About Radiology Technician Jobs
The healthcare industry is continuously expanding due to new developments in technology, and radiology technology is one of the fastest growing fields in medical technology. There is a wide variety of radiology technician jobs to fill all of these roles and operate the various imaging machines. As the technology continues to improve, more jobs will become available for certified technicians.
Function
Radiology technicians, or X-ray technicians, take X-rays of patients for diagnostic purposes. They take the X-rays under the direct orders of physicians, but they are solely responsible for ensuring that they take the most accurate images with the most appropriate levels of detail and contrast. They then send the images to the ordering physicians for interpretation and diagnosis.
Types
In addition to X-ray technicians, radiology techs can obtain additional training in advanced imaging techniques and take images using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, computer tomography (CT) scans, fluoroscopies and mammograms. Another advanced option is working in nuclear medicine, where techs administer radioactive material to patients and capture images with the gamma rays emitted from these materials. One example of nuclear medicine imaging is a positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Job Environment
Radiology technicians can work in either emergency rooms, physicians' offices or in imaging centers. Those working in emergency rooms may have to work nights and weekends, and may also have on-call hours. No matter where techs work, they will stay on their feet most of the day, and may have to lift and position elderly or disable patients.
Education
Radiography degrees can be either associate or bachelor's degrees, but the most common are two-year associate programs. One-year certifications in radiology technology are also available, but these are reserved for holders of a bachelor's degree in another healthcare field.
Wages
The National Employment Matrix reported that the median annual salary for radiology technicians in 2006 was $48,170, with the middle salaries ranging between $39,840 and $57,940. Those who worked with imaging groups averaged $51,000 per year, and those working in physicians' offices earned roughly $45,000.
Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment rates for radiology technicians will increase 15 percent from 2006 to 2016. As the imaging technology improves, more physicians will rely on the technique for diagnosis, and therefore more people will be needed to operate the imaging machines.
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