At SIUC, every student is trained in basic radiography, also called radiologic technology or diagnostic radiography, for the first three years of the four-year baccalaureate program. The images are viewed on a screen. Magnetic resonance imaging, the most effective method of diagnostic scanning, is a procedure that uses radio waves, a magnetic field and a computer to produce images of body tissues. Computed tomography uses ionizing radiation and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of the body. It plays a vital role in diagnosing trauma patients.
Radiation therapy is the use of radiation to injure or destroy cancer cells.
For cancer treatment, radiation therapy is often used before surgery to shrink malignant tumors and after surgery to stop the growth of cancer cells. Each specialty has its own accreditation, educational and clinical training requirements. Students get clinical experience, in all but the first year, at hospitals and clinics throughout Illinois and other states. Jensen would like to see his program grow by giant leaps to help meet the increased demand, but it's an expensive proposition. Currently the program has five ultrasound units, all of which were donated.