Radiology History
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X-Ray History
X-Rays were first discovered in 1895 by German scientist, Wilhelm Roentgen. Roentgen won the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 for his discovery. While he was experimenting with electric currents passing through a tube, he realized that a nearby fluorescent screen began glowing as the current passed through. When he switched the current off, the screen ceased to glow. Because the glowing could be attributed to unknown rays, he appropriately named them âXâ rays, which is the origin of the term we still use to this day. One of the first x-rays taken was of his wifeâs hand, where he could see her hand and her wedding ring on the image. The implications of the technology were huge and the medical community recognized itâs worth in diagnosis of various broken bones, fractures, and ailments. Within a few months of the discovery, machines were produced to be used in the medical community and it wasnât long before they were a widespread, commonly used technology.
Radiology History Timeline
- 1896 - Konrad Roentgen discovered the x-ray
- 1950's - A major development was the application of contrast agents for a better image contrast and organ visualization using special gamma cameras.
- 1955 - The first x-ray image intensifier allowed the pick up an d display of x-ray movies.
- 1960's - The principles of sonar were applied to diagnostic imaging. Ultrasonic waves generated by a quartz crystal were reflected at the interfaces between different tissues, received by the ultrasound machine and turned into pictures using computers and reconstruction software. Challenges include targeted contrast imaging, real time 3D or 4D ultrasound and molecular imaging
- 1968 - The use of targeted contrast agents began.
- 1970 - The digital imaging techniques were implemented into conventional fluoroscopic image intensifier with the first computed tomography, digital images are electronic snapshots sampled and mapped as a grid of dots and pixels. The multislice spiral CT technology has expanded the clinical applications dramatically.
- 1980's- The first MRI device was tested on clinical patients.
Ultrasound History
The use of sonography in the application of the medical field seems to have occurred in both the United States and abroad. Two researchers noted in the history of ultrasound and medical imaging are Doctor Karl Theodore Dussik of Austria and Professor Ian Donald of Scotland. In 1942 Doctor Karl Theodore Dussik of Austria published the first paper on medical ultrasonics based on his research on transmission ultrasound investigation of the brain. In the 1950's, Professor Ian Donald of Scotland developed practical technology and applications for ultrasound.
In Sweden, ultrasound technology was used by cardiologist, Inge Edler and Carl Hellmuth Hertz. Edler asked Hertz if it was possible to use radar to look inside the human body. While Hertz was skeptical about the use of radar, he did think that the use of ultrasonic sound could possibly work. Hertz had used the technology in other applications; together, they figured out how to use the technology to measure heart activity and not much later, brain activity as well.
In the United States, ultrasound was first applied to medical purposes by Dr. George Ludwig in the late 1940âs. Also, John Wild used ultrasound to determine the thickness of bowel tissue in 1949. He is often cited as the âfather of medical ultrasound.â
The textbook definition of ULTRASOUND is energy generated by sound waves of 20,000 or more vibrations per second. Ultrasound is used in an array of imaging tools. Used for medical diagnostics, ultrasound uses sound waves far above the frequency heard by the human ear. A transducer gives off the sound waves and reflected back from organs and tissues, making a picture of what's inside the body to be drawn on a screen.
Examining the health of an unborn baby, analyze bone structure or looking for tumors, Ultrasound is used in many ways. As technology grows so does ultrasound. It's a wonder what will be the next technology development.
Medical Imaging Careers Today
Today imaging in medicine has advanced to a stage that was inconceivable 100 years ago with growing medical imaging modalities including computed tomography, mammography, MRI, PET scan's and more. The basic x-ray was a concept that spurred on research into other means of capturing images such as high frequency sound waves in ultrasound. To learn more about career options in the field of radiology, visit our radiology careers page or browse school programs offering radiology and ultrasound programs in your state.
Radiology Programs:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
MemphisGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
ClevelandGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
Saint PetersburgLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
LakelandKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs offered:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
Las VegasDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
CookevilleLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
MinneapolisGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
Carrington College
Campus Locations:
PhoenixCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs offered:
MedVance Institute
Campus Locations:
Lake WorthAdvance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.
"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"
Programs offered:
California College San Diego
Campus Locations:
San MarcosCalifornia College San Diego (CCSD)offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
Argosy University
Campus Locations:
Saint PaulAt Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs offered:
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
CliftonAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
PittsburghGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
University of Phoenix
Campus Locations:
PhoenixAs the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
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