing, human anatomy, medical terminology, radiation physics and other courses during the two-year program that combines classwork and clinical assignments. After they graduate, students take a national exam to become registered. Some who earn the two-year degree pursue advanced studies in ultrasound, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy.