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Radiologic Technologist / Technician

Radiology Job Description
Radiologic technologists are the health care professionals who perform diagnostic imaging procedures, such as X-ray examinations, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans. According to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, there are 257,000 registered radiologic technologists in the United States.

According to a recent survey of radiologic technologists, the top 3 reasons current professionals entered this field are:

• They wanted an interesting career;
• They wanted a profession that helps people; and
• They wanted a profession with plenty of jobs.

During a diagnostic imaging examination, the bones, vessels, tissues and organs of the body are captured on film, on videotape or as a digital file. A physician then evaluates the images to detect injury, diagnose disease, or evaluate the progress of a treatment or therapy.

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Radiology Career Outlook
Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations.

As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. Although health care providers are enthusiastic about the clinical benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted depends largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. As technology advances many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive and their adoption is becoming more widespread.

Although hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be found in offices of physicians and diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow through 2016, because of the shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital.

In addition to job growth, job openings also will arise from the need to replace technologists who leave the occupation. Radiologic technologists are willing to relocate and who also are experienced in more than one diagnostic imaging procedure—such as CT, MR, and mammography—will have the best employment opportunities as employers seek to control costs by using multi-credentialed employees.

CT is becoming a frontline diagnosis tool. Instead of taking x rays to decide whether a CT is needed, as was the practice before, it is often the first choice for imaging because of its accuracy. MR also is increasing in frequency of use. Technologists with credentialing in either of these specialties will be very marketable to employers.

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Radiology Salary
According to a recent survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, the average national wage for radiographers in 2007 was approximately $47,000 per year. Incomes for entry-level radiographers (those with less than 2 years' experience) averaged almost $42,000 per year. Technologists who work in specialty areas such as CT or MRI typically earn more. The national average for all types of radiologic technologists was $58,700 in 2007.

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Radiology Education and Training
Radiologic technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. Many radiologic technologists specialize in a particular area of medical imaging, such as mammography or Computed Tomography (CT scans).

Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2- and 4-year programs, culminating in an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Course work includes classes in anatomy, physiology, instrumentation, basic physics, patient care, and medical ethics.

Radiologic technologists should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs. They must pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team. In addition, operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

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Radiology Professional Licensure
Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained. Under this legislation, the Federal Government sets voluntary standards that the States may use for accrediting training programs and licensing individuals who engage in medical or dental radiography. In 2007, 40 states required licensure for practicing radiologic technologists and technicians.

Radiology Professional Certification
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers voluntary certification for radiologic technologists. In addition, 35 States use ARRT-administered exams for State licensing purposes. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an examination. Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. To be recertified, radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

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Radiology Career Advancement
With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, MR, and angiography, a procedure during which blood vessels are x rayed to find clots. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a radiologist assistant.

Experienced technologists also may be promoted to supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator or director. Depending on the institution, courses or a master's degree in business or health administration may be necessary for the director's position.

Some technologists progress by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

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