Radiologic Technologists

Summary

Radiologic technologists work with radiologists to determine if other scans or images need to be taken.

Quick Facts: Radiologic Technologists
2010 Median Pay	$54,340 per year $26.13 per hour
Entry-Level Education	Associate’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation	None
On-the-job Training	None
Number of Jobs, 2010	219,900
Job Outlook, 2010-20	28% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2010-20	61,000

What Radiologic Technologists Do

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients.

Work Environment

Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals. Some work in physicians’ offices or imaging clinics.

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Technologists must be licensed or certified in most states; requirements vary by state.

Pay

The median annual wage of radiologic technologists was $54,340 in May 2010.

Job Outlook

Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations.

Similar Occupations

Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of radiologic technologists with similar occupations.

O*NET

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Contacts for More Information

Learn more about radiologic technologists by contacting these additional resources.

What Radiologic Technologists Do About this section

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients.

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients.

Duties

Radiologic technologists typically do the following:

• Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
• Precisely follow orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
• Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and answering questions about the procedure
• Protect the patient by shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
• Position the patient and the equipment in the location needed to get the correct image
• Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
• Work with radiologists reading the images to determine whether other images need to be taken
• Keep detailed patient records

Healthcare professionals use many types of diagnostic equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. They may be called CT technicians or MRI technicians, depending on the equipment they work with. Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low-dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.

Healthcare professionals who specialize in other diagnostic equipment include nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and vascular technologists. For more information, see the profiles on nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists. 

Some radiologic technologists prepare a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be seen on the images that the radiologist reviews.

Work Environment About this section

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and maintain equipment.

Radiologic technologists held about 219,900 jobs in 2010. Radiologic technologists work in healthcare facilities. Like other healthcare workers, radiologic technologists may be exposed to infectious diseases. Technologists are often on their feet for long periods and may need to lift or turn patients who are disabled. 

The following industries employed a majority of radiologic technologists in 2010:

Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of protective lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, and by instruments that monitor exposure to radiation. Radiologic technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.

Work Schedules

Most radiologic technologists work full time. Because imaging is needed in emergency situations, some radiologic technologists work evenings, weekends, or on call.

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist About this section

Radiologic technologists must follow exact instructions to get the images needed to diagnose and treat the patient.

An associate’s degree is the most common educational path for radiologic technologists. Technologists must be licensed or certified in most states; requirements vary by state.

Education

There are formal training programs in radiography that lead to a certificate, an associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Associate’s degree programs are the most common. Certificate programs typically last 6 to 12 months. Typical programs include both classroom training and clinical training. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits educational and training programs in radiography. Completing an accredited program is required for licensure in some states.

High school students who are interested in radiologic technology should take courses that focus on science and math. Suggested courses include anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, mathematics, and physics.

Licenses and Certification

Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states; requirements vary by state. To be licensed in most states, radiologic technologists must have graduated from an accredited program and must pass a certification exam from the state or from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT). For specific state requirements, contact your state’s health board. To keep their certification, radiologic technologists must meet continuing education requirements.

Important Qualities

Detail oriented. Radiologic technologists must follow exact instructions to get the images needed to diagnose and treat the patient.

Interpersonal skills. Radiologic technologists must work closely with patients. Patients may be in extreme pain or mental stress and the technologist must get cooperation from the patient to make usable images.

Science and mathematical skills. Radiologic technologists must understand anatomy, physiology, and other sciences. They may also need to mix the right dose of chemicals used in imaging procedures.

Stamina. Radiologic technologists often work on their feet for long periods and must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.

Technical skills. Radiologic technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery.

Pay About this section

The median annual wage of radiologic technologists was $54,340 in May 2010. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,510 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $76,850.

Most radiologic technologists work full time. Because imaging is needed in emergencies, some radiologic technologists work evenings, weekends, or on call.

Job Outlook About this section

Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2010 and 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. 

An increasing aging population will have more medical conditions, such as breaks and fractures caused by osteoporosis, which require imaging to diagnose and treat. Radiologic technologists will be needed to maintain and use the diagnostic equipment.

Although hospitals will remain the main employer of radiologic technologists, a number of new jobs will be in physicians' offices and in imaging centers. Employment in these healthcare settings is expected to increase because of the shift toward outpatient care whenever possible. Outpatient care is encouraged by third-party payers as a cost-saving measure and is made possible by technological advances, such as less expensive equipment, which allow for more procedures to be done outside of hospitals.

Job Prospects

Radiologic technologists with multiple certifications will have the best job prospects.

Contacts for More Information About this section

For information about radiologic technology, visit

American Society of Radiologic Technologists

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists