Two Paths, One Purpose: Exploring Medical Radiography and Radiation Therapy

two male students in blue scrubs with a Baptist University patch on their arms looking at a computer

National Radiologic Technology Week, observed November 2–8, 2025, honors dedicated imaging professionals who use radiation to help diagnose and treat disease. At Baptist Health Sciences University, we proudly celebrate this week by highlighting our Medical Radiography and Radiation Therapy programs—two distinct yet equally vital fields that play unique roles in patient care.

Medical Radiography: The Eyes of Diagnosis 

Medical radiography focuses on using imaging technology to see inside the body for diagnostic purposes. These technologists operate tools such as MRI, CT and X-ray equipment to help identify fractures, diseases and other abnormalities.

These professionals often play a crucial role at the start and throughout a patient’s health care journey. 

For example, if a patient experiences an injury and needs an X-ray to determine whether a bone is fractured, the radiologic technologist captures the images that guide the next steps in treatment. If that patient needs surgery, the radiologic technologist is part of the surgical team helping to guide that treatment.

Although their patient interactions are typically brief, radiographers are often the first step in uncovering the answers that lead to care.

Radiation Therapy: The Power of Treatment 

In radiation therapy, professionals work closely with oncologists to deliver targeted doses of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. They use advanced tools and technology such as linear accelerators, treatment planning systems and imaging guidance to deliver the treatment.

Radiation therapists often develop long-term relationships with their patients, seeing them over the course of multiple treatment sessions and supporting them through some of the most important moments of their health care journey.

Shared Foundations, Distinct Impacts 

While Medical Radiography and Radiation Therapy share a strong foundation in anatomy, radiation physics and patient care, their missions different: one is diagnostic and the other is therapeutic. Together, these professionals represent the full circle of care, from discovering illness to delivering life-saving treatment.

Whether capturing the first image of a hidden illness or administering targeted radiation therapy, Baptist University radiologic professionals illuminate the path to healing—one image and one beam at a time.

Interested in becoming a Medical Radiographer? https://www.baptistu.edu/medical-radiography 
Interested in becoming a Radiation Therapist? https://www.baptistu.edu/radiation-therapy