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As a radiology technologist, you will use imaging equipment to help physicians diagnose and treat patients. Read on to learn more about this exciting career.
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What is a Radiology Technician?
Radiology technicians are medical professionals who use imaging technology to help diagnose and treat patients. They often work closely with radiologists, who are physicians who specialize in interpreting imaging tests. Radiology technicians typically have an associate’s degree from an accredited radiology technology program.
Job Description
Radiology technicians are health care professionals who use imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. They may work in hospitals, clinics or private practices, and their duties vary depending on the setting. In general, radiology technicians are responsible for positioning patients for imaging exams, operating the equipment and ensuring that the images are of high quality. They may also be involved in patient education and providing support to patients and their families.
Radiology technicians typically need to complete an accredited radiology technology program before they can be licensed or certified. Some states have additional requirements, such as passing a criminal background check. Once they have met all of the necessary requirements, radiology technicians can find employment in a variety of settings.
Education and Training
Radiologic technologists must complete an accredited educational program. Many technologists complete a 2-year associate degree, although some schools offer 4-year bachelor’s degrees. Upon completion of an educational program, graduates must obtain a state license or certification before they can begin working.
All states require licensure for medical radiation exposure machines, but requirements vary by state. There are 2 primary types of licenses: general and limited. A general license authorizes the holder to operate all types of x-ray machines, whereas a limited license limits the technologist to operating only specific types of machines or working in specific areas such as computed tomography (CT), diagnostic radiology, or mammography.
Most licenses must be renewed periodically, and continuing education is often required to maintain a license.
Salary
Depending on their experience and education, radiology technicians can earn between $35,000 and $85,000 per year. The median salary for a radiology technician is $55,000.
What Does a Radiology Technician Do?
A radiology technician, also known as a radiographer, is a medical professional who uses advanced imaging technology to help diagnose and treat patients. Radiographers work with a variety of imaging modalities, including X-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. They may also specialize in a particular modality, such as mammography or interventional radiology.
Prepare patients for imaging procedures
Prepare patients for imaging procedures by moving them to the examination table, positioning them according to the radiologist’s instructions, and covering them with a lead apron to protect them from radiation exposure. They also may administer contrast agents to helpdetails of the anatomy show up more clearly in the images. To help keep patients calm, radiology techs explain the procedure and answer any questions patients have.
Position patients for imaging procedures
Radiology techs are responsible for positioning patients for imaging procedures. This may involve moving and/or manipulating the patient’s body into the correct position and/or using props to keep them still. The radiologist will provide specific instructions on how the patient should be positioned.
Operate imaging equipment
Radiology technicians are responsible for operating imaging equipment such as X-ray machines and computed tomography (CT) scanners. They position patients and equipment, monitor patients during procedures, and ensure that imaging quality is adequate. Radiology technicians also administer contrast agents, which help produce clearer images.
Process images
A radiology technician, also known as a radiographer, is a health professional who specializes in performing diagnostic imaging examinations using x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, and other imaging modalities.
Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may also work in industrial settings such as oil refineries, where they use x-ray machines to inspect pipes for evidence of metal fatigue or corrosion.
Radiographers are responsible for ensuring that patients are positioned correctly on the examination table and that the images are of high enough quality to be interpreted by a radiologist. They also play an important role in patient education and providing emotional support to patients who may be anxious about their procedure.
Radiology Technician Career Outlook
A radiology technician, also known as a rad tech, is a person who uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. rad techs usually work in hospitals, clinics, or doctor’s offices, and they typically have an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. The job outlook for rad techs is positive, with a projected 9% growth in employment from 2019-2029.
Job Growth
The job outlook for radiologic technologists is quite positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in this field will grow by 9% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the aging baby boomer population, who will need diagnostic imaging for age-related health conditions such as arthritis and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, the increasing use of technology in medicine will require more radiologic technologists to interpret images and operate new equipment.
Salary Outlook
In order to become a radiology technician, you must complete an accredited radiology program and earn a minimum of an Associate’s degree. Once you have completed your education and earned your degree, you will be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) exam. Upon passing the ARRT exam, you will be credentialed as a Registered Radiologic Technologist (RRT).
The salary for a radiologic technologist varies based on geographic location, years of experience, and type of employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a radiologic technologist was $60,070 in May 2018. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $43,510, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $82,850.
