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Radiologic Technologist and Technician

Overview and Key Facts

technician preparing xray for paitient
Education
Education
Associate's degree
Median Pay
Median Pay
$77,660
Job Growth
Job Growth
4.30%
(US Average)
Jobs in 2034
Jobs in 2034
237,800

What Do They Do?

A radiologic technician could...

 
x-ray broken ankle
Take an x-ray to check on plate and screw healing process after ankle surgery.
ct scan of patient's head
Perform CT scan on a patient's head after a traumatic accident.
high five doctor and child patient
Help child feel comfortable during imaging process.
x-ray of lungs chest ribs
Take an x-ray of the lungs to help physicians identify medical diagnosis.
 
x-ray broken ankle ct scan of patient's head high five doctor and child patient x-ray of lungs chest ribs

Overview Listen to this section

Would you like working with technology, but also with people? As a radiological technician or technologist you can use different medical equipment to take medical pictures. You work with the patient to make them feel comfortable. You also work with medical technology to make sure you are positioning the patient and operating the machine correctly. A radiological technician or technologist is a great hands-on job to work with medical technology and patients!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGieTgpDy0Y

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Radiologic Technologist and Technician?


  1. Active Listening: ?
  2. Social Perceptiveness: ?
  3. Service Orientation: ?
  4. Speaking: ?
  5. Reading Comprehension: ?
More skills...

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Radiologic Technologist and Technician might do:
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
  • Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
  • Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
  • Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
  • Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
  • Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
  • Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
  • Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
  • Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
  • Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
  • Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
  • Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
  • Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
  • Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
  • Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
  • Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
  • Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
  • Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
  • Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
  • Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
  • Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
  • Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.
  • Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.
  • Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
  • Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.

Salary & Job Openings

Median Salary (Yearly Pay)

Tap or scroll over map to see median salaries for each state

Future Jobs

Blast-Off:

How Will Radiologic Technologist and Technician Jobs Grow by 2034?
Projected % Growth
Rapid growth
(10% or higher)
Much faster than average
(7% - 10%)
Faster than average
(5% - 7%)
About as fast as average
(3% - 5%)
Slower than average
(0% - 3%)
Decreasing
Average of all U.S. jobs (5.3%)
Radiologic Technologist and Technician jobs (4.30%)
Source: https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-projections-and-characteristics.htm

Steps to Get There: Becoming a Radiologic Technologist and Technician

High School Subjects to Study

Aim to study the yellow-shaded subjects.
Math
Algebra 1
Geometry
Algebra 2
Pre-Calculus
Calculus
Statistics
Science
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Environmental Science
Physiology
Bio-Medical / Biotech
IT &
Engineering
Computer Science
Applied Technology
Drafting & CAD Training
Core
English
Foreign Language
Business
Psychology / Sociology

Career Pathway Listen to this section

Employees usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education- Typical Degree Needed After High School Listen to this section

Degree
Post
high school credential
AA
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctoral or Professional Degree

Typical degree for an entry-level position: Associate's degree ? Types of Degrees and Credentials

High school students who are interested in radiologic technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.

An associate's degree is the education typically required for radiologic technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor's degrees in healthcare and related fields and science technologies. Depending on the field of degree, education programs may include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. Some states require candidates for licensure to complete an accredited program.

Companies That Hire Radiologic Technologist and Technicians

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Veteran Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
  • Dignity Health
  • United Health Group
  • Children's Hospital
  • Hospital Corporation of America
  • Centura Health

Try it Out with an Activity or Project

STEM Activities

STEM activities are fun hands-on explorations that usually take from 10 minutes to one hour and use readily available household or classroom materials while introducing you to STEM concepts common in this career.

Science Project Ideas

Project Ideas are in-depth STEM explorations that have a strong focus on controlling variables, taking accurate measurements, and analyzing data suitable for investigating the scientific method or the engineering design process.

On the Job

Role Models

Your Radiologic Technology Degree Makes for a Great Career
You will always be needed. No robot can replace our job. Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes; therefore, not every patient is positioned the same.  
- Ashley, Radiologic Technologist
What You’ll Do as a Radiology Technologist
Radiologic technologists are part of a healthcare team. They provide skills, knowledge, and expertise in imaging and procedures. They might be involved in surgeries, the emergency department, a cardiac catheterization lab, or a standalone orthopedic practice.  
- Peter Rath, MPA, R.T. (R), ARRT, a radiology technician
"Skills you have to have to do this job, are, you definitely have to be a hard worker. You have to be very quick at what you do. You have to definitely get along with your patients because that's going to go a long way with getting your exam done. We are constantly talking to doctors and communicating with them what we see on some x-rays. As a technologist, you have to be very good with the high tech equipment that we use. A lot of time patients come in, they're already scared, they're in pain. They might have a broken arm, a broken leg. My goal is to try to ease them through. A misconception about my job is people think I come to work and just press a button. No, it's kind of like being a photographer, you have to get the right angle, you have to get the right picture. The most rewarding part about my job is having patients specifically ask for me when they come in for their x-rays. You end up getting along with them. You end up developing a great relationship with your patients." - Angel, Radiologic Technologist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGkgYrwq-KA

Nature of the Work

If you've ever broken a bone, you've likely had a radiology technologist take images of your broken bone. Radiologist technicians and technologists do more than take images of broken bones. Doctors ask them to create images that help diagnose and treat illness and other health problems. They work very closely with members of a healthcare team to provide a service to patients.

Radiologist technicians create images without the need for surgery or invasive procedures. These images help doctors better understand what's happening inside a patient's body. An x-ray, for example, is painless for patients and very low risk when used properly.

Radiology technologists must know how to safely use medical equipment and technology. They are trusted to take precautions to protect themselves and patients. They must know how to position patients to achieve useful images. They often get to know their patients as they communicate with patients before, during, and after their procedure.

Radiologic technologists are trained in the use of different types of medical equipment. They may choose to specialize in a certain area, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.

Work Environment

Radiologic technologists and technicians are mostly employed at hospitals and offices of physicians. They can also work in medical and diagnostic laboratories, outpatient care centers, and work for the federal government. They are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients, such as to help those who are injured.

Radiologic technologists work full time. Because imaging is sometimes needed in emergency situations, some technologists work evenings, weekends, or overnight.

More Information

Ask Questions

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