Radiography is one the fastest technically advancing fields in medicine today due to computer enhancement. Radiographers are highly skilled health professionals who work closely with physicians specializing in the use of x-rays. They provide patient services using a variety of imaging modalities. In addition to conventional x-ray procedures, the radiographer also works with computerized axial tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. The radiographer must apply the principles of radiation protection, use and be competent in the maintenance of delicate and complicated equipment and often deal with patients who are under stress.

Radiography is part of the Medical Imaging cluster at the School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri - Columbia. Within the Medical Imaging cluster are specific courses of study in the disciplines of radiography, nuclear medicine technology, and sonography. The grouping of these programs together in a single department provides unique benefits and opportunities for academic and professional choice and development.

A Radiologic Technologist may specialize in one or more of the following imaging areas:

• Bone Densitometry: measuring bone mineral density of the hip and spine using DEXA equipment
• Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology: utilizing imaging techniques to guide catheters, vena cava filters, stents, or other devices through the body
• Computed Tomography (CT scan)*: combining x-ray technology and computer programs to obtain detailed image "slices" and 3-D images of internal structures of the body
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)*: using a magnetic field and radio waves to produce image "slices"" of the body to reveal detailed anatomy at various levels in the body
• Mammography: producing diagnostic images of breast tissue for detection of breast cancer
• Quality Management: identifying and solving problems associated with diagnostic medical image production

  * Offered through University of Missouri-Columbia Radiography Program

Associated areas:

• Radiation Therapy: administering doses of radiation to patients for the treatment of malignant and benign tumors. (Requires an additional year of specialized training.)
• Medical Dosimetrist: specialized radiation therapist who calculates and generates radiation dose distributions in accordance with the treatment plan developed by the radiation oncologist.
• Diagnostic Radiologist: a medical doctor specializing in image interpretation for diagnosis of disease (general x-ray, CT, MRI, mammography, nuclear medicine, ultrasound)
• Interventional Radiologist: a radiologist who performs nonsurgical but invasive procedures for the treatment of various medical conditions
• Nuclear Medicine: injecting small amounts of radioactive materials into a patient that create an image that illustrates functional physiology in the body
• Sonography (Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound): using sound waves to obtain images of organs and tissues in the body