Behind the Scenes for Patient Safety

by Amelia Gray

Though doctors and nurses serve on the front lines of medicine, a host of professionals work to keep patients safe by accurately diagnosing their conditions.

The most important step to treating patients is a correct diagnosis. However, some researchers note a 20% to 40% misdiagnosis rate in ICU and Emergency Departments. This disturbing trend is one reason why radiologic technologists, cardiovascular technologists, and diagnostic medical sonographers are essential to patient care. Take a closer look at three vital diagnostic careers.

Radiologic Technologists

Also known as radiographers, these technicians execute a doctor's imaging orders, administering nonradioactive materials and operating equipment like CT and MRI machines.

  • Typical Work Day: These technicians work 5-day, 40-hour work weeks. Heavy lifting could be involved, as radiologic technologists often work with injured or disabled patients.
  • Training: Most states require ongoing certification for radiologic technologists. Formal training is possible in programs lasting one to four years.
  • Estimated Pay: Pay averages $43,350 per year, according to a 2004 survey.
  • Career Outlook: Favorable. Employment is expected to grow faster than average, with an aging population raising the demand for diagnostic imaging.

Cardiovascular Technologists

Professionals in this field choose from a variety of specializations. Cardiovascular technicians can be found at any stage of a heart patient's visit, often operating EKG and Holter monitors.

  • Typical Work Day: Most technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour work week, although on-call shifts are available. Technicians working in catheterization laboratories sometimes face stressful working conditions.
  • Training: Most technicians in the field today complete 2-year training programs. Additional certification is possible for the more advanced equipment in the field.
  • Estimated Pay: Pay averages $38,690 per year, according to a 2004 survey.
  • Career Outlook: Very favorable. Employment is expected to grow much faster than average due to a rising demand for heart monitoring and treatment systems in the U.S.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

While other diagnostic technicians use radiation or radio waves to examine a patient, diagnostic sonographers use sound waves to generate images. Many medical sonographers specialize in obstetric or gynecologic care.

  • Typical Work Day: Most technicians work a 5-day, 40-hour work week. A growing number of sonographers are contracted and travel to different hospitals in the area.
  • Training: On-the-job training is possible, but most technicians have some formal prior training within the field. Registration with the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography is possible, though not required by law.
  • Estimated Pay: Pay averages $52,490 per year, according to a 2004 survey.
  • Career Outlook: Very favorable. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to grow much faster than average through the year 2014 as the U.S. population ages.

Education is important in the diagnostic medical field as imaging technology grows more complex. Many technicians use educational programs in order to stay competitive in the workplace as they offer their patients the most accurate care possible.

Sources: BLS Radiologic Technologists and Technicians,BLS Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians,BLS Diagnostic Medical Sonographers,WrongDiagnosis

About the Author: Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor??s Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.