Radiotherapy and electrotherapy have now become important tools in the treatment and diagnosis of a large number of diseases, including cancer, tumors and ulcers. Thus, radiography as a profession is gaining prominence.

The drawback in this profession is the harmful and damaging effect of careless handling of radiations. Women are especially deterred from entering this field since they are considered more susceptible to the ill effects of radiation.

THE WORK

The work done by radiographers is both diagnostic and therapeutic in nature. Radiographer's work with medically qualified radiologists and take X-ray photographs to assist doctors in diagnosing diseases and injuries. They also operate ultrasound and other high-tech equipment. Moreover, they
assist qualified radiologists in the treatment, usually of malignant diseases, by means of radiations.

MAJOR TASKS PERFORMED

The different kinds of work involved in this field are

Radio Diagnosis 

This means diagnosing the patient's illness with the help of X-ray photographs, the ultrasound and other such equipment.

Radio Therapy

Radiotherapists treat the patient's illness by using radioisotopes.

Radiation Protection

Specialists in this area monitor the levels of radiation exposure and thereby ensure that no one is over-exposed to these radiations, which could prove to be extremely harmful.

ENTRY

Radiographers and X-ray technicians have to be qualified in their area of specialization.

ELIGIBILITY

Most of the courses in radiography require a 10+2, with a minimum of 50% marks in mathematics, physics and chemistry. Postgraduate courses are also available for graduates.

INSTITUTIONS

Various institutions all over the country offer professional training in radiography, both at the graduate and postgraduate level. The duration of these courses varies between one to two years.

One-year PG diploma certificate courses in radiography are offered various institutes, including the KG Hospital in Vishakhapatnam and Osmania General Hospital in Hyderabad.

The PG Institute of Medical Education and Research at Chandigarh offers a two-year degree course in radiotherapy to candidates who have cleared the pre-medical examination. Certificate courses in radiography of eighteen months

duration is offered at various institutions. Prominent among these are the Madras Medical College, SMS Hospital, Jaipur, and the Radiographer Training Center at GB Hospital in Tripura. 

Certificate courses of a year's duration are offered at the SCB Medical College in Cuttack, and the VSS Medical College in Burla among others.