Career Tips & Advice

The Science of Radiology

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated July 8, 2015. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Concorde radiology

When most people think of radiology, broken bones and X-rays come to mind, but radiology encompasses more than that. Here we will address the various applications of radiology and delve into the history of this science.

 

History

Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses radiation to scan the human body to create images to be used for detecting diseases and injury. The "rays" used in radiology, particularly in X-rays, were first discovered in 1895 by Professor Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. This new kind of ray could pass through many materials, including human tissue. These rays cast shadows of the objects passed through, which produced early perspectives on the interior of the human body that we now take for granted as X-rays.

 

X-rays

An X-ray is actually a kind of radiation called electromagnetic waves that can produce images of the inside of the body and of the human anatomy. These images cast the body in varying degrees of black and white because different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation. The calcium of bones absorbs the most, which is why bones appear so white in X-ray imaging. Besides indicating broken bones, X-rays are used to detect other abnormalities such as spotting pneumonia in the chest or in mammograms to diagnose breast cancer.

 

CAT scans

A Computerized Axial Tomography (CAT) or CT scan uses X-ray imaging technology and overlaps with traditional electromagnetic wave radiation technology in detection of broken bones and other maladies inside the body. A CAT scan diverges from an X-ray in its ability to provide greater detail of soft tissues and blood vessels. This means CAT scans can be used by radiologists to more accurately diagnose cancer, cardiovascular disease, infectious diseases and other conditions that show up in tissue and blood.

 

MRIs

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive imaging technology that does not use the ionizing radiation of X-ray and CAT scan methods. Instead, it uses a powerful magnetic field, radiofrequency pulses, and a computer to produce images. Like X-rays and CAT scans, MRIs can produce images of soft tissues, bone, organs and all other internal areas of the body.

 

Lead shielding

Exposure to radiation such as that emitted during an X-ray can be damaging to the human body. Lead is a highly dense material, so it is used to shield patients during X-rays to minimize radiation exposure. Radiology personnel also use lead barriers where they are exposed to radiation.

Lead shields are increasingly being replaced by nonleaded materials that are more environmentally friendly and lighter weight, which is beneficial for medical personnel who can suffer back problems because of wearing lead barriers for long durations.

If you are interested in finding out more about radiology, visit the resources below. If you see yourself supporting critical patient diagnoses and treatments through this exciting area of health care, discover your place in radiology at Concorde!

 

Interested In How To Become a Radiology Tech?

Click here to explore Radiology Tech Programs near you!

 

Resources:

www.nde-ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Radiography/Introduction/history.htm


www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/xrays.html


www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodyct


www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=bodymr


blog.universalmedicalinc.com/lead-vs-nonlead-radiation-protection-apparel/


www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radiology

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

Interested in learning more about our Radiologic Technology program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.