Contents
A radiologist tech is a medical professional who uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients.
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Job Description
Radiologist technicians are a vital part of the medical field. They are the ones who take x-rays and MRI’s for patients. They also take care of patients before and after their procedures.
Duties
Radiology technologists, also called radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, on patients. Duties of Radiology Technologists
Radiology technologists typically do the following:
-Explain procedures to patients and address any concerns they have
-Position patients and operate imaging equipment
-Review images to ensure quality and that the proper area is being imaged
-Work with doctors to determine which images will best diagnosis the patient’s condition
-Ensure that the patient is properly prepared for examinations
-Follow safety precautions to protect themselves, patients, and others from radiation exposure
Qualifications
A radiologist tech, also called a radiologic technologist or X-ray technologist, is a health care professional who uses imaging technologies to detect, diagnose and treat illness and injury. Radiology techs most commonly use X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, but they may also use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and other modalities.
Radiology techs must be licensed in most states. To qualify for licensure, they must complete an accredited radiology technology program and pass an exam. Some states also require continuing education to maintain licensure.
In addition to formal education and licensure, radiologists must be able to work well under pressure, follow instructions carefully and pay attention to detail. They must also be able to communicate effectively with patients, since they often have to explain procedures and answer questions.
Salary and Job Outlook
A radiologist tech is a medical professional who specializes in the use of diagnostic imaging to treat patients. The median salary for this career is $77,520 per year, and the job outlook is positive, with an expected growth rate of 9% from 2019 to 2029.
Salary
The median annual wage for diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, was $74,320 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $49,140, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $105,740.
Most sonographers work full time. Because diagnostic imaging is needed 24 hours a day, some imaging workers work evenings or weekends. Medical sonographers held about 68,000 jobs in 2019. Most of these workers were employed in hospitals; outpatient care centers; offices of physicians; and medical and diagnostic laboratories.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for radiologic technologists will grow by 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Job prospects for radiologic technologists should be especially good in outdoor recreation and amusement parks, physician’s offices, and colleges, universities, and professional schools.
As the population continues to age, the demand for diagnostic imaging procedures is expected to grow. In addition, as new technologies are developed and older ones are refined, the need for workers who can operate complex equipment will continue to rise.
Education and Training
becoming a radiologist tech you will need to have completed high school or have received your GED. After that, you will need to attend an accredited radiology program. These programs can last anywhere from 18 months to 4 years. Once you have completed your schooling, you will then need to obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Education
Radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree from an accredited radiologic technology program.
Bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in radiologic technology also are available, but they aren’t as common. Most states require licensure for radiologic technologists.
Training
There are two types of training for radiologic technologists: certificate and degree programs. Most programs take about 2 years to complete, but some accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 18 months. Programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, physics, and medical ethics; and clinical experience in diagnostic imaging, radiation protection, and patient care.
Radiologic technology programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Although certification is not required for radiologic technologists, most states licensure applicants must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT or other state-approved credentialing organizations certify graduates of JRCERT-accredited educational programs who pass an examination. To maintain certification and licensure, radiologic technologists must complete continuing education credits.
