Radiologic Technologist and Technician

Overview and Key Facts

Education

Associate's degree

Median Pay

$77,660

Job Growth

4.30%

(US Average)

Jobs in 2034

237,800

What Do They Do?

 

Take an x-ray to check on plate and screw healing process after ankle surgery.

Perform CT scan on a patient's head after a traumatic accident.

Help child feel comfortable during imaging process.

Take an x-ray of the lungs to help physicians identify medical diagnosis.

 

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: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2. Social Perceptiveness: ? Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
3. Service Orientation: ? Actively looking for ways to help people.
4. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.
5. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

6. Monitoring: ? Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
7. Operation and Control: ? Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
8. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
9. Coordination: ? Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
10. Operations Monitoring: ? Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Core Tasks

• 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.