Creating and evaluating computerized images of a patient’s organs or tissue is the focus of a CT scan technologist’s job. The primary distinction between this profession and that of a CT scan technician is that a CT scan technologist uses more complex procedures, such as computed tomography (CT), rather than the simpler X-ray images used a CT scan technician. In general, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology is required for entry into this field. Consult with patients about the CT scan process, ensure patient safety, create CT images, evaluate results, and explain results to patients are all common tasks.
A CT scan technologist will provide an initial consultation to a patient during the preliminary stage of their visit. He may go over a patient’s medical history, discuss ailments or illnesses, and go over the CT scan procedure in general during this time. If a patient has any concerns, the technologist will thoroughly address them. As a result, having good communication skills and the ability to build rapport with a variety of people is advantageous.
Another important aspect of this job is ensuring the safety of the patients at all times. Because the process of creating a CT scan involves radiation exposure, a CT scan technologist is required to address all safety concerns. He may, for example, need to provide a lead shield to a patient to prevent overexposure to radiation. In addition to ensuring the safety of the patient, the technologist must also ensure his own safety wearing the appropriate protective equipment.
The creation of high-quality CT images is perhaps the most important responsibility of this position. In most cases, this entails administering a contrast medium, such as iodine, to each patient. A CT scan technologist will be able to see a patient’s bodily organs more clearly as a result of this. A technologist must also carefully handle and position all equipment in order to obtain a clear image.
A CT scan technologist must also be able to effectively evaluate each patient’s results. He will need to analyze the images and determine the specifics of a patient’s condition after the images from a scan have been developed. If a technologist is working with a cancer patient, for example, he may need to pinpoint the exact location and severity of cancerous cells.
A CT scan technologist is also responsible for explaining the results to each patient. He must carefully explain the diagnosis once he has a thorough understanding of the illness. Because a diagnosis can be discouraging, it’s critical for a technologist to be understanding and sensitive to a patient’s emotional state.