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ESCO occupation

nuclear medicine radiographer

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Nuclear Medicine Radiographers plan, prepare and perform nuclear medicine examinations, post-processing and treatment with a wide range of equipment and techniques using X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging and radiopharmaceuticals.

2269.8.2 ISCO 2269 ESCO source
Competences
67
Groups
4
Essential
55
Optional
12

Competences and skills

67 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 15 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

5 competences
evidence-based radiography practice

The radiography principles that require the application of quality decision-making and radiography care based on proven clinical expertise as well as the most recent research developments in the field.

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medical contrast agents

Substances used in medical imaging techniques to reinforce the visibility of certain features in organs or cells.

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medical oncology

The characteristics, development, diagnosis and treatment of tumors and cancer in human organisms.

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pharmaceutical products

The offered pharmaceutical products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.

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radiobiology

The way ionising radiation interacts with a living organism, how it can be used to treat various cancers and its effects.

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Cross-sector

10 competences
first aid

The emergency treatment given to a sick or injured person in the case of circulatory and/or respiratory failure, unconsciousness, wounds, bleeding, shock or poisoning.

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health care legislation

The patients` rights and responsibilities of health practitioners and the possible repercussions and prosecutions in relation to medical treatment negligence or malpractice.

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health care occupation-specific ethics

The moral standards and procedures, ethical questions and obligations specific to occupations in a health care setting such as respect for human dignity, self-determination, informed consent and patient confidentiality.

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human anatomy

The dynamic relationship of human structure and function and the muscosceletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, integumentary and nervous systems; normal and altered anatomy and physiology throughout the human lifespan.

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human physiology

The science that studies the human organs and its interactions and mechanisms.

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hygiene in a health care setting

The procedures related to maintaining a hygienic environment within a health care setting such as hospitals and clinics. It can range from hand washing to cleaning and disinfection of medical equipment used and infection control methods.

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medical terminology

The meaning of medical terms and abbreviations, of medical prescriptions and various medical specialties and when to use it correctly.

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paediatrics

Paediatrics is a medical specialty mentioned in the EU Directive 2005/36/EC.

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radiation physics in healthcare

The radiation physics related to conventional radiology, CT, MRI, ultrasound, diagnostic nuclear medicine and their principles such as areas of application, indications, contraindications, limitations and radiation hazards.

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radiation protection

The measures and procedures used to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.

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Essential skills and competences 40 competences

Occupation specific

5 competences
administer radiopharmaceuticals

Administer radioisotopes by several methods, depending on the type of drug and the test being performed, selecting the amount of the radioisotope and the form it will be used in.

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handle radiopharmaceuticals

Properly label and store radiopharmaceuticals to be used for treatment. Ensure that they are handled safely.

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perform nuclear medicine procedures

Undertake nuclear medicine procedures such as the diagnosis and treatment of the patient. Use appropriate imaging and treatment procedures.

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prepare for nuclear medicine procedures

Prepare the patient, supplies and room for nuclear medicine treatment and imaging.

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use nuclear medicine techniques

Utilise nuclear medicine techniques such as the administration of radiopharmaceuticals to treat and diagnose the patient. Use a wide range of technology and equipment.

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Sector-specific

21 competences
adhere to organisational code of ethics

Adhere to organisational European and regional specific standards and code of ethics, understanding the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and apply this awareness.

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administer contrast media

Use and administer contrast agents to enhance the visibility of the body in medical imaging.

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analyse X-ray imagery

Analyse X-ray imagery in order to locate the sources of patients` difficulties and interpret the findings.

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apply context specific clinical competences

Apply professional and evidence based assessment, goal setting, delivery of intervention and evaluation of clients, taking into account the developmental and contextual history of the clients, within one`s own scope of practice.

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apply radiological health sciences

Use and apply radiological health sciences according to the situation and patient's response to treatment.

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comply with quality standards related to healthcare practice

Apply quality standards related to risk management, safety procedures, patients feedback, screening and medical devices in daily practice, as they are recognized by the national professional associations and authorities.

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conduct cancer screening tests

Undertake screening test at an early stage, before cancer symptoms appear, taking physical exams, laboratory tests, imaging procedures and genetic tests.

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conduct video telemetry

Record brainwaves for several days, combined with video images from a camera, in order to help decide if epilepsy surgery is feasible.

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contribute to continuity of health care

Contribute to the delivery of coordinated and continuous healthcare.

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determine imaging techniques to be performed

Determine the appropriate imaging techniques to provide the appropriate diagnostic information to the doctor who requested it.

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determine medical images' diagnostic suitability

Appraise the medical images to make sure that they are clear. Determine if they are suitable for further use or if new images need to be taken. Analyse the images for their suitability in treatment planning.

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determine patient's exposure factors

Determine the exposure factors to be used for producing a clear image of the pathology or trauma.

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ensure safety of healthcare users

Make sure that healthcare users are being treated professionally, effectively and safe from harm, adapting techniques and procedures according to the person's needs, abilities or the prevailing conditions.

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implant brachytherapy treatments

Implant radioactive sources into or adjacent to a specific target within the body and supervise all high-dose rate brachytherapy treatments.

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maintain imaging equipment

Inspect imaging equipment and quality assurance processes. Report malfunctions.

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manage radiology information system

Develop and maintain a database to store, manage and distribute radiological images and data.

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operate medical imaging equipment

Produce high quality medical images using technologically advanced medical imaging equipment such as CT (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), mobile X-ray machines, ultrasound (US), nuclear medicine with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).

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post-process medical images

Perform post-processing on medical images, or develop X-ray films, checking processed images to determine if further care is necessary.

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prepare patients for imaging procedures

Instruct patients prior to their exposure to imaging equipment, correctly positioning the patient and imaging equipment to obtain the best image of the area being examined.

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undertake post-examination activities

Perform post-examination activities such as liaising with the doctor, cleaning the room and speaking with the patient.

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work in multidisciplinary health teams

Participate in the delivery of multidisciplinary health care, and understand the rules and competences of other healthcare related professions.

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Cross-sector

14 competences
apply organisational techniques

Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

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apply radiation protection procedures

Inspect rules related to ionising radiation and ensure these abide by the Medical Exposure Directive (MED).

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calculate exposure to radiation

Calculate radiation data about procedures, such as length and intensity of exposure.

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communicate in healthcare

Communicate effectively with patients, families and other caregivers, health care professionals, and community partners.

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comply with legislation related to health care

Comply with the regional and national health legislation which regulates relations between suppliers, payers, vendors of the healthcare industry and patients, and the delivery of healthcare services.

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deal with emergency care situations

Assess the signs and be well-prepared for a situation that poses an immediate threat to a person's health, security, property or environment.  

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empathise with the healthcare user

Understand the background of clients` and patients’ symptoms, difficulties and behaviour. Be empathetic about their issues; showing respect and reinforcing their autonomy, self-esteem and independence. Demonstrate a concern for their welfare and handle according to the personal boundaries, sensitivities, cultural differences and preferences of the client and patient in mind.

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ensure compliance with radiation protection regulations

Make sure the company and the employees implement the legal and operational measures established to guarantee protection against radiation.

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follow clinical guidelines

Follow agreed protocols and guidelines in support of healthcare practice which are provided by healthcare institutions, professional associations, or authorities and also scientific organisations.

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interact with healthcare users

Communicate with clients and their carer’s, with the patient’s permission, to keep them informed about the clients’ and patients’ progress and safeguarding confidentiality.

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listen actively

Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

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manage healthcare users' data

Keep accurate client records which also satisfy legal and professional standards and ethical obligations in order to facilitate client management, ensuring that all clients' data (including verbal, written and electronic) are treated confidentially.

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provide psychological support to patients

Provide accurate psychological and emotional support to anxious, vulnerable and confused healthcare users related to the treatment undergone.

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respond to changing situations in health care

Cope with pressure and respond appropriately and in time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations in healthcare.

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Optional knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

2 competences
development trends in radiography

The current techniques and developments in radiography and medical imaging.

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electroencephalography

The situations where electroencephalography or EEG is needed, the techniques that may need to be specified, the preparation the patient needs, and the way to use the results in diagnosis and patient follow-up.

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Cross-sector

1 competence
psychology

The human behaviour and performance with individual differences in ability, personality, interests, learning, and motivation.

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Optional skills and competences 9 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
prepare radiopharmaceuticals

Prepare radiopharmaceuticals for use in patient treatment. Prepare the amounts necessary.

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Sector-specific

5 competences
administer radiotherapy

Manage the level of radiation, dose modification and assessments for the patients undertaking radiotherapy.

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conduct radiotherapy computer planning

Produce a three-dimensional plan of the distribution of radiation across the anatomical area to be treated.

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identify progression of disease

Recognise changing signs, symptoms and progression of disease and make appropriate decisions related to the continuation or changing of the treatment.

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interpret medical images

Analyse medical images in order to diagnose illnesses and injuries.

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perform clinical research in radiography

Perform clinical research in the field of radiography, ranging from recruitment to trials through research studies, evaluating newer technologies and techniques as part of providing evidence based practice.

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Cross-sector

3 competences
conduct health related research

Conduct research in health related topics and communicate findings orally, through public presentations or by writing reports and other publications.

Scope note
Research topics may include illness, acute, chronic and non-communicable conditions, public health, clinical research, health promotion and disease prevention topics.
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use foreign languages for health-related research

Use foreign languages for conducting and collaborating in health-related research.

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use foreign languages in patient care

Communicate in foreign languages with healthcare users, their carers, or services providers. Use foreign languages to faciliate patient care according to the needs of the patient.

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