Radiology Technician

Education Requirements:
Associate Degree from 2-year college or accredited training program Click here for more information
Certifications:
Radiography Certification
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Click here for more informationSalary Range:
$40K - $45K Annually
Educational Institutions:
Employment Outlook:
High Job Demand
Job Overview:
Radiology Technicians, also called radiographers or x-ray technicians, produce x-rays of patients for diagnostic purposes. (A radiology technician is not to be confused with a radiology technologist, which performs more advanced imaging.) Radiology technicians prepare the patients for the x-rays, operate the equipment, keep patient records, may even adjust and maintain the machines and could eventually manage a radiology department.
Preparing a patient for an x-ray can involve explaining the procedure, removing any jewelry, positioning both the patient and the machine properly and employing protection devices so that only the portion of the body requiring the x-ray is exposed to radiation.
Radiology Technicians work under the supervision of a physician and follow medical protocol very carefully. It is very important that they prevent any unnecessary radiation exposure to their patients, coworkers, or themselves.
There are many specialties with this field. Some radiologists focus on specific parts of the body. For example, they may work with the chest, head and neck. Others might focus on the muscles and skeleton or the stomach and intestines. In some cases, such as with cancer, radiation is used to treat diseases. This specialty is called radiation oncology. Others in this field work with children or with emergency cases.
Radiologists spend a lot of time interacting with people, including other doctors, medical imaging techs, nurses, and patients, so they need to be excellent communicators. Radiology is not physically demanding work, but there can be a great deal of emotional stress. Working with extremely ill or terminal patients can be hard. Despite all this, radiologists report that they are very satisfied with their career.
Job Tasks:
- Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
- Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer-generated methods.
- May treat diseases using imaging technology or radiation.
- Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
- Determine patients’ x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient.
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Skills and Abilities Needed to Perform Job:
- Knowledge and use of medical software (electronic, medical record EMR software GE Healthcare ViewPoint Solutions; MEDITECH software, etc.).
- Knowledge and use of medical tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes.
- Knowledge and use of medical x-ray apparatus filters, darkroom equipment and supplies; film archiving system software; intensifying screens ad portable x-ray units.
- Knowledge of radiographic locators and bone densitometers.
- Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases and deformities.
- Knowledge of computers and electronics—circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Knowledge and use of development environment software (LabVIEW).
- Knowledge and use of Microsoft software (Office, Excel, Work Outlook).
- Information Ordering – Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
- Oral Comprehension – Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Oral Expression – Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Near Vision – Ability to see details at close range.
- Problem Sensitivity –Ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Information Ordering – Ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules.
- Speech Recognition – Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Control Precision – Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine to exact positions.
- Written Comprehension – Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Desired Work Style Attributes:
- Attention to details
- Integrity – Honest and ethical
- Dependability – Reliable and responsible
- Cooperation – Pleasant with others
- Adaptability/Flexibility
- Self-Control – Maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations
- Initiative – Willing to take on responsibilities and challenges