Lorestan University of Medical Sciences

About the Department

With the birth of this technology, man went beyond the skin and flesh to observe the wonders within the depth of the human body. The various inner parts of the body were exhibited for further study and investigation. Radiology has improved rapidly in recent years and swift medical diagnosis has become possible as a result. No doubt, professionalism in the field is required which is the basic goal in this field. In other words, radiology produces images of organs for the sake of medical diagnosis. Primarily, students in this field study physics, anatomy and physiology. Later, they go through special courses in medical imaging. Next, they are acquainted with the necessary equipment used in this field and learn how they are operated. After two years, they obtain an associate degree and can be employed in radiology departments. It is worth mentioning that if the trainee in this field does not receive proper training, he/she will not only put the patient at the high risk of being exposed to harmful rays but also the prepared images will not be of acceptable and standard quality. Thus, the radiologist will not be able to interpret correctly what is displayed which may result in faulty diagnosis.  The expertise of the technicians in this field is demonstrated in the versatility of using different equipment to produce images from various body parts. Some are quite simple such as preparing x-ray images from the arm, leg or fingers. Others are more interferential such as x-raying the digestive tract, the blood vessels or the urinary system. In this case, expertise and knowledge of the highest level is required due to the complexity of the issue. That is why simple tasks are assigned to associate graduates; whereas, more complex cases are taken care of by bachelor graduates who can also operate MRI and CP systems.

Requirements

The occupation of a radiologist is a clinical one. Thus, it is obligatory for students in this field to be familiar with clinical work and different kinds of patients. Furthermore, it is necessary that they be able to put into practice what they have already learned theoretically. Students must have adequate knowledge in the fields of biology, mathematics and physics. The aptitude for physics and mathematics must stand at very high standards. Some instructors believe that students should be chosen among those who have previously studied mathematics at high school. Insufficient and deficient knowledge in physics can lead to errors and blunders.

Job Opportunities

The job of a radiologist, whether with an associate or a bachelor degree, is a practical one. As mentioned, the job of a holder of an associate degree in this field is of a simple nature and consists of x-raying body parts such as the arm, the leg or fingers. Bachelor holders in this field, often indulge in special and complex imaging such as x-raying the digestive system or the blood vessels. Furthermore, operating tomography and MRI equipment is allocated merely to graduates in the field. Holders of an associate degree in this field are occupied in scanning institutes and hospitals in preparation of equipment, administration, developing procedures and recording of results.

Courses Offered in the Field

·         Basic Science Courses

ü  general physics

ü  anatomy

ü  human physiology

ü  hygiene

·         Main Courses

ü  administering first aid to patients hospitalized in the radiology ward

ü  autopsy of bones and joints

ü  study of medical terminology and terms pertaining to radiology

·         Specific Courses

ü  physics of beams

ü  diagnostic physics in radiology

ü  radiology and protection against ion-producing beams

ü  approaches in radiology

ü  radiography using contrast agents

ü  principles of the dark room

ü  maintenance of radiology machines

ü  technical evaluation of radiography films

ü  clinical internship

Faculty Members