Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, make use of medical equipment to create images of the patient's body for diagnostic purposes. Radiographers are different from radiologists; radiologists are medical doctors who interpret the radiographs prepared by the radiographers. Radiologic technologists work in medical laboratories, hospitals, physicians' offices and nursing homes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment rate for radiologic technologists will grow by 15 percent from 2006 through 2016.
Nature of Work
The primary duties of a radiologic technologist include, preparing radiographs of patients' body using X-ray machines and administering non-radioactive chemicals into patients' bloodstream. The different types of machines that radiologists work with include: ultrasound, magnetic resonance, positron emission and computed tomography machines. Radiologic technologists are also responsible for maintaining the equipment and keeping medical records of patients. They have to make sure that they follow guidelines and regulations to prevent unwanted exposure to radiation.
Specialization
Radiographers can also choose to specialize in a specific technology. CT technologists specialize in the use of computed tomography (CT) scanners. Radiologic technologists who specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imagining are called MR or MRI technologists. Mammographers use low-level radiation to create images of breasts. Employers typically prefer to hire radiologists who are qualified to operate more than one kind of diagnostic machine, because it helps to keep costs down.
Education
You can become a radiographer by getting a certificate (one year), associate's degree (two years) or a bachelor's degree (four years) in radiography. Other health-care professionals (like registered nurses) who want to shift to radiography can earn a one-year certificate. People with a bachelor's or master's degree in radiography generally work as supervisors, administrators or teachers. Radiographers who have the necessary experience can get further qualifications to become supervisors, radiologist assistants and department administrators.
Certification
Some radiologic technologists choose to obtain a voluntary one-year certification offered by the AART (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) because it improves their employment chances. To stay certified, radiographers need to complete 24 hours of training after every two years.
Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary of radiologic technologists was $53,230 in May 2008 compared with $48,170 in May 2006. Hospitals employed the highest number of radiographers (more than 125,500) with an average yearly salary of $53,790 in May 2008. Radiographers who work in the research and development industry were the highest-paid, with an average yearly salary of $63,580 in May 2008.
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