Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Background

Radiology (the use of x-rays) is important in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. X-rays and other diagnostic techniques, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), help physicians detect injuries and illnesses. Radiology is also used to treat some diseases, such as cancer. Radiologic technicians work as part of a medical team of physicians and specialists to provide health care to patients. They may specialize by the type of equipment they operate. Radiologic technicians operate x-ray and other imaging related equipment used in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases.

What They Do

Radiologic technicians in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

Adjust equipment to the correct time and power of exposure
Keep records of patient treatment
Operate imaging equipment
Position patients under radiologic equipment
Prepare and administer radioactive solutions to patients
Process x-ray pictures
Read requests or instructions from physicians to determine each patient's x-ray or imaging needs

Physical Demands

No information available.

Special Requirements

No information available.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful attributes include:

Ability to follow strict standards and procedures
Interest in activities requiring accuracy and attention to detail
Interest in helping others

Helpful School Subjects

Helpful school subjects include:

Algebra
Biology

Helpful Fields of Study

No information available.

Work Environment

Radiologic technicians work in hospitals and clinics. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals. They follow strict safety procedures to minimize exposure to radiation.

Services offering this career:

Air Force
Army
Navy

Hiring Practices

To serve in the military, a person must be at least 17; the maximum age for enlistment varies. To enlist, a person must pass a physical exam and an aptitude test. An enlistee must also meet military standards of discipline and be a US citizen or permanent resident alien.

This position is for enlisted personnel.

Wages

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Pay depends mainly on rank or grade as well as length of service. Bonuses and the situation in which the person is serving (for example: flight duty, sea duty, hazardous duty) also affect pay.

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation. The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing. All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation (RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to civilian pay.

There are two main parts to RMC: basic pay and allowances. There are also additional incentives for special abilities, training, or hazardous duty.

Check out the RMC Calculator to calculate your RMC based on your inputs.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 12 to 19 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice with radiologic equipment. Extensive on-the-job training is also provided. Training length varies depending on specialty.

Course content typically includes:

Anatomy and physiology
Operation of diagnostic imaging equipment
Radioactive isotope therapy
X-ray film processing

Additional training occurs through advanced courses.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian radiologic technicians work in hospitals, diagnostic clinics, and medical laboratories. They perform duties similar to military radiologic technicians. They may specialize in various areas of radiology and may be called x-ray technologists, radiographers, sonographers, radiation therapy technologists, or nuclear medicine technologists.

Related Civilian Careers

Employment and Outlook

In peace time the services have about 3,500 radiologic technicians. In times of military action the number may be different, depending on the type of specialties required. Each year the services need new technicians due to changes in personnel and the demands of the field. After job training, technicians start operating routine imaging equipment. With experience, they may specialize in nuclear medicine and administer radiation and radioisotopic treatment and therapy. In time, they may advance to become supervisors of radiologic units.