Do you want to lessen peoples’ anxieties within the health care industry because you are tuned in to peoples’ needs? If so, you may want to pursue Radiology Technician programs, otherwise known as an X Ray Technician, or Radiologic Technologist.
What is a Radiology Technician?
While using diagnostic equipment, a radiology technician performs imaging examinations on patients using x-rays. The picture x-rays take help doctors to treat illness or injuries. Radiology Technicians also maintain x ray equipment and supplies. They may concentrate in areas like mammography and some technicians might prep a mixture for patients to drink that permits soft tissue to be viewed on images that are taken.
What type of job responsibilities does a Radiology Technician typically have?
A Radiology Technician performs different tasks while performing diagnostic imaging examinations such as:
- Position x ray equipment to get the best image of the patient
- Work with physicians to evaluate the images
- Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxiety
- Keep detailed patient records
- Process exposed radiographs
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedure
- Prepare patients for procedures by taking medical histories and answering questions
- Determine patients’ x ray needs
- Protect patients by shielding exposed areas that are not necessary for imaging
- Follow doctors’ orders precisely regarding what areas of the body to image
Where does a Radiology Technician work?
Some Radiology Technician jobs may be in doctors’ offices, outpatient care centers, hospitals, and medical laboratories.
What courses will I need to take?
In general, most Radiology Technician programs will have classes similar to these during the course of regular education. Some more specific are:
- Radiographic Procedures
- Anatomy/Medical Terminology
- Patient Care
- Radiographic Exposure
- Positioning II
- Medical Law & Ethics
- General Psychology
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
How can you pursue a career as a Radiology Technician?
The most common path to earning a diploma or certificate with radiology technician programs, is a two-year associate’s degree according to the BLS. Although there are postsecondary programs that could lead to bachelor’s or graduate certificates, too. Clinical training, as well as classroom instruction, is usually included in these educational programs. You may study radiation physics, image evaluation, and patient care.
While licensing requirements may vary from state to state, some may require you get a Radiologic Technologist certification. In order to become licensed, you need to graduate from an accredited program and pass a state certification test or an exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Radiology (X-Ray) Technician Salary Potential
You may be wondering what type of pay you could earn if you choose to pursue a career as a Radiologic Technologist. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- The 2020 median annual Radiologic Technologist salary is $63,710.
- Job outlook is 7% which is faster than average for all occupations.