Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists use x-ray and other technologies to provide physicians and other health care workers the images necessary to diagnose and treat health care concerns. Also known as radiologic technicians, radiographers, or imaging or x-ray technologists or technicians, these professionals play a key role in helping identify conditions such as cancer, ulcers or broken bones. Skilled radiologic technologists—those who provide readable images and who are sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs—are adept at both the art and science of their profession. They are invaluable members of any health care team.

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Radiologic technologists interact extensively with patients. They explain procedures, remove jewelry or other items that might interfere with taking a clear image, and position patients appropriately. Typically, a radiologic technologist will be responsible for the following duties:

• Setting up, positioning and working the imaging machine
• Positioning lead shields or other protection devices to limit unnecessary exposure to radiation
• Placing and processing x-ray film
• Keeping patient records
• Adjusting and maintaining equipment

Experienced radiologic technologists may perform more complex protocols such as computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and angiography. They may also prepare contrast medium for patients to drink for fluoroscopies, which enable imaging of soft tissues. Senior technologists who manage radiology departments may prepare work schedules and budgets and evaluate equipment purchases.

Workplace

About six in 10 radiologic technologists work in hospitals. Most of the rest work in physicians' offices, laboratories, diagnostic imaging centers and outpatient care centers. Most full-time technologists work about 40 hours a week, although part-time work is available. Work may include evening, weekend or on-call hours.

Technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or reposition disabled patients. Most work takes place inside the radiology department, but they also may perform procedures at patients' bedsides or off-site in vans equipped with diagnostic machines.

Radiation exposure is minimized by the use of protective gear. Technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels and records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.

Education and Training

Formal radiologic technology training is all but required to compete successfully for employment, and it is broadly offered in vocational schools, colleges and universities, and the military. Programs range in length from one to four years and lead to a certificate, an associate's or a bachelor's degree. Two-year associate's degree programs are most prevalent.

Radiographers trained on the job as well as individuals transferring from other health occupations, such as medical technologists and registered nurses, may enroll in one-year certificate programs. One-year supplemental programs are offered for those who wish to specialize in CT or MRI. A bachelor's or master's degree in health administration is desirable for supervisory or administrative positions.

Most radiography programs are evaluated by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, and study of mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology are beneficial. Programs provide classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, imaging principles, patient positioning, medical terminology and ethics, and radiobiology and pathology.

Licensing and Certification

Federal laws regulate the hazards of unnecessary exposure to radiation by ensuring that radiologic technologists are properly trained. The federal government also provides voluntary standards that states may use for accrediting training and certification programs.

In 2005, 38 states certified technologists through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. The certification is voluntary, but many employers prefer it when evaluating job candidates. To be eligible, technologists generally must graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. Recertification requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years.