Introduction
ASRT is the world oldest and biggest membership association for radiological technologists and radiation therapists. It was founded in 1920, and it has more than 153,000 members. ASRT stands for American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Radiologic technologists are medical employees who perform the diagnosis of radiation therapy and imaging examinations. They are specialists in the area of radiological technology. Their primary responsibility is to computed tomography, nuclear medicine, and mammography. A radiologic technologist is also called x-ray techs, and radiographers. They are responsible for providing high-level care to the patients, prepare and explain the procedures. They are experts of anatomy, radiographic exposure, radiation protection, patient care, and imaging positioning. According to the report, there are approximately 200,000 radiologic technologists. There is a minimal risk factor associated with this field. However, there is a myth that these radiation and machine causes many fatal diseases. Many aspirants of this field have doubts that their field of choice could not be safe. It is one of the exciting profession. However, it is misunderstood. It is a fast-growing profession, and the salaries are good. There are more chances of career growth and promotions. According to the report of labor statistics, x-ray tech is a rapidly booming job market, and there is 21 percent growth projected from 2012 to 2021. Moreover, the bureau of labor statics revealed that the median salary of radiologic and MRI technologists is 55,910 dollar per year. Radiography is considered as the heart of modern health care. Here we will discuss the scope of radiologic technologists, career opportunities, and benefits provided by ASRT.
Scope and opportunities of Radiologic technologists
Radiologic technologists are performing various types of imaging procedures, and most commonly the x-rays. They are also administering certain non-radioactive isotopes, which as also known as the contrast media for the purpose of diagnosis.
They provide crucial healthcare services to the patients because the important decision about diagnosis and treatment are taken on the basis of their services. They are the backbone of modern health services.
According to Parakh et al., (2016), Radiologic technologists follow the instructions provided by the physicians and respond to the regulations and precautions while using radiation for safety purposes of themselves, coworkers and patients.
Radiologic technologists also have expertise in MRI, CT scan, fluoroscopy, and other non-ionizing radio frequency to develop images. They may also have a specialty in angiography, bone density, trauma, and mammography, etc.
This field requires better stamina as there is a long period of standing and physical efforts, lifting and turning the disabled and serious patients. They are responsible for moving the heavy machinery and types of equipment. The full-time employee is working more than 40 hours a week, while there are some part-timers and shift staff as well (Bere, 2017).
In most cases, employers hire fully trained technologists and provide them proper training before starting work. Radiographers are basically hired by the hospitals to follow the instruction of physicians, and work in medical laboratories, and other government agencies. They often have expertise in multiple diagnostic imaging and having better job opportunities. According to the research of Shay et al., (2017), the average time a radiographer takes on x-ray is 6 minutes shorter with the involvement of radiologist assistants in the radiology room. They can increase efficiency and even enhance the satisfaction level of the patients.
ASRT Benefits
ASRT is a membership association for the radiologic technologists’ professionals and students. Its member is a specialist in the specific field of radiology having specialization in different areas such as MRI, X-ray, mammography, angiography, and tomography. So ASRT provided opportunities of continuation of education and promoted this field as a sophisticated career. Moreover, it monitors legislation on both the state level and federal level to protect the rights of this profession. It also works with other bodies and organizations to establish and implement standards of practice and develop educational syllabus and curricula.
ASRT is basically governed by the board of directors elected by the members and a house of delegates. It also has affiliation with 54 state-level and local societies. ASRT continuously conduct meetings on education and development of this field (Why Join ASRT, 2019).
ASRT is basically working for the purpose of education, research, advocacy, and innovation. These are the primary objectives of this membership association. It protects the rights of the profession on the federal and state level and plays an active role in the meetings of top management of the hospitals to talk about the needs of radiographers. ASRT basically works as volunteers to promote and review the educational curricula, and set standards of practices, research and adopt new knowledge to advance the scope of this profession. It is the only governing body that develops this field and encourages innovation and development in this field. According to the research of McKenney and Dodge, (2018) there were no basic support for the development of CT scan protocols and patients were frustrated because of the recent cases of injuries from the CT scans. For safety measures, ASRT had provided certain guidelines and conducted training for the radiographers to learn the safety protocols and reduce the chances of such incidents.
References
Bere, V. (2017). Challenges Radiography Students Face in a Small Midwest Technical College.
McKenney, S. E., & Dodge, C. T. (2018). Pediatric CT Protocols From the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Alliance for Quality CT. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 15(10), 1448-1449.
Parakh, A., Kortesniemi, M., & Schindera, S. T. (2016). CT radiation dose management: a comprehensive optimization process for improving patient safety. Radiology, 280(3), 663-673.
Shay, W., Silva, D., Mohabir, H., & Erinjeri, J. (2017). The Effect of Radiologist Assistants in an Interventional Radiology Department. Radiologic Technology, 88(3), 333-338.
Why Join ASRT. (2019). Asrt.org. Retrieved 26 July 2019, from https://www.asrt.org/membership/join-asrt/why-join-asrt
