Radiologic Technologists

Career summary

Some of the job titles falling under this occupation are computerized tomography technologists, mammographers, radiographers, and x-ray technologists.

Doctors tell radiologic technologists which part of the body to image and which procedure to use.

Image procedures options include:

• X-rays
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Fluoroscopy
• Sonograms or ultrasounds
• Mammography

Technologists prepare patients for these procedures. They may take a medical history. They explain the procedure to patients and answer their questions. Technologists position patients on an examining table near the imaging equipment. For some procedures, such as x-rays, technologists must make sure that the patient is protected from radiation by a lead apron. If conducting a fluoroscopy, technologists give patients a special solution to drink. The body absorbs this solution and technologists track its movement through the body.

Technologists operate the machinery that takes the images. They monitor images on video screens during fluoroscopy and ultrasound procedures. They also monitor patients' during the procedures and report problems to doctors.

Radiologic technologists analyze the images to see if they need to take more. The images help doctors to identify and treat medical problems.

Radiologic technologists maintain imaging equipment and inventory medical supplies. They may oversee and train other radiologic staff members and maintain patient records.

Related careers

This career is part of the Health Science cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Dental Assistants
• Dental Hygienists
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Medical Appliance Technicians
• Medical Laboratory Technicians
• Medical Sonographers
• MRI Technologists
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Radiation Therapists
• Radiologists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Surgical Technologists

Military careers

• Radiologic (X-ray) Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to radiologic technologists.

• Get instructions from doctors about which procedures to perform.
• Explain radiological procedures such as x-rays, fluoroscopies, and sonograms to patients.
• Make sure that patients remove jewelry or other items that imaging equipment cannot see through.
• Follow radiation safety measures to protect patients and staff.
• Make sure that only necessary parts of the body are exposed to x-ray radiation. Protect rest of patient's body with lead apron.
• Position patient on the examining table and arrange equipment so that images can be made.
• Monitor patients during procedure and report problems to doctors.
• Adjust exposure time and distance of x-ray equipment, using computer and mechanical controls.
• Give patients a special solution to drink for fluoroscopy procedures.
• Monitor images shown on video screens so that they can be seen as clearly as possible.
• Review x-rays, video images, or computer generated images. Evaluate the clarity of these images to be sure that doctors can read them.
• Oversee and train radiologic staff.

Common work activities

Radiologic technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Assist and care for others
• Get information needed to do the job
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Control machines and processes
• Document and record information
• Handle and move objects
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Use computers
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Process information
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Think creatively
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Analyze data or information
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Teach others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, radiologic technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They constantly talk to doctors and patients.
• Are greatly responsible for patients' health and safety.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous patients.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for the results of the workers they supervise.
• Communicate with coworkers and patients daily by telephone or in person.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Write letters and memos on a monthly basis.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to diseases and infections on a daily basis.
• Are often exposed to radiation while taking x-rays.
• Often wear special protective clothing when taking x-rays. May wear a special medical uniform.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Often wear protective attire, such as gloves.
• Work very near patients and doctors. They often work within inches of other people.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and thorough in their work. Bad images could cause doctors to make incorrect diagnoses.
• Must repeat the same physical activities, such as positioning patients before the procedure.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They rarely consult doctors before making decisions.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for they day without consulting with a supervisor. This is because they do many of the same tasks with each patient.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.
• Often must match the pace of work with the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May work days, nights, weekends, or holidays.

Physical demands

Radiologic technologists frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for radiologic technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for radiologic technologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.

Skills and abilities

Radiologic technologists need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Medical Imaging Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Health and Medical Physics
• Nuclear Medical Technology
• Radiation Therapy
• Ultrasound and Sonography Technology

Training

To work as a radiologic technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have an associate degree.

Education after high school

Most technologists have an associate degree. They earn their degree by completing a two-year program in medical imaging technology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges, universities, and hospitals all offer these programs. Four-year programs grant a bachelor's degree. As a student, you study anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, and medical terminology. You also learn radiation physics, radiation protection, and principles of imaging.

Work experience

If you have experience in another health care field, you can become a radiologic technologist by completing a one-year certification program.

On-the-job training

Most radiologic technologists receive about a month of training on their new job. They are supervised by an experienced technologist.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be radiologic technicians. Training lasts 12 to 19 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Health Education
• Introduction to Health Care

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers prefer applicants who have completed formal training in radiography and sonography. Many employers prefer radiologic technologists who have registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Employers look for workers who pay attention to detail. They also look for people who have good communication skills since they must explain procedures to patients.

Employers at free-standing imagining centers look for applicants who have a variety of skills and who can do other duties when they are not conducting medical imaging.

Tips

Working as an employee or volunteer in a health care setting can help you learn more about this career. Research job prospects thoroughly and be able to adapt to different work situations.

Costs to workers

Expenses include uniforms, reference books, and professional association dues.

Licensing/certification

Radiologic technologists must be certified by the State. Certification requirements include:

• completion of an approved two-year accredited training program or alternative training equivalent to formal programs, or
• registry with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) ;
• answering personal data questions;
• a good moral character;
• completion of seven-clock hours of HIV/AIDS training; and
• payment of application and renewal fees.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Department of Health
Radiological Technologists Program 
PO Box 47877
Olympia, WA 98504
360.236.4700

#2/11/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Radiologic Technologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for radiologic technologists is $25.76 per hour ($4,465 per month).

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

#Updated upper end of DOP wage as State has added another step (M) to pay scale & updated OSPI wage from 2013/14 report, 3/24/15 cj; updated 08.16 sd. Removed State of WA wages 4/13/17 cj.

Wages vary by the technologist's specialty and level of experience.

Full-time radiologic technologists usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Part-time technologists may not receive benefits.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About half of all radiologic technologists work in hospitals.

Major employers:

• Hospitals
• Doctors' offices
• Medical laboratories

National outlook

Demand will grow steadily for this occupation. This is due in part to an increasing number of older people. This population is more likely to become ill or injured. Thus, they will require more medical testing. In addition, diagnostic imaging is increasingly being used to not only diagnose illness, but to also monitor treatment. New federal health care laws will also mean that more people have access to health care services.

Many new jobs will be created at hospitals. However, employment will grow most rapidly in medical offices, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Job prospects are best for those with certifications in the field.

Other resources

American Society for Radiology Oncology 
251 - 18th Street South, 8th Floor
Arlington, VA 22202
703.502.1550

American Society of Radiologic Technologists 
15000 Central Avenue SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
800.444.2778
505.298.4500

Explore Health Careers: Radiologic Technologist 

Health Occupation Students of America 
548 Silicon Drive, Suite 101
Southlake, TX 76092
800.321.HOSA

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 
20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850
Chicago, IL 60606
312.704.5300

Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board 
3558 Habersham, Building I
Tucker, GA 30084
404.315.1739

Radiological Society of North America 
820 Jorie Boulevard
Oak Brook, IL 60523
800.381.6660
630.571.2670

Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 
1850 Samuel Morse Drive
Reston, Virginia 20190

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 
1255 Northland Drive
Saint Paul, MN 55120-1155
651.687.0048

References

Career cluster

• Health Science

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupations

• Radiologic Technicians (29-2099.06) 
• Radiologic Technologists (29-2034.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Radiologic Technologist (078.362-026) 
• Radiologic Technologist, Chief (078.162-010) 
• Special Procedures Technologist, Angiogram (078.362-046) 
• Special Procedures Technologist, CT Scan (078.362-054) 
• Special Procedures Technologist, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (078.362-058) 
• Ultrasound Technologist (078.364-010) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Radiologic Technologist

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Social
• Realistic/Social/Investigative

COPSystem

• Science Skilled