What Does it Take to Be a Radiologic Technologist?
Job Description: Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
A Day in the Life of a Radiologic Technologist
- Monitor patients’ conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Radiologic Technologist Jobs
- Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT)
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
- Radiology Therapist
- Radiographer, Mammographer
- Radiologic Technologist (RT)
What Kind of Radiologic Technologist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 205,200 jobs in the United States for Radiologic Technologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Radiologic Technologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Radiologic Technologist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Rhode Island, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Radiologic Technologist Make?
The typical yearly salary for Radiologic Technologists is somewhere between $40,630 and $86,350.
Radiologic Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiologic Technologists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $47,510 |
| Alaska | $73,250 |
| Arizona | $65,220 |
| Arkansas | $48,740 |
| California | $81,060 |
| Colorado | $64,660 |
| Connecticut | $69,100 |
| Delaware | $60,550 |
| District of Columbia | $77,990 |
| Florida | $56,650 |
| Georgia | $56,740 |
| Hawaii | $76,230 |
| Idaho | $59,060 |
| Illinois | $64,690 |
| Indiana | $56,640 |
| Iowa | $53,520 |
| Kansas | $54,100 |
| Kentucky | $52,300 |
| Louisiana | $51,120 |
| Maine | $58,030 |
| Maryland | $68,450 |
| Massachusetts | $74,820 |
| Michigan | $55,970 |
| Minnesota | $67,070 |
| Mississippi | $48,150 |
| Missouri | $53,990 |
| Montana | $54,700 |
| Nebraska | $53,490 |
| Nevada | $70,770 |
| New Hampshire | $62,420 |
| New Jersey | $66,730 |
| New Mexico | $58,300 |
| New York | $69,250 |
| North Carolina | $58,060 |
| North Dakota | $55,970 |
| Ohio | $56,920 |
| Oklahoma | $54,380 |
| Oregon | $73,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $53,640 |
| Rhode Island | $68,750 |
| South Carolina | $53,890 |
| South Dakota | $52,400 |
| Tennessee | $51,580 |
| Texas | $58,760 |
| Utah | $57,040 |
| Vermont | $62,200 |
| Virginia | $61,440 |
| Washington | $71,020 |
| West Virginia | $49,740 |
| Wisconsin | $58,570 |
| Wyoming | $57,720 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Radiologic Technologists
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radiologic Technologists:
- Microsoft Office
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Medical condition coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Practice management software PMS
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Information systems integration software
- Medical software
- Structured data entry software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Information management subsystem software
- Film processor tracking and management software
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
- Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
Individuals working as a Radiologic Technologist have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic Technologists Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Radiologic Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.