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