Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
What is a Radiologic Technologists and Technicians?
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are healthcare professionals who specialize in performing diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, mammograms, and MRI scans. They operate complex imaging equipment and work closely with physicians, patients, and other healthcare staff to produce high-quality images that aid in diagnosing a variety of medical conditions. These professionals are trained to ensure patient safety and comfort during procedures, following strict protocols to minimize exposure to radiation while obtaining clear images. Radiologic Technologists are also responsible for maintaining imaging equipment and may be involved in the interpretation and analysis of imaging results, providing vital information that helps in formulating treatment plans. With advancements in medical imaging technology, the role of Radiologic Technologists and Technicians continues to evolve, requiring ongoing education and training to adapt to new techniques and tools in the field of diagnostic radiology.
Tasks
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Categorization or classification software
- Electronic mail software
Tools Used
- Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use
- Medical x ray darkroom accessories
- Medical x ray intensifying screens
- Hypodermic needle
- Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes
Knowledge
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Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Associate's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Bachelor's degree
Work Activities
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Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
- Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
- Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
- Position patients for treatment or examination.
- Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$50020.0 - $102380.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.