ISRRT is the only global organization representing over 300,000 medical imaging practitioners (called Radiographers in this document) in more than 85 countries .In many of the more developed countries regulation and licensure ensures a critical standard of practice. This includes the effective and efficient use of radiation. Although the administration of radiation is only under the direction of medical authority, it is the radiographer who operates the equipment and administers the radiation to the patient .It is frequently  the radiographer who makes the decision to repeat a radiograph, hence affecting dosage. In some jurisdictions radiographers are held liable for  inproper use of radiation and can have their license revoked. This is a recognition of the importance given to those professionals who administer radiation. This recognition must be reflected at the global level so that ANY body looking into  the use, management and safe practice of radiation  must have radiographers as key members of any strategy or initiative. The ISRRT is the only body recognized by WHO and must therefore provide that representation .

The ISRRT is very aware that many countries do not have benefit of regulation and through education is attempting to improve the situation. These are some examples

·         World congresses held every 2years with extensive educational program. The latest held in Durban in April 2008, had 49 countries represented. Subject material presented included development of clinical audits; safe practice and global standards, accreditation for education and clinical practice

·         Advanced practice practitioners are completing programs at Graduate and doctoral level. ISRRT assists with pattern recognition programs. Examples are Fiji and potentially in Tanzania

·         In conjunction with Workbooks developed collaboratively between WHO and ISRRT, workshops have been offered in QA and QA of Equipment. Locations include India, Guatemala, Guyana, Tanzania, Francophone Africa.

·         ISRRT provides guidelines for Safe Practice and Guidelines for Educational programs

·         Regular surveys are undertaken  to determine level of safe practice, level of licensing

·         IAEA has recognized the importance of the radiographer and is working collaboratively to offer Workshops in safe radiation practice in Eastern Europe

·         ISRRT has assisted IAEA in the development of training materials in radiation safety for radiographers, therapists and nuclear medicine technologists

·         ISRRT has been asked to develop standards for education programs, clinical practice and Continuing Medical Education

In the field of radiation medicine, the ISRRT aims to:

• encourage exchange of information worldwide;
• assist countries to form their own professional societies;
• co-operate with the World Health Organization and other international organizations in improving standards of health care;
• assist in the development of training curricula and ongoing education;
• promote improvements in radiographic services and in protection against radiation and other hazards;
• assist in the development of quality assurance programmes and standards;
• produce specialised publications;
• make books available to countries which require them through the E.R. Hutchinson Book Fund;
• award educational and research scholarships;
• organize conferences and seminars;
• act in an advisory capacity when required.