Life As a Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic Technologist Definition 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
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
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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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Radiological Technologist
- Mammographer
- CT Scan Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist)
- Ultrasound Technologist
- 3D Technologist
Job Outlook for Radiologic Technologists
There were about 205,200 jobs for Radiologic Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. There will be an estimated 13,600 positions for Radiologic Technologist per 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.
Radiologic Technologist Salary
Radiologic Technologists make between $40,630 and $86,350 a year.
Radiologic Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiologic Technologists make in each U.S. state?
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 |
What Tools & Technology do Radiologic Technologists Use?
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:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?
Where Radiologic Technologists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Radiologic Technologists employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming a Radiologic Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
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