Radiologic Technologist Technician

Radiologic Technologist Technician Job Description

Radiology technologists (RT) are also referred to as diagnostic radiological technicians, x-ray technicians, and radiographers. The radiologist technologist’s job description is considered as “limited scope.” This is because the RT performs procedures on specific areas of the body. Radiology technology uses x-rays and other diagnostic image technologies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computerized tornography (CT) to help diagnose injuries and health problems in patients. RTs are trained to use special equipment and technology that emits x-rays, which are a specific wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. The x-rays take photos of a patient’s bones and organs that a physician uses for to make a diagnosis.

RTs had additional job duties and responsibilities as well. This includes educating patients about the procedures. The two year Associates Degree is the traditional path to becoming a radiologist technologist but some RTs have a four year Bachelors Degree. The Bachelors Degree is suited for those who wish work in a supervisory capacaity. Formal training can range from one to four years depending on educational background and work experience. Training for radiology technology is available at colleges and universities, community colleges, hospitals, and some branches of the military.

Radiologic Technologist Technician Salary Statistics as of 2015

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Radiologist technologist use machines that emit x-rays to take photographs of a patient’s bones and organs. At the minimal level, a radiologist technician is expected to perform basic procedures for the chest, the extremities, the skull and sinus area, and the spine and feet. Radiologist technicians perform a variety of duties at the beginning of their careers. This includes hands on training with specific areas of radiology such as pediatric radiology and mammography radiology. After rotating through different areas of radiology technology the RT may decide to train and specialize in one of those areas.

RTs work in a healthcare environment. Job duties require working with sophisticated medical technology procedures. A RT works with, patients, doctors, and nurses. Most RTs work in hospitals but radiologists technicians also work in doctor’s offices and diagnostic imaging centers

How to Become a Radiologist Technologist

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A radiology technology degree can take two (an Associates Degree) to four years (a Bachelors Degree). Educational background and professional experience also factors into the equation as well. Many programs in radiology technology require pre-requisite coursework such as chemistry 200. A college counselor will able to tell you what the necessary pre-requisites are for a radiology program that you are interested in. A number of educational opportunities are available for earning the degree including night classes, weekend classes, and online learning classes.

The curriculum for the degree requires classroom course work, lab studies, and clinical experience and training. The clinical part of the degree focuses on the various fields of radiology such as mammography, ultrasound, and emergency radiology. Some of the typical classes include radiographic positioning, radiographic terminology, radiographic anatomy, x-ray fundamentals, and radiographic imaging.

An additional requirement after earning an Associate’s Degree is taking and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam (ARRT). Apply for the exam eight to twelve months before completing the Associates Degree before all the slots for the exam fill up. You are a certified radiologist technologist after passing the exam.

Tips

A high school diploma or GED is a pre-requisite for being emitted to a radiology technologist program. The student who wisely prepares in high school for a career in radiology technology will be a step ahead. Focus on science classes such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. Mathematics and computer skills are important as well.

Hospital volunteer work is good thing to have on your resume. It also provides an opportunity to visit the radiology department and become acquainted with the job tasks and environment.

Things to consider when choosing a Radiology Technology program:

(1) Will the program prepare me for the ARRT exam?
(2) Do the classes fit my schedule (night, weekends, online classes)?
(3) Does the program provide real life training with radiology equipment?
(4) Is there job placement at the end of the program?

Job Outlook

Gender Statistics		Related Jobs
95% 5%	Based on our stats gathered across the U.S. 95% of Radiologic Technologist Technicians were males while 5% were females. These numbers are based on averages across all states combined. Some individual states may have a much different ratio however.	Past Jobs Radiologic Technologist $32,549 – $62,795 Waiter/Waitress $7,561 – $34,485	Future Jobs Radiology Technologist $32,359 – $61,835 X-Ray Technician (Certified) $24,426 – $58,366

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