About radiologic technology

Radiologic Technology is an allied health profession dedicated to preserving health by diagnosing and curing disease. Under the direction of a radiologist, the technologist uses various forms of ionizing radiation to detect and/or treat disease and diagnose medical problems.

Radiologic technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are educated in anatomy, radiographic procedures, principles of imaging, radiographic equipment operation, quality control, radiation protection, radiation biology, radiographic pathology, image analysis and basic patient care.

Qualified radiologic technologists are needed in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, medical laboratories, industry and public health. Teachers, managers and, commercial representatives in radiologic technology are also in demand.

Radiologic technologist profile

Duties

  • Operating equipment used to produce medical images
  • Caring for the ill and injured
  • Positioning patients for diagnostic examinations
  • Calculating proper exposure factors
  • Processing images and assessing the diagnostic quality of the radiographs
  • Assisting the radiologist with fluoroscopic examinations, treatments with ionizing radiation, diagnostic testing, angiographic procedures, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, mammography and the use of radioactive isotopes

Abilities

Radiologic technologists must be able to routinely:

  • Lift more than 50 pounds
  • Work with the arms above the head
  • Push and pull
  • Kneel or squat
  • Work standing up
  • Perform procedures on patients with health problems
  • Assist patients on and off examination tables, wheelchairs or stretchers
  • Wear lead (Pb) protective apparel, often for several hours at a time
  • Communicate effectively with patients and staff
  • Accurately align patient, x-ray equipment, and image receptor
  • Organize and accurately perform the individual steps of an x-ray examination in sequence
  • Work nighttime, weekend and holiday hours
  • Successfully fit test for N95 respirator or other respiratory PPE equipment and don according to institutional policy

Exposure

Radiologic technologists must be constantly aware of the following occupational hazards:

  • Exposure to communicable and infectious diseases
  • Exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation
  • Exposure to chemicals used in the processing of x-ray film
  • Exposure to latex in protective gloves
  • Exposure to blood, body fluids, and biomedical hazards

Specialties

Radiologic technologists can go on to specialize in the following diagnostic imaging modalities:

  • Angiography/Interventional Radiology
  • Cardiovascular Technology
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Mammography
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Radiation Oncology (Radiation Therapy)
  • Ultrasound

Job outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 9 percent from 2020-2030, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.

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