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Have you ever broken a bone and had an X-ray? Have you had an ultrasound, mammography, MRI, or CT scan? If you’ve answered yes to any of these, a radiologic technologist has likely helped you. Radiologic technologists (RT) use various tools to produce diagnostic images of internal organs, tissues, and bones.

 

While radiology may seem like a contemporary innovation, the science dates back to a historic discovery in 1895 when Wilhelm Roentgen X-rayed his wife! The discovery of the X-ray has been a quantum leap for medical science, helping doctors diagnose many ailments, afflictions, broken bones, and much more.

 

Groundbreaking advances in radiologic technology have forever changed the scope of medicine and patient care.

 

The X-ray was the only diagnostic tool available to determine skeletal issues for quite some time. However, it was in 1972 that Godfrey Hounsfield invented computed tomography (CT scan). Later that decade, real-time ultrasound machines were developed, giving expectant moms the first view of their baby while still in the womb. Also in the late seventies, Raymond Vahan Damadian invented a technology that evolved into magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which ranks as one of the most significant medical breakthroughs of our time. These remarkable inventions have become incredibly valuable in modern medicine and are now essential for diagnosing many conditions and saving thousands of lives yearly. 

 

A radiologic technologist is a person who performs diagnostic imaging procedures. These caregivers operate some of the most sophisticated state-of-the-art equipment in the world, playing an indispensable role in safely and accurately diagnosing various diseases. 

 

RT’s responsibilities include:

 

• operating complex imaging equipment
• reviewing physician instructions about areas needing diagnostic imaging
• preparing patients for scans
• following safety protocols to prevent radiation exposure
• adjusting equipment and positioning patients ensuring image accuracy and quality
• organizing images and reporting to the physician
• populating patient information into a database

 

Nationwide, medical facilities employ more than 337,000 registered radiologic technologists. And because of an aging population and the increasing value and usage of imaging technology, demand for RTs is growing.

 

WORLD-CLASS RADIOLOGY AT ST. LUKE’S

 

You’ve heard about bringing world-class talent in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, pain, and urology to Polk County. Yet to unleash the expertise of the new providers, we’ve needed to acquire best-in-class technology, much of which is in our radiology department. So last year, we brought the Hologic Selenia Dimensions 3D mammography online. And before the end of this year, we will be online with the best-in-class (and best in our greater region) GE Revolution Apex CT Scanner.  

 

Tests and Procedures

 

As our talent and technology have expanded, so have the capabilities of our radiology department. Currently, we offer the following: Digital X-Ray, Ultrasound, Bone Density Testing, CT, Echocardiogram, MRI, Nuclear Medicine Testing and 3D Mammography.

 

This equipment is a game-changer for Polk County and a large part of South and North Carolina. And through these acquisitions, we need two additional full-time CT-trained radiologic technologists (sign-on bonus available) and one part-time radiologic technologist. We are excited about this growth in our department and our ability to serve you more!

 

To learn more about our radiology department, visit StLukesNC.org/Radiology. And to learn more about career opportunities within the St. Luke’s network, please visit StLukesNC.org/Careers.

 

If you have a healthcare topic of interest or would like to learn more about St. Luke’s Hospital, send me a note at Michelle.Fortune@slhnc.org. Also, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or visit our website at StLukesNC.org.