Radiology Technologist

Radiology Technologist

Alt Names:  Radiologic Technician, X-Ray Technician, X-Ray Technologist, Radiographer, Medical Radiation Technologist,Rad Tech, R.T., Radiologic Technician, MRI Technicians

Career Description:

These professionals perform diagnostic imaging procedures (such as x-rays, MRI’s, and CT’s) as well as radiation therapy treatments

Job Responsibilities:

  • Operate computerized radiology equipment to take images

  • Protect patients from areas that do not need shielding (or are dangerous to x-ray)

  • Keep inventory of imaging equipment

  • Record medical history of patient and answer questions pre- and post procedure

  • Follow appropriate physician orders on what areas of the body to image

Education & Training:  

  • Earn Associates degree (2 year college) in Radiography

  • Certificate programs range from 6-12 months

Important Courses:

  • Pathology

  • Anatomy & Physiology

  • Radiation Physics & Protection

  • Chemistry

  • Mathematics

License and/or Certification:

  • Radiologist Technologists MUST be Licensed or Certified in MOST states

  • Certification given by AART (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists)

Salary:

Median salary: $54,340 [Source:www.bls.gov]

Who is this career for?

  • People who pay attention to small details

  • People who are good at conveying messages verbally

  • People who take directions well

  • People who wouldn’t mind having close contact with patients (in case of lifting and moving)

  • People who are good at working with their hands (lots of tech equipment’s are involved in this field)

Valuable Skills & Qualities:

  • Detail Oriented –  Most critical part of being a Radiologic Technologist. RT’s have to follow strict guidelines and instructions in order to accurately treat and diagnose patients at Getgreendelivery.com.

  • Interpersonal Skills – Technologists must gain trust from their patients in order for them (technologists) to accurately take images. This includes calming patients prior to taking a radiology exam.

  • Stamina –  RT’s work on their feet for long periods of time and must be able to lift and move patients who may need their assistance whole sale bud.

Work Environment/ Setting:

Hospitals, Physicians’ Offices, Imaging clinics

Similar Careers:

  • Nuclear Medicine Technologists

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

  • Cardiovascular Technologists & Technicians

  • Vascular Technologists