When you receive a medical imaging examination or radiation therapy treatment, the person you will encounter is a radiologic technologist. This person is trained in anatomy, examination techniques, radiation protection and patient care. A radiologic technologist makes sure that an accurate diagnostic image is taken.
Job Description
A radiologic technologist, also known as a radiographer, is responsible for producing X-rays of the human body to be used for analyzing medical issues. A technologist can work at a hospital, doctor's office, laboratory or diagnostic imaging center. This person makes sure patients are properly positioned to ensure body parts are appropriately radiographed. Technologists make sure that they and patients are not unnecessarily exposed to radiation. Besides taking care of patients, technologists keep records and maintain equipment.
Working Conditions
Radiologic technologists need physical stamina, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, because they are on their feet for an extended amount of time and may have to move patients who are disabled. While radiation dangers are present in the profession, the effects of radiation are minimized through safety equipment such as shielding devices. The majority of technologists work 40 hours a week, which may include weekends, evenings or on-call hours.
Training
To become a radiologic technologist, you need training in radiography. This training can vary from 1 to 4 years. To enter a program in radiography, you must hold a high school diploma. A radiology program provides instruction in anatomy, radiation physics, radiation protection, imaging principles, medical terminology and pathology. Most states mandate that technologists must be licensed. For certification, a technician is required to finish 24 hours of continuing education every 24 months.
Specialization
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, a technologist can specialize in a variety of diagnostic imaging areas. These areas include bone densitometry, cardiovascular-intervention radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine or sonography. To be registered, a technician must finish a minimum of 2 years of education at an accredited hospital program or a 2- or 4-year program at a college, and must complete a national certification test.
Salary
According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the average technician salary is about $58,000. The lowest 5 percent of technicians make less than $30,000, while the highest 5 percent earn over $90,000. A person with less than 2 years of experience can expect to earn about $36,000. Technicians who are certified or registered can expect to make more than $56,000. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that between 2006 and 2016, this profession is expected to increase by approximately 15 percent.
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