Radiographer
The radiographer is an important member of the medical team that makes
use of the radiation medium to capture images of the anatomy and physiological
functions of the human body for diagnostic purposes.
There are four
main branches of specialization in radiography, namely diagnostic radiography,
therapeutic radiography, nuclear medicine and radiographic ultrasound.
Job Characteristics
A diagnostic radiographer works under the radiologist and is responsible
for:
- Taking X-ray photographs: he/she positions the patient and records the relevant position, conditions and functions of various anatomical structures and organs of the body.
- Making a diagnosis of any abnormality seen.
- Being responsible for the radiographic-photographic processing and nursing apparatuses used in the X-ray units.
The therapeutic radiographer treats diseases, mainly cancer, by X-rays and other radiation techniques such as gamma rays from radium and cobalt 60 by:
- Planning the technical treatment and patient care.
- Working with a medical physician and computers when determining the amount and nature of radiation.
- The radiographer, who specializes in nuclear medicine, is trained
in the use of radioactive nuclides which are introduced into the body
by means of radiation and other radioactive substances.
- The radiographer
is able to test blood, urine and faeces in order to diagnose certain
diseases.
- The radiographer specializing in ultrasound uses apparatuses which by means of sound waves, record images of especially soft tissue.
Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required to be admitted to a South African university.
Possession of at least a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required for admittance to a technikon in South Africa.
Possession of at least a HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with a minimum of 25 points on the UNAM point evaluation scale, is required to be admitted to UNAM.
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics, Physical Science (South Africa)
Mathematics and one Science subject (UNAM)
Recommended subject
Biology (South Africa)
Tertiary Education
The B. Rad. degree (Radio Diagnostics) is offered at the South African Universities: OFS, RAU and Medunsa. This is a four-year course. The university of Pretoria also offers the B. Rad. (Hons.) and M. Rad. degrees.
UNAM offers a three-year N. Dip.: Radiography (Diagnostic); three years theoretical training, and one year internship. The latter is done at the Windhoek State Hospital complex. Students are required to register annually with the Radiography Boardof Namibia and also furnish proof that they are employed by health authorities in Namibia. Only four candidates are taken in annually.
The N. Dip.: Radiography is offered by the following South African technikons, each specializing in the mentioned fields: Witwatersrand, Peninsula and Natal (diagnostic, therapy, ultrasound, nuclear medicine); Pretoria and Port Elizabeth (diagnostic) and Orange Free State (therapy, nuclear medicine).
The course is of a three-year duration. By completing a fourth year, students will obtain the B. Tech. in Radiography. Students can also complete the M. Tech and D. Tech degrees. All students must register with the HPCSA.
Personality
The prospective radiographer must be accurate, responsible and be fond of working with people. He/she should be a team-worker and able to act calmly, systematically and effectively in emergency situations.
Work Opportunities
Radiographers are employed by hospital services (private), state health institutions and mine hospitals. Self-employment is a possibility, if sufficient experience has been gained. Job prospects seem to be good.
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