This post provides complete information on the radiologic technologist job description and career, including the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities they commonly perform.
It also shows how to become a radiologic technologist and the various career opportunities you can explore working in that career.
You will also discover the requirements you need to meet to be hired for the radiologic technologist role and the salary to expect to earn.
Please, read on:
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
The radiologic technologist job description entails preparing patients for imaging studies.
The technologist should ensure that the patient is properly positioned and that the procedure is performed in a safe manner.
They are in charge of positioning and repositioning patients to get optimal images of the body part being examined, including taking special precautions such as shielding the X-ray source from another body part.
Radiologic technologists use special monitors to watch body movement while the images are being taken to ensure that optimal images are obtained.
The technologist may work with patients to calm their nerves before or during imaging procedures.
He/she operates MRI, CT and ultrasound devices and make sure that the equipment is functioning correctly.
The radiologic technologist duties involve reading and interpreting images produced during the imaging procedure.
This is to determine the presence of disease and give written reports about their findings.
They often consult with medical specialists to determine the best next step in treating a patient.
Radiologic technologists are usually involved in some aspects of patient care, such as staffing and scheduling patients for imaging procedures.
They explain their results to patients and families, instructing on post-procedural care or follow-up appointments, and also arrange for follow-up visits.
A radiologic technologist must handle large amounts of information and make accurate decisions quickly.
It is their duty to create charts and reports that may be sent to doctors, clinics, and hospitals to document the patient’s progress.
More Radiologic Technologist Duties
Another important task of the radiologic technologist involves being in the direct patient care process and may provide patient education.
At times, an MRI or CT scan can be uncomfortable for patients because they must lie still for long periods of time in a tightly enclosed space without eating or drinking.
The technologist should make sure that the patient is as comfortable as possible during this procedure and provide any additional reassurance that might be needed.
Depending on the radiologic specialty area, technologists may be involved in procedures such as bone densitometry.
This measures bone mineral density or computed axial tomography (CAT) scans that use X-rays and computer technology to create three dimensional images of soft tissue and bone to diagnose fractures and other injuries.
Technologists may collect specimens from patients for biopsy or cultures.
Radiologic technologists who provide their employers with out-of-hour services, such as answering patient inquiries about test results outside normal business hours must remain ready for a telephone call at any time, with answers to questions.
Radiologic Technologist Job Description Sample/Example/Template
The radiologic technologist job description involves the following duties, tasks, and responsibilities:
- Prepare equipment and position patient according to physician’s orders and radiologic procedures
- X-ray chest, abdomen, pelvis, and skull
- Answer questions that may arise during procedure
- Compose radiologic reports and record results according to established procedures and standards of practice
- Participate in continuing education programs
- Prepare equipment, position patient, and interpret images as directed by physician to assist in diagnosis and treatment of disease
- Administer contrast materials as appropriate for procedures listed above
- Operate fluoroscopes, CT, and MRI equipment as required to interpret images for medical diagnosis, treatment or procedure guidance
- Take or interpret diagnostic x-rays required for diagnosis of injury, illness or condition using radiographic techniques. This includes digital x-rays (fluoroscopy) and image intensifiers (intravenous pyelography)
- Assist physicians and others in providing follow-up treatment activities after major surgeries, injuries, and other procedures requiring radiologic interpretation
- Prepare radiographic images to be sent to physicians as requested
- Assist in performing other duties as assigned by supervisor, physician, or dentist.
Radiologic Technologist Job Description for Resume
Have you worked before as a radiologic technologist or are presently working in that role?
If you have and are making a new resume or CV, then you can make a compelling Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample radiologic technologist job description above.
You can apply the radiologic technologist duties and responsibilities from the sample job description in your Professional Experience to show that you have been successful performing the role.
This can boost the effectiveness of your resume in getting you the job, especially if the new position you are seeking requires someone with some radiologic technologist work experience.
Radiologic Technologist Job Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success
If you are seeking to work as a radiologic technologist, here are major requirements you may be expected to meet to be hired:
- High School Diploma or equivalent diploma or GED
- Three years of work experience in radiologic sciences and as a radiologic technologist (RG), with a minimum of one year in the current level of training
- One full year of hospital experience serving a role that involves coordinating patient care, providing skilled nursing care and performing diagnostic procedures on patients
- Possess knowledge of medical-surgical procedures, including knowledge of medical terminology and technical skills involving diagnostic procedures on radiologic images. These include images obtained with fluoroscopes, CT machines, MRI machines, and ultrasound devices
- Thorough understanding of basic computer skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel
- Sound knowledge of the principles of radiology. These include terminology and technical skills used in radiologic procedures
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with others in a professional manner, to meet patient needs and employer needs
- Ability to work under stressful settings and must be able to handle emergencies and unexpected situations
- Knowledge of performing diagnostic radiography
- Ability to interpret digital fluoroscopic images and digital x-ray images
- Strong knowledge and ability to interpret computed tomographic, plain film and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations
- Able to receive radiologic reports and hear verbal orders from supervisors, physicians, dentists, and medical assistants. This is in accordance with established standards of practice within the radiological sciences profession.
Radiologic Technologist Salary
The average salary of a radiologic technologist in U.S. is $70,031 per year.
California, $73,568; New Jersey, $64,840; New York, $64,804; and Nevada, $64,775 are among the top paying states.
There are currently over 162,328 diagnostic radiologic technologists working in the United States.
Women make up 59.9% of all diagnostic radiologic technologists, while men make up 40.1%.
An employed diagnostic radiologic technologist is 43 years old on average.
White (71.9%) is the most common ethnicity among diagnostic radiologic technologists, followed by Hispanic or Latino (12.8%), Black or African American (7.3%), and Asian (6.3%).
Women were projected to earn 91% of what men would earn in 2021.
(Radiologic technologist salary informational sources: indeed.com, zippia.com, ziprecruiter.com, glassdoor.com)
Radiologic Technologist Career Opportunities
The radiologic technologist has various career opportunities they can access, including:
- Sonography specialist
A sonography specialist is a radiation oncologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the organs, urinary tract and skeleton.
They work with several diagnostic radiologists and surgeons.
sonography specialist are in charge of general radiography, diagnosis and treatment plans for the individual patient.
2. Radiography team leader
The radiographer team leads the diagnostic radiology team.
They lead the diagnostic process by developing quality assurance plans; collect information, obtain staff training services, and prepare study documentation.
The radiographer turns a study into a form suitable for review by the appropriate patient care delivery group (PACG) and the assigned diagnostic radiologist(s).
They assist with prep, image acquisition and data management.
3. Consultant practitioner
A consultant practitioner is a radiation oncologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, thymus gland, and pancreas.
This professional supports PAs from other disciplines within their specialty.
They consult with other physicians in the Diagnostic Radiology department, providing information regarding diagnoses and therapeutic interventions.
4. Chief executive officer
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the day-to-day management of radiology as a whole.
They are usually responsible for radiologic quality control, new technology implementation, improving systems, and decision making on scheduling.
The CEO is also responsible for administering all employer health benefits, such as life insurance and medical/dental plans for employees and their families.
More Radiologic Technologist Career Opportunities
5. President of diagnostic imaging service
The President of Diagnostic Imaging is in charge of administration.
Their responsibilities include budgeting, implementation of quality assurance plans, new technology, and improvement or assistance with scheduling.
The President of Diagnostic Imaging must be able to communicate with physicians and staff on technical issues, as well as understand the impact it has on patient care.
6. Imaging service director
The imaging service director is in charge of the day-to-day operations of one or more facilities.
Their responsibilities include all aspects of running the facility, such as budgetary decisions, supervisory responsibilities, and setting goals for department improvement.
7. Director of medical imaging
The director of the medical imaging department is in charge of administration, budget, and daily operations for large scale image producing facilities.
They are in charge of all quality assurance, including staff training and new technology implementation.
8. Head of the department
The head of the department is often referred to as the Chief Radiologist or Chief of Diagnostic Radiology.
They are in charge of providing medical direction for diagnostic radiology and tracking of patient test results, as well as scheduling, recruitment, and staff development.
9. Director of therapeutic radiology
The director of therapeutic radiology is responsible for the care of patients with therapy needs.
They implements protocols based on joint decisions made with key opinion leaders (KOL).
The director also plans and directs follow-up care for patients in their respective specialty or group.
10. Chief radiographer
The chief radiographer is considered the most experienced physician in the imaging field.
They manage the department, and are in charge of quality assurance.
Challenges faced by Radiologic Technologist on the Job
Some of the challenges faced by radiologic technologist include:
- Demanding days
Radiologic technologist often deals with large amount of patients on a daily basis.
They also have to deal with a variety of different cases such as, trauma, diagnostic and therapeutic.
The job requires working for long hours, including been on duty on weekends and holidays.
2. Keeping up with technology
Radiologic technologists have to keep up with all the new technology.
They must be able to use the latest equipment and techniques to achieve the highest diagnostic accuracy.
Radiologic technologist must keep training themselves to stay up-to-date with new advances in their field.
3. Irregular schedules
The work schedule of a radiologic technologist is variable and irregular.
They can work extended shifts, nights, days, and weekends.
Technologists have to adjust their schedules accordingly in order to maintain a balance between their personal and professional life.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
If you are interested in becoming a radiologic technologist, here are steps you can take to achieve your dream:
- Finish your Primary Education
Even though medical school is not required to become a radiologic technologist, education is still an important part of the process.
Most job postings require radiologic technologists to have an Associate’s degree from an accredited institution or program.
A two-year program option provides medical imaging professionals with the fundamental skills required to enter the field quickly.
Students must complete specialized coursework as well as over 1,000 hours of clinical work with patients under the supervision of faculty.
2. Sharpen your Skills
An Associate’s degree will undoubtedly assist aspiring radiologic technologists in obtaining an entry-level position, but it will only take them so far.
Those seeking professional development and advancement should consider pursuing a Bachelor’s degree.
This additional education may appear to current technologists to be a waste of time, but according to Emsi Burning Glass data, more than one-fourth of radiologic technologists will have a Bachelor’s degree or higher by 2022.
This is largely because Bachelor’s degree programs provide medical imaging professionals with specialized skills that many employers seek in higher-paying roles.
3. Obtain Certification
Certification is required to work as a medical imaging technologist or technician.
Because work experience isn’t typically required for these positions, this is often the final step for many aspiring radiologic technologists.
Again, according to Emsi Burning Glass data, 62 percent of radiologic technologist job postings do not specify experience requirements.
Major Benefits of a Radiologic Technologist Career
There are many benefits to a radiologic technologist career, such as:
- Career Options
There are many different paths that a radiologic technologist can take in the medical field. They can pursue careers in the following fields like:
- Film and digital imaging
- Interventional radiology
- Nuclear medicine technology
- Radiation therapy
- Rehabilitation therapy
- Diagnostic imaging.
2. Employee Benefits
Employee benefits such as paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement are just some of the perks of working as a radiologic technologist.
Many employees may even receive continuing education benefits and bonuses based on performance.
3. Good Income
Radiologic technologists are among the decently paid medical professionals in the country.
Technologists have relatively large ability to increase their income with the right education and experience.
4. Job Stability
Because many medical fields hire radiologic technologists to provide assistance in their practice, the job market is stable.
Job stability enables interested professionals to focus on their career without worrying about job turnover.
5. Flexible Work Schedule
Radiologic technologists can work a flexible schedule that allows them to choose their own days and hours of operation.
A number of positions now provide for scheduling options that allow for more free time as well as the ability to adjust schedules after a medical emergency.
Some of the periodic adjustments may require a missed day or two, but most jobs ensure that an emergency won’t require you to miss any work at all.
More Benefits of a Radiologic Technologist Career
6. Rewarding Career
Radiologic technology is among the rewarding careers that give many opportunities, like travel, extensive training, and professional growth.
Job satisfaction is another aspect that appreciates and motivates working in this field.
7. Room for Advancement
Radiologic technologists are able to advance their careers through education, certification, and experience.
This can be done by studying the technology needed to meet future opportunities, as well as the necessary medical knowledge.
Most radiologic technologists find themselves in a position to advance and rise through the ranks with increasing experience and education.
Conclusion
Radiologic technologists are a vital part of the medical field due to their ability to provide diagnostic imaging for many common diseases.
These professionals can serve as experts in foreign countries that do not have adequate medical facilities.
They can also work from home and communicate with patients through online pharmacies.
This post is helpful to individuals interested in the radiologic technologist career, to learn all they need to know about their duties and responsibilities.
This will help them to decide if they really want to become a radiologic technologist.
It is also useful to recruiters/employers who are in the process of making a job description for the radiologic technologist role in their organizations.
They can apply the radiologic technologist job description example provided above in making a detailed one.