Radiographers need to understand people and technology

“That sounded so interesting that I could not let the opportunity pass,” says Kiias. 

Radiographers in charge are responsible for imaging programs and instructions, and induction of new employees.

The medical imaging scans performed in the Nuclear Medicine Unit use radioactive markers. 

“We radiographers make sure that the preparations have been done correctly, administer the markers, and perform the scan as instructed by the physicians.”

Everything in the unit is strictly scheduled and the days are fairly calm. In Kiias’s opinion, her workplace is top notch–a real gem in the Meilahti campus. 

Fascinated by the new scanner

Before becoming a radiographer, Kiias was a trained sports massage therapist. 

“MRIs were shown to us students in the massage school, and already then I thought that the images looked cool. Then later on, when I wanted to continue my studies, radiography seemed like a suitable field.”

According to Kiias, the best part of her job is performing and developing the PET/MRI scans. 

“I’m really excited about what we will have achieved with the scanner in a year, for example. I’m especially interested in how we will be able to gain more diverse information.”

Kiias has also applied to study in a master’s degree program in radiography alongside her work. 

“It is my nature that I always need the next goal to achieve.” 

Radiographers have multiple career options

Interaction with patients is an integral part of Kiias’s work. Most of the patients in the Nuclear Medicine Unit have cancer. 

“Some patients want to talk about their situation and others do not. In any case, it is wonderful to meet so many different kinds of people. Many patients visit our unit several times, so we get acquainted with some of them.” 

The work of a radiographer may vary greatly depending on the unit and modality. 

“It is a great plus that if you get bored, you can just change the unit or modality. You don’t have to change your entire career.”

In radiography, you get to work with both people and technology, and learn about various illnesses at the same time.

“Even though we do not say anything about the images to the patients, we of course learn to see many things in them.”