Radiography is a branch of medical imaging that uses radiation to capture views of various body parts—bones, vessels, organs—and bodily function, such as digestion and blood circulation.

 “We’re the connection between somebody getting hurt or sick and the diagnosis that comes from the physician,” says, Cindy Kramer, professor of radiography. “With X-ray, CT scanning, MRI, Cardiac Cath, we can see internal structures like never before.”

The images captured by radiographers are vital for physicians and other medical professionals to interpret, diagnose and treat patients for illness, injury and/or health concerns.

What do radiographers do?

Radiographers are responsible for the creation of medical x-ray images, the operation of radiographic equipment and the care of patients. They must also be prepared to recognize emergency patient conditions and initiate lifesaving first aid. The radiographer is ultimately responsible for providing the highest quality images with the lowest radiation exposure to the patient.

“The biggest misconception is that people think it’s like taking pictures, like photography,” says Aaron Dye, radiography student. “In fact, radiation is very dangerous, so we have to have the utmost care for the patient and ourselves.”

How much do radiographers make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiology is a growing field with a projected growth rate of 6% and an estimated 16,000 job openings annually through 2033! In the state of Michigan, the average annual salary is $71,670 for radiologic technologists and $79,590 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists.

Radiography program at Delta College

The Radiography program at Delta College is a competitive, top-rated program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The program is five semesters, or 20 months long. Class sizes are capped to keep them small, ensuring students get the attention they deserve to be successful. This full-time program includes classroom instruction, state-of-the-art simulation labs equipped with the latest technology, including a portable x-ray machine.

Classes at Delta are led by instructors who have worked or currently work in the field, sharing invaluable experience-driven knowledge with their students. The program proudly boasts a 100% pass rate on the registry exam and a 100% employment rate of recent graduates.

“Our students are complimented left and right in the field for how well-prepared they are to enter the workforce,” says Lisa Wall, associate professor of radiography. “We have phone calls from places looking for individuals to work for them, because our students are sought after by employers.”