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A radiologist tech is a medical professional who uses diagnostic imaging techniques, such as x-rays, to help treat patients. Find out more about what a radiologist tech does and how they help patients.
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Job Description
A radiologist technologist is a medical professional who uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. Radiology technologists work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may specialize in a particular area of radiology, such as MRI or ultrasound.
Duties
A radiologist technologist is responsible for operating imaging equipment to take diagnostic pictures of the inside of patients’ bodies. This role may also be referred to as a diagnostic medical sonographer or ultrasound technologist. As a radiologist technologist, you will need to be able to explain the procedure to patients and answer any questions they may have. You will also need to be able to work well under pressure and follow instructions from radiologists. Once the images have been taken, you will need to ensure that they are of high quality and meet the required standards.
Skills
Radiologic technologists must have good communication skills. They often interact with patients who may be anxious about their procedures. Radiologic technologists must be able to explain the procedures to patients and answer any questions they may have. They also must be able to follow the radiologist’s instructions.
Technologists must be able to operate x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other imaging equipment. They also must know how to position patients and equipment in order to get the best possible image.
Radiologic technologists must be detail oriented. They must follow instructions carefully in order to get the best possible image. They also must pay attention to detail when taking pictures, so that the pictures can be used for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiologic technologists need Physical stamina. They often have to stand for long periods of time and may have to lift or move patients or equipment.
Salary
Radiologist techs are in charge of operating machines that take pictures of patients’ internal organs, bones, and tissues. They also prepare patients for imaging procedures, explain the procedures to patients, and help radiologists interpret the images. The median salary for a radiologist tech is $55,000.
Factors that Affect Salary
Of course, experience will effect how much money you can make as a radiologist. New grads can expect to start out making around $50,000 a year, but experienced techs can make upwards of $100,000. Another factor that will affect salary is what state you work in. For example, the average salary for a radiologist in California is $126,000 while the average salary in Texas is $115,000. The cost of living in each state also plays a role in how far your salary will go. To get an idea of what salaries are like in your area, check out this interactive map from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education and Training
A radiologist technologist is a vital part of the medical field. They use X-ray machines and other imaging equipment to get pictures of the inside of a patient’s body. These pictures are then used by doctors to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. In order to become a radiologist technologist, one must complete an accredited radiology program.
Prerequisites
A radiologist technologist is a professional who uses imaging techniques, such as X-rays, to help diagnose and treat patients. There are many specialized types of radiology technologists, such as mammographers and computed tomography (CT) technologists. Radiology technologists typically need an Associate’s degree from an accredited program. Many states also require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified.
Programs
There are several routes one can take to become a radiologic technologist. An associate’s degree in radiologic technology is the most common path, but some students may opt for a certificate or bachelor’s program. Some colleges also offer dual programs that lead to an associate’s degree and certification.
Radiologic technologists must be licensed in most states, although requirements vary by state. Most states require licensure by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To be eligible for the ARRT examination, candidates must complete an accredited educational program and meet ethics and continuing education requirements.
In addition to general radiography programs, many colleges offer specialties such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, ultrasound, and cardiovascular-interventional technology. These programs typically last one to two years and lead to certification in the specialty by the ARRT or other credentialing organizations.
Certification
A radiologist technologist is a highly trained individual who uses diagnostic imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose and treat patients. In order to become a radiologist technologist, one must complete an accredited radiology program and pass a certification exam.
Voluntary Certification
A certification is an earned designation that demonstrates a higher level of knowledge, skill, and experience than that of someone who does not hold the certification. Certification in radiologic technology is voluntary, meaning that it is not required to work in the field. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers the most widely recognized credential in radiography, and many states recognize ARRT certification as meeting licensure requirements.
Career Outlook
Employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. The continued demand for diagnostic imaging procedures is expected to lead to new positions for radiologic technologists.
In general, radiologic technologists work in hospitals, medical offices, and outpatient care centers. Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week. Those who work in hospitals may have evening, night, or weekend shifts. Some technologists may be required to be on call, which means they must be available to work when needed.
