Radiologic Tech: Schools and Careers

About Radiologic Tech

A Radiologic Technologist, also referred to as a Radiographer, is an occupation within the allied health field (term which denotes the varying branches in the health care industry). A Technologist uses radiographic (X-ray) equipment, to prepare and create high-quality images of various parts of the body (bones, organs, tissues, and vessels) for the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illness by a radiologist, physician, or other healthcare professional.

A Radiologic Technologist may specialize in various diagnostic imaging types such as:

• Diagnostic Radiography: The use of X-rays that enable views through tissues in order to examine bones, cavities, and internal matter; includes cardiovascular imaging.
• Sonography: The use of ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) that builds the image of a specific organ. This modality is typically performed by a trained Sonographer (a specialist in the use of ultrasound).
• Fluoroscopy: A procedure or technique that uses a fluoroscope to view real-time images of a patient's interior body structures. A fluoroscope is a device which houses a fluorescent screen that, through the transmission of X-rays, enables the appearance of an object; in this case, the internal body structure.
• CT (Computed Tomography): An imaging method that creates cross-sectional scans (slices) of body organs; 2- or 3-dimensional images can also be created from the cross-sectional images taken.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): A non-invasive procedure that produces 2- or 3-dimensional images of the body through the use of powerful radio waves and magnets.
• Nuclear Medicine: The branch of medicine that uses radioactive tracers (radioactive molecules administered through the body) to diagnose and treat various diseases and examine bodily and organ functions.
• Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy): The use of radiation (high-energy rays) to reduce or stop cancer cell growth and division.
• Mammography: The use of X-rays to produce breast tissue images.

Radiologic Technologist Job Characteristics

A Radiologic Technologist typically works 40-hours/week, which can include weekends, evenings, or on-call hours; part-time opportunities and flexible schedules are also available. The environments in which Technologists work include hospitals, outpatient clinics, or independent imaging centers; they may also work within a medical group or with private physicians or dentists. While truly rewarding, this occupation can be physically demanding or stressful in that Technologists will most often work for long periods of time while on their feet, may be required to physically move, turn, or lift a disabled patient, or work in an emergency situation or with an accident victim.

People skills and interpersonal abilities are key attributes in this role as radiographers work closely with patients to assess, explain, and prepare them for their procedure. It is also the Technologist's responsibility to ensure that the patient is appropriately shielded with radiation protective devices (e.g., lead shield or apron) to limit radiation exposure. Using their expertise, the Technologist will consider the patient's condition and position them appropriately, adjust/set the equipment, and set the controls on the X-ray machine in order to produce the precise images as requested by the physician. In addition to operating diagnostic equipment within a designated area (e.g., physician's office, hospital, imaging center), a radiographer may also perform certain diagnostic procedures at a patient's bedside or even travel to a patient in a van fully equipped with diagnostic equipment.

While radiation is considered an occupational hazard in this profession, it is important to note that exposure is reduced by using various shielding devices. Furthermore, the cumulative lifetime radiation to which a Technologist is exposed is recorded and maintained via a monitoring instrument (badge) that the Technologist wears which measures the radiation levels within the exposed radiation area.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (USDL BLS), the Radiologic Technologist profession has a favorable outlook as the available jobs are "projected to grow faster than average for all occupations," with a 15 percent increase in employment from 2006 to 2016. While most employment opportunities are found in hospitals, the result of an ever-increasing elderly population spawns a large number of new opportunities in facilities such as clinics, physicians' offices, and diagnostic imaging centers.

Radiologic Tech Schools, Certification, and Licensing

Formal training is required for this profession; radiologic schools range from one to four years (two being the most common). Students can obtain training in a hospital and earn a certificate upon graduation, or in a technical school, college, or university in a two- or four-year program where they would earn an associate's or bachelor's degree. Training programs include, but are not limited to, radiation safety, equipment use, patient care procedures and positioning, medical ethics, and sciences such as human anatomy, physiology, biology, physics, and pathology.

Training is not limited to the classroom. Clinical rotations are also a key part of the education process where students have the opportunity to hone their learned technical knowledge and apply patient care skills while they work closely with experienced Radiologic Technologists, nurses, and physicians in radiology departments.

Most formal radiography training programs are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. In 2007 alone, the Committee "accredited more than 600 radiography programs," according to the USDL BLS.

It is of interest to note that a large number of employers look to hire certified radiographers, and as such, voluntary certifications are available through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Eligibility for certification generally requires a Technologist to graduate from an accredited training program and pass an examination. Recertification requires the completion of 24 hours of continuing education every two years.

Resources for Radiological Technologists

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
• Guide To Healthcare Schools.com

Major Employers of Radiological Technologists

Radiologic Technologists will typically find employment country wide in:

Schools for Radiologic Tech are listed in the column to the left.

The Top Cities tab shows employment statistics for Radiologic Tech by major metro area.

The Top Industries tab shows which industries have the most jobs for Radiologic Tech, along with salary data by industry.

The Find Schools tab lets you search for schools by field of study, degree level, and location.