Inside look: Radiography
Radiography careers combine
helping people, advanced technology
For a challenging medical career where workers touch patients’ lives, radiography offers an abundance of opportunity.
“One of the most incredible things about the field is that you become a general radiographer and you have so many directions you can go in,” said Joe Shackelford, assistant professor of radiography. “The beauty of the profession is there are so many options.”
Radiography is an allied health career that examines patients using radiation, ultrasound or magnetic fields. Radiographers, also referred to radiologic technologists, produce X-rays and use other imaging techniques essential in diagnosing medical problems. They work to correctly position patients for procedures, operate high-tech equipment, explain procedures and guard against unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Student Carolyn VanderWeele believes she has found a job she loves with a career in radiography. “I enjoy every aspect of it,” VanderWeele said. “The most important thing to me is the patients, to make them happy and see them smile. It really is one of my passions, I love helping other people.”
Radiography has changed rapidly, so today’s students are on the cutting edge. Gone are the days of film, chemicals and dark rooms, today’s radiography is done with digital imaging. “It’s a field that may interest people who love anatomy and working with people, but it may also interest those who love technology,” Shackelford said.
Those considering radiography should realize that it is a service profession in which technicians interface daily with patients, many of whom are hurt, scared or injured and may be in
poor spirits. “It’s really important to have good affective skills or social skills,” Shackelford said. “Having good communication skills and relationship building skills are very
important, both in working with patients and in working with the technical staff, physicians and nurses.”
Students also need good psychomotor skills, taking the knowledge learned and putting it to work in clinical practice. There are also physical demands involved with moving and lifting patients, being able to move an X-ray tube around one’s head and more.
Radiography is a two-year associate degree which is a second admit program, meaning students begin with general education courses and prerequisites and then apply for admission to the program. JCC accepts about 20 students each year in radiography. Shackelford suggests students contact him before applying so he can offer advice. Salaries for the field start from $35,000-$42,000, depending on region and location.
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