Radiographer: Stacey Miller
By: Raevyn Trantham
What is a Radiographer?
A radiographer is an important member of the diagnostic health care team. They are responsible for producing high quality medical images that assist medical specialists and doctors to diagnose or monitor a patient's injury or illness.
How Long have you been a radiographer?
She has been a Radiographer for 7 years at Cook Children's Hospital.
WHat training did you need in order to be successful?
She had to have her basics done and had to take Anatomy and Physiology before they would even look at her application into the program. THe program was an x-ray tech program that was 2 years long so she ended with her associates degree.
Can I do this out of high school? ...College? ...Vocational/Trade School?
You have to go to college. She suggested going through the Midwestern program because they encourage you to keep going and get your Bachelor's degree. She went through TCC.
How did you first get involved in this career?
She knew she wanted to go into the medical field. She did not have any desire to be a nurse, but she knew someone else who was a radiographer that loved her job and decided that is what she wanted to pursue.
Opportunities for advancement?
The opportunities are limited. You can go into different modalities with additional training such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound.
Can you get tuition reimbursement?
Cook Children's offers tuition reimbursement and most hospitals will too.
What is the most interesting project you've ever been involved with?
At Cook's her favorite project was something she wasn't necessarily involved in. She said seeing them build the new NICU for the babies was amazing. Instead of every baby going into one room, they each get their own room.
Typical Day at your career
She is on her feet all day taking x-rays and hanging out with kids. A radiographer though is more than just broken bones.
How much vacation time do you get a year?
She doesn't know exactly how much a year but she gets 8 hours every 2 weeks.
Job outlook?
She didn't understand the question that well but she said the job is secure because they are always needed. There will always be sick kids.
DO you see yourself continuing this career 10 years from now?
Yes, she will work at Cook's until she retires because it is the best place to work at.