Accurate diagnosis of a patient's medical condition is critical to effective health care. Radiologic technicians use X-rays, MRI equipment, and related tools to create detailed images of the interior of the body to aid physicians in the diagnostic process. Most radiologic technicians work about 40 hours per week, but may work evening or night shifts or be on call at times. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the median salary for radiologic technicians in 2006-2007 was $49,170.
Function
The job of the radiologic technician involves more than just taking X-ray pictures. Depending on the diagnostic procedure they may prepare and administer materials under a doctor's supervision as part of the imaging process. They bear primary responsibility for following safety procedures and maintaining equipment in good operating condition. The radiologic technician aligns the imaging machine, makes sure patients remove jewelry or other items that block X-rays, and check to be sure that the patient is properly positioned for the process. Finally, radiologic technicians help to prepare and maintain accurate patient records.
Employment
According to the BLS, about 60 percent of all radiologic technicians work in hospitals. Some are employed by medical laboratories and imaging centers, which generally pay the highest salaries. Other employers of radiologic technicians include physician's offices, outpatient clinics, and imaging equipment manufacturers.
Education
Most radiologic technicians earn an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree from a two-year or four-year institution. Some one-year certification programs are available for people who already have training and experience in health care. Students take courses in physics, patient care, medical terminology and ethics, and imaging technology. Other courses include anatomy, radiobiology and physiology. The course of study combines academic study with extensive clinical training.
Specialties
Specialization is one route to career advancement for radiologic technicians. Some take additional training to become computer tomography (CT specialists who administer special solutions to patients as part of making highly detailed images. Others specialize in mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or in angiography, which is the use of X-rays to map blood vessels within the body. Radiologic technicians may move into management as health care administrators or heads of radiology departments. Those who follow a management path often earn a master's degree in business or health administration.
Licensing
As of 2006, 40 states required licensing of radiologic technicians, following voluntary federal guidelines. The primary licensing body is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (see link below). As of 2006, 35 sates used the AART exam. To be eligible to take the radiologic technician licensing exam, you generally have to graduate from an accredited program. Maintaining licensure usually requires 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
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