A radiologist is a physician specializing in this science, and a radiographer is the technical assistant to the radiologist. Radiographers make up the largest group of imaging professionals. Their principal duties consist of performing X-ray examinations of patients. They also assist in fluoroscopic examinations and in special radiographic procedures.
Tasks performed by radiographers vary.
The radiographers must be able to handle seriously ill and injured patients to obtain the maximum amount of information without injury to the patient and with the least amount of pain and discomfort from the examination. They may assist the radiologist in some complex procedures, often involving the injection of opaque media through needles or catheters. Radiographers must be well trained and experienced in aseptic techniques, requiring skills often comparable to those of nurses in some specialties. Most radiographers are employed in hospitals, clinics, and physicians' offices. Indiana Certification Requirements to Practice State certification is required to operate an X-ray machine.