Radiologic Technologist
A Radiologic Technologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in using imaging technologies to produce diagnostic images of the human body. They operate equipment such as X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI machines, which help in assessing various health conditions by capturing detailed images of bones, tissues, and organs. Typically working in hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers, these technologists play a crucial role in patient care by ensuring that the imaging process is safe, efficient, and effective while maintaining patient comfort and confidentiality.
To pursue a career as a radiologic technologist, individuals typically need an associate's degree from an accredited program, with coursework covering anatomy, patient care, and medical imaging technologies. Employment opportunities in this field are expected to grow at a rate faster than average, with a median annual salary around $76,020. The role requires a combination of technical skills, attention to detail, and strong communication abilities, as technologists often collaborate closely with radiologists and other healthcare personnel. Overall, radiologic technologists contribute significantly to the diagnostic process, aiding in medical decision-making and treatment planning.
Radiologic Technologist
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Health Science
Interests: Medical imaging, anatomy, physiology, biology, patient care, health science technology
Earnings (Yearly Median): $76,020 per year $36.55 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6 percent (Faster than average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. Radiologic technologists use X-ray and ultrasound imaging technology as a diagnostic tool or as part of a patient treatment plan. They create images of specific areas and parts of the human body, including bones, tissue, blood vessels, and organs. Radiologic technologists may perform such imaging procedures as mammography, X-rays, sonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologic technologists work under the supervision of radiologists trained to read and interpret medical images.
Work Environment. Radiologic technologists spend their workdays in hospitals, clinics, radiologists’ offices, medical imaging and testing centers, and mobile imaging units. Radiologic technologists generally work forty-hour weeks, which may include days, evenings, weekends, and on-call hours to accommodate the needs of patients. They are at risk for injury from machine accidents and radiation exposure.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the radiologic technologist profession are intelligent, focused, analytical, and detail-oriented. Radiologic technologists need physical strength, stamina, and good hand-eye coordination to maneuver patients and operate technical equipment. Technologists should enjoy working in a medical environment and solving complex problems. Teamwork and strong communication skills are also essential, as radiologic technologists work closely with radiologists to diagnose and treat patients.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily occupational duties and responsibilities of radiologic technologists vary by the individual’s area of job specialization and work environment. Radiologic technologists may specialize in the use of a particular imaging technology, such as radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, sonography, or computerized tomography, or in work with a specific patient population, such as pediatric radiology or trauma radiology.
Radiologic technologists spend their days assisting radiologists with preparing and performing imaging tests and treatments. Before an imaging session, the radiologic technologist prepares, maintains, and sterilizes the imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines and computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanners. They greet patients when they arrive, explain the role of radiologic and magnetic imaging in their diagnosis or treatment, and record patient medical histories. After reviewing the radiologist’s test request or prescription to determine the type and extent of imaging, testing, or treatment required, the technologist enters the appropriate scan sequence into the radiologic and magnetic imaging equipment. If soft tissues are to be scanned (a procedure known as fluoroscopy), the radiologic technologist prepares a radiopaque solution for the patient to drink before imaging.
During the imaging session, the radiologic technologist directs and positions the imaging equipment close to the patient’s body and creates the requested X-ray, video, or computerized images. The technologist must ensure patient comfort and safety throughout the session, instructing the patient how and where to position the body and following all safety guidelines to limit radiation exposure for patients, physicians, and lab workers.
After the imaging session, the radiologic technologist processes X-ray film or other image results, disposes of radioactive medical waste following US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) safety guidelines and regulations, and reports all imaging findings to the supervising radiologist.
Radiologic technologists often have administrative duties in addition to their technical responsibilities. They may work with office staff to plan and schedule imaging appointments and otherwise participate in the daily operations of the imaging center or office as required. Radiologic technologists are also responsible for recording the date, time, exposure, and type of imaging administered to patients in each session. They must report any equipment failures to biomedical equipment technicians or hospital engineers when necessary. All radiologic technologists are also responsible for educating themselves about the administrative, physical, and technical patient privacy safeguards in the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
Nuclear Medicine Technologists (078.361-018). Using radioisotope equipment, nuclear medicine technologists prepare, administer, and measure radioactive isotopes in therapeutic, diagnostic, and tracer studies.
Ultrasound Technologists (078.364-010). Ultrasound technologists use non-ionizing equipment to transmit sound waves at high frequencies into a patient’s body and then collect reflected echoes to form an image on a screen.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Radiologic technologists perform radiologic and magnetic imaging for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in hospitals, radiologists’ offices, medical imaging and testing centers, and mobile imaging units. These medical settings tend to be clean and comfortable.
Human Environment. Radiologic technologists should be comfortable interacting with patients, physicians, laboratory technicians, nurses, scientists, and office staff. Due to the sensitive nature of medical diagnosis, radiologic technologists should be empathetic and diplomatic when interacting with patients and maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Technological Environment. To complete imaging work, radiologic technologists may use X-ray equipment, ultrasound machines, computerized axial tomography scanners, magnetic resonance imaging equipment, film processors, patient positioning equipment, bone densitometers, lead shields, protective aprons and clothing, measuring and dosing equipment, and intravenous pumps. They may also work with databases, electronic medical records, and medical device software.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in pursuing a career in radiologic technology should study anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, providing a solid foundation for work in the field. Students interested in this career path will benefit from seeking internships or part-time work in medical settings.
Postsecondary. Postsecondary students interested in becoming radiologic technologists should work toward a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology from an accredited school. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) provides accreditation to over 600 radiography training programs available through universities, community colleges, technical schools, and hospitals. Coursework in anatomy, patient care, medical imaging, computer science, physics, and medical ethics may also prove helpful. Postsecondary students can gain hands-on work experience through a program-sponsored clinical internship or co-op experience.
Related Occupations
− Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
− Electroencephalographic Technician
− Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Bibliography
"Radiologic Technologists and Technicians." O*NET OnLine, 6 Aug. 2024, www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2034.00. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
"Radiologic and MRI Technologists." US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.