A radiology technician is responsible for creating diagnostic images of patients. They create these images using x-ray machines, magnetic image machines and mammogram equipment. This procedure is vital to modern medicine in diagnosing patients.
People who work in this industry make fairly competitive wages, and there is projected job growth in this field which makes this career an attractive pursuit for many people. Typically, they work in hospitals although a greater number of these professionals are starting to working for private physicians.
Radiology Technician Job Description
A radiographer is responsible for preparing a patient for their radiological exam. They explain the procedure to the patient, they tell them which clothing and accessories they need to remove, and they help the patient get into the right position. As part of the preparation, they also cover unnecessarily exposed parts of the patient’s body so that they do not suffer unnecessary damage from the x-rays.
Then, the radiology technician manipulates their machinery into the correct spot to ensure that they get a high quality image of the patient. After everything is in place, they use a special measurement tool to ascertain how thick the section that needs to be x-rayed is. Finally, they set the controls on the machine and they create the image.
Some radiology techs work with other sorts of imaging procedures, and their set-ups may be slightly more complicated than the procedure explained above. For instance, a fluoroscope requires the rad tech to give the patient a special solution to drink. A radiology tech who specializes in CT (Computed Tomography) is responsible for making three-dimensional images using specialized equipment.
They may also specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or mammography. Regardless of which type of images they create, they must ensure that they have completed all of their steps correctly. If the procedure is not completed correctly, the image will not have the right details or contrast. Thus, they will have to redo it.
Radiology techs work under the supervision of a doctor. The doctor gives them instructions about how to protect themselves as well as their patient from the x-rays. In addition, the doctors also give directions about which images they need to make their diagnosis.
There are certain risks that are associated with exposure to the radiation that these techs work near everyday. However, these risks are minimized through the use of safety equipment. It is critical that they follow strict regimes to keep themselves and others safe.
Typically, they can perform all of these tasks within a forty hour work week, and many of them work standard day hours. However, many others work evenings or weekends. Some even take on-call hours.
Radiology Technician Salary
For completing the tasks described above, the average radiologic technologist receives a relatively competitive salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage of a radiology technologist in 2008 was just over $52,000. The middle half of the people in this industry earned between $43,000 and $63,000. The lowest earners made just under $35,000 on average while the very highest earners made over $75,000.
Their average wages varied slightly depending upon who their employer was. The highest earners worked in medical and diagnostic laboratories where they averaged $55,000 per year. Those employed by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government made an average of close to $54,000 per year. Hospital workers earned a slightly lower radiology technician salary at $52,890 per year. Those working in physicians’ offices made about $48,500 per year on average.
Schools And Training
In order to become a radiology technician, applicants may 
take a variety of paths. The requirements vary from state to state. To ensure that you are meeting the necessary requirements for your state, you should speak with a career advisor at your college or with a local professional in your area.
Most people who enter this field do so after completing an associate’s degree. However, some people are able to enter with only a certificate while others opt to get a bachelor’s degree.
Regardless of whether applicants decide to get a certificate, an associates or a bachelor’s degree, they should ensure that they are entering an accredited program. These programs are accredited by the Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). At the time of this writing, there were 213 accredited certificate programs, almost 400 accredited associate’s programs, and 35 accredited bachelor’s programs.
While they are in school, people who are interested in this career will take classes on anatomy, patient care, physics, patient protection, imaging ideas and principles, how to position patients, medical ethics, medical terms, and more. Some of the instruction will be classroom based while other learning will happen in a clinical setting.
Radiology Technician Jobs
According to the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics), this industry is growing faster than many other industries. In fact, it is slated to add 17 percent more jobs between the years 2008 and 2018. That equates to an addition of 37,000 jobs to this industry over that ten year time period.
Many of these jobs will be added due to an aging population that needs more medical care. Some of their work is done to diagnose diseases while other images are taken to see how the patient is responding to certain types of treatment. Currently, most of these professionals work in hospitals, but as the equipment becomes more affordable an increasing number of these techs will work in private physicians’ offices. Those who are trained in multiple procedures will have better job prospects. Thus, someone who is trained in both CT and mammography will have an easier time finding a higher paying position than someone who is just trained in basic x-ray procedures.
People who are interested in helping patients get better may enjoy working in this industry. To succeed, they need to have a keen eye for detail, dedication, and a hard work ethic. They must enjoy working with the public and be able to respond to a physician’s requests. With such great income potential and expected job growth, it is no wonder that many people are interested in becoming a radiology technician.
{ Comments on this entry are closed }
