The Ongoing Debate

After recently participating in an online discussion board forum on the topic, I thought I would post the topic here to gain some additional perspective. Here's my question:

Do you believe that general radiographic exams should be performed by unlicensed/unregistered individuals?

In other words, people who may have medical backgrounds like Medical Assistants or Chiropractic Assistants who may have been trained on the job, but have no formalized education other than what someone else has shown them in the field.

Some states do not have any restrictions on who can or cannot perform radiographic examinations, and there are other states that have extreme restrictions. I know there are going to be several variances of what happens in your own state, which I would love to hear about as well, regarding qualifications. There are also some limited licensure programs that provide certification in chest, extremities, etc. that are formally structured. Having lived in states on either side of the spectrum, I have my own opinions on the topic which I will refrain from stating at this time, but I am interested in yours. I plan on posting a poll on this blog, and I also invite comments to this post explaining your reasons for your opinion.

If the responses here are as mixed as they were on my recent discussion board experience, it will prove to be very interesting.

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  EricLangness said Jun 8 2010, 5:50 PM EDT:

  If they pass a comprehensive exam such as the ARRT Limited Scope X-ray Exam I would ask why they shouldn't be allowed. If they can't pass a test with nearly identical questions that are on the ARRT exam they should not be allowed.
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  hhammon said Aug 15 2010, 4:51 PM EDT:

  I am strongly against this. We are not talking about cross training someone for an office job here...we are talking about Radiation. Any tech can tell you that there is a lot more to this profession than pushing a button or clinical work. Techs earn where they are through school, etc. Radiology jobs are getting harder and harder to find these days, nationwide. If we allow this, they could take our jobs for less pay. A great example of this kind of mind set is allowing the admissions clerk to start your IV and administer your meds...hey, she learned on the job right?? Can you honestly say that you would be ok with this?
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  enricoregaladopascua said Aug 27 2010, 5:27 AM EDT:

  also,in addition to those comment,employer must allocate for each technician a hazard pay in addition to their basic salary,especially those who works in theatre and using fluroscopy...tnx .more power.
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  enricoregaladopascua said Aug 27 2010, 5:30 AM EDT:

  radiation protection must be observe in evry xray department particularly the following:lead apron,thyroid lead protector and safety gogles.....tnx..