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ESCO occupation

radiographer

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Radiographers use a range of technologies to examine, treat and care for patients. They work in the fields of Medical Imaging, Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine and apply ionising radiation, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and radioactive sources.

2269.8 ISCO 2269 ESCO source
Competences
76
Groups
4
Essential
54
Optional
22

Competences and skills

76 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 18 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
healthcare data systems

The types of systems that manage and maintain healthcare user data.

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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

12 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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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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pathology

The components of a disease, the cause, mechanisms of development, morphologic changes, and the clinical consequences of those changes.

Scope note
Excludes .
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psychology

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

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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.

green
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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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Essential skills and competences 36 competences

Occupation specific

2 competences
interact with healthcare suppliers

Maintain relationships with suppliers who sell healthcare equipment, tools and supplies.

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interpret requests for imaging examinations

Receive and interpret requests from medical practitioners for imaging examinations to be performed on patients.

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Sector-specific

17 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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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 radiotherapy computer planning

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

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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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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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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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use e-health and mobile health technologies

Use mobile health technologies and e-health (online applications and services) in order to enhance the provided healthcare.

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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

17 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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promote inclusion

Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.

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provide health education

Provide evidence based strategies to promote healthy living, disease prevention and management.

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provide information

Ensure quality and correctness of provided information, depending on the type of audience and context.

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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 6 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
development trends in radiography

The current techniques and developments in radiography and medical imaging.

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Cross-sector

5 competences
epidemiology

The branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution and control of diseases. The disease aetiology, transmission, outbreak investigation, and comparisons of treatment effects.

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human physiology

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

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orthopaedics

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

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pedagogy

The discipline that concerns the theory and practice of education including the various instructional methods for educating individuals or groups.

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pharmacology

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

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Optional skills and competences 16 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
Interpret diagnostic procedures for vascular surgery

Interpret procedures such as venography, angiography in vascular surgery and interpret invasive and non-invasive imaging modalities such as CT scan, MR imaging, and ultrasound.

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Sector-specific

9 competences
administer radiotherapy

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

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advise on healthcare users' informed consent

Ensure patients/clients are fully informed about the risks and benefits of proposed treatments so they can give informed consent, engaging patients/clients in the process of their care and treatment.

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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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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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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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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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perform lectures

Present lectures to various groups.

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use obstetric sonography

Apply medical ultrasonography to obstetrics to show the foetus in the mother`s womb.

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Cross-sector

6 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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educate on the prevention of illness

Offer evidence-based advice on how to avoid ill health, educate and advise individuals and their carers on how to prevent ill health and/or be able to advise how to improve their environment and health conditions. Provide advice on the identification of risks leading to ill health and help to increase the patients' resilience by targeting prevention and early intervention strategies.

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inform policy makers on health-related challenges

Provide useful information related to health care professions to ensure policy decisions are made in the benefit of communities.

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prepare lesson content

Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.

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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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