Radiologic Technology Careers

Job Description

Radiographers, also known as radiologic technologists, X-ray technologists, or imaging technologists, X-ray various parts of the body, and then pass these images on to radiologists who diagnose and treat health conditions such as cancer, ulcers or broken bones.

Working directly with patients, radiographers explain the procedure to patients, set up and work the machine. Radiographers must follow important safety procedures by using a radiation shield to protect the patient and themselves from dangerous radiation from the equipment.

Experienced radiographers may perform more complex imaging procedures. For fluoroscopies, radiographers prepare a solution of contrast medium for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist to see soft tissues in the body.

Career Outlook

Radiologic technicians are in high demand, job opportunities are plentiful. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some employers report difficulty hiring sufficient numbers of radiologic technologists and technicians.

Although hospitals will remain the primary employer, a greater number of new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.

Advanced-level radiologic technologists may become certified as a Radiologic Assistant by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians. Radiologic Assistants enhance patient care by extending the capacity of the radiologist in the diagnostic imaging environment. Their role falls between the traditional roles of the radiologist and the radiographer.

Radiologic Specialties

Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In addition to radiologic technologists and technicians, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists, performing CT scanning, angiography, and magnetic resonance imaging.

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 leaving the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology programs; others take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.