Radiologic Technician / Technologist | Career Navigator

Quick Facts

Median Salary$58,535

Most Common EducationHigh school or GED

Projected 10-Year Growth+53.37%

What They Do

A Radiologic Technician or Technologist operates X Ray, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computed Tomography) scan equipment to take diagnostic images of a patient. Works with doctors to obtain specific images necessary for medical diagnosis.

Core Tasks:

Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill or injured patients or patients with disabilities.

What to expect as a Radiologic Technician / Technologist

1Earn a High school or GED Diploma

13% of people achieve this level of education.

2Gain skills and experience

See Radiologic Technician / Technologist related courses on Tallo

3Land a job

13432 openings for Radiologic Technicians / Technologists

Career Progression

in United States (Nation)

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