Radiography

Radiographers work at the interface between people, technology and medicine. Using state-of-the-art equipment, they are responsible for planning, executing and optimising radiological diagnoses and courses of treatment. Consequently, they are in constant contact with patients.

Radiographers work in a whole range of areas in addition to traditional ‘X-rays’. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), and ultrasound are all cross-sectional processes demanding good spatial awareness. In nuclear medicine they work with open radioactive materials. Another related field of work is radiation oncology and radiation therapy, where the focus lies in treating cancer patients using high-energy X-rays. Angiography and interventional radiology are used for displaying, and where necessary treating, blood vessels and organ processes.

Thanks to their thorough training, radiographers can also play key roles in radiation and civil protection as radiation safety officers. Data transfer in radiological information technology also falls within a radiographer’s remit. Another area of operation lies in quality assurance for imaging systems and film-processing equipment, working in cooperation with medical physicists and technicians.

Medical and professional fundamentals

Your training will be based on medical and professional fundamentals in fields such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiation physics and radiation biology. The knowledge gained in these fields provides the basis for all other subjects.

Application of ionising radiation

Radiographers often work with X-rays and thus require a broad background knowledge. You’ll learn about the theoretical fundamentals, the basics of radiation protection and the application of X-rays. You will also take part in practical exercises, develop case examples and complete various internships.

You’ll work with ionising radiation in the following areas:

• Radiological diagnostics
• Computed tomography
• Radio-oncology and radiation therapy
• Nuclear medicine
• Angiography and interventional radiology

You will explore the relevant area of radiography for at least two semesters.

Internship

Right from the first semester, you will undertake internships in the core areas of radiology on a continuous basis, including radiological diagnostics, computed tomography, nuclear medicine, angiography and interventional radiology, ultrasound, magnetic resonance tomography, radiotherapy and radio-oncology or teleradiology. Exchanging experiences and contents with an internship supervisor on site will enable you to hone your social skills. You also have the opportunity to spend part of the internship abroad to gather international experience.