Medical radiography is the art and science of using x-radiation to obtain images of the tissues, organs, bones, and vessels that comprise the human body. These images may be recorded on film or displayed on a monitor. Treatment of a patient depends on the accurate and precise production of the x-ray images -- radiograms.

The radiographer is an essential member of the healthcare team. The body part of the patient must be accurately positioned, and only the minimum amount of radiation necessary to produce a quality diagnostic image must be applied. These are two important aspects of the responsibilities of the radiographer. Radiation, when used by persons uneducated in its characteristics and potential hazards, can be dangerous to the patient and the user. The radiographer understands radiation and knows how to safely produce quality diagnostic images. This protects both the patient and the radiographer. With this knowledge, radiography is a safe and satisfying career. The radiographer contributes a special talent to help diagnose injury and disease.

The radiologist is a physician who has completed specialized training in the interpretation of the radiograms produced by the radiographer. Radiologists also perform some of the more complex and invasive imaging procedures with the assistance of the radiographer.