There are two categories of radiographers

x-rays are used in most exit and entry terminals as a security measure to help detect drugs that are in transit. In most airports passengers and their luggage are screened using x-rays before boarding the plane. This is because even if one swallowed something, it will still be captured by the x-ray machine. However, most passengers are against its use in screening because they feel uncomfortable. After all, the screening personnel can see their naked body and thus, they feel like it is similar to stripping. X-rays are also applied in astronomy by mounting the detectors on the satellites so that they can capture the emissions of radiations in the skies.

Donnelly (2005) explains that the x-rays that are used today are more advanced because they are modified to release small amount of radiation hence they are no longer hazardous as they used to be. In early days, x-rays would not be used on expectant mothers because the magnitude of radiation was very high such that it could lead to the death of the unborn baby.

In the days that followed the discovery of x-rays there were many cases of people who had inflamed skin due to being exposed to the radiations. However, x-rays were recommended for curing certain diseases after it was reported that some people who were suffering from skin cancer were healed by being exposed to the radiations. These happenings induced medical experts and scientists to do more research on x-rays, and today when we look back to where we have come from it’s certain that their efforts are fruitful and will continue to be so because further research is still in progress.

Currently, the x-ray machines are operated by professionals called radiographers. There are two categories of radiographers: radiologists and radiotherapists. A radiologist is a professional medical expert who analyzes the images captured by x-rays and treats the ailment according to the implications provided by the pictures. A radiotherapist on the other hand employs x-rays in treating ailments such as cancer. The therapist does this by exposing the cells that are in the patient’s blood to radiation, which in return kills them.

Furthermore, the demand for people with skills in radiography has increased because healthcare providers have realized that they can perform better by being informed, and this requires the use of x-rays. Radiography is one of the branches in the faculty of medicine and it has become so popular such that doctors who specialize in it have to obtain certification from its board. In countries like Britain, radiographers are monitored by the Royal College of Radiologist just to make sure they stick by the ethics of this profession