Interested in becoming a Radiologic Technologist? Our comprehensive job description outlines the skills, education, and daily tasks to help you succeed.
Radiologic Technologist Job Description
Job Summary:
Imagine starting your day knowing that the images you produce will help doctors save lives and bring harmony of mind to apprehensive families. As a Radiologic Technologist, you’ll be the capable professional behind the technology that exposes what’s happening inside the human body.
Your Daily Impact
Connecting with Patients: You’ll meet people during some of their maximum vulnerable moments—whether they’re allocating with a sports injury, preparing for surgery, or seeking answers about secretive symptoms. Your composed presence and strong explanations will help comfort their anxiety as you guide them through each imaging practice. You’ll become skilled at placing patients happily, even when they’re in pain or have imperfect mobility, always arranging their self-possession and safety.
Mastering Complex Technology: Every day brings variability as you work with classy imaging equipment—from traditional X-ray machines to cutting-edge MRI and CT scanners. You’ll develop an artist’s eye for capturing the perfect image, adjusting settings with precision to reveal the details doctors need for accurate diagnosis. Think of yourself as part detective, part technician, always problem-solving to get the clearest possible picture.
Being Part of the Healthcare Team: You won’t work in isolation. You’ll collaborate closely with radiologists who construe your images, nurses who care for patients, and surgeons who rely on your proficiency to make perilous decisions. Your initial observations about image excellence could be the detail that leads to a life-changing analysis.
Maintaining Excellence: Behind the scenes, you’ll guarantee that every piece of equipment is adjusted seamlessly and functioning at its best. You’ll join in quality enhancement projects, always looking for ways to develop patient care and imaging exactness. Your kindness to detail outspreads to maintaining stringent patient concealment and following all healthcare regulations.
Who You’ll Become:
This role will contest you to grow both theoretically and personally. You’ll develop skill in multipart medical technology while enhancing your interpersonal skills with patients from all walks of life. You’ll find approval in knowing that your work directly pays to remedial and helps families receive the answers they need.
Whether you’re taking images of a child’s broken arm or performance compound contrast studies, you’ll be a vital part of the medical team that helps people return to their usual lives, pain-free and healthy.
Radiologic Technologist Education and Certification:
- Associate degree in radiologic technology or a related field
- Certification in radiologic technology (RT(R)) from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
- State licensure, if required
Radiologic Technologist Skills and Qualifications:
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Efficient work in a hectic work environment
- Knowledge of anatomical, physiological, and radiologic technology principles
- Knowledge of electronic medical records (EMRs) and radiology information systems (RIS)
Work Environment:
- Hospitals, clinics, and imaging centers
- Protracted utilization of radiation and medical imaging technology
- Moving and transporting the patient, as required
Compensation Range:
- Median yearly salary: $62,760 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020)
- Location, experience, and employer-based modifiers
Career Outlook:
- Radiologic technologist employment is projected to increase 9% through the 2020-2030 period, a growth rate that is more rapid than average (BLS)
- Advancement opportunities to specialized modalities, e.g., CT or MRI, or to management and educational positions.