Radiology Technician Careers
Radiology technicians produce radiographic images to aid physicians in diagnosis. All techs must be certified from an accredited program, which usually lasts two years. Technicians have to specialize in other areas of radiography to do more than just take X-rays, such as MRIs or CT and PET scans. Most techs work in hospitals, but many radiology groups are breaking away from hospitals to offer their services to physicians and health groups outside of hospitals, which increases the job market for technicians.
Function
Radiology technicians take and produce X-rays and other radiographic images for radiologists and physicians for diagnostic purposes. They have to prepare patients for the radiology procedures by explaining the process, administering any nonradioactive materials needed for the images, positioning the patients in the equipment for the appropriate images and shielding the patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. Some techs are specialized in different imaging technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scans.
Types
Most radiology technicians take and produce X-ray films for physicians and radiologists. In order to perform other more advanced imaging techniques, technicians must be specialized in the procedure. Other types of radiology technicians perform mammograms, diagnostic ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans.
Training and Certification
Radiology technician training can take as little as 1 year for a certificate or as long as 4 years for a bachelor's degree. Most programs are 2-year associate degrees, and this is usually the minimum requirement for most employers. One-year certificates are usually only available for techs with experience or those who have experience in other health care careers and want to change fields. For those seeking administrator, supervisor or teacher positions, a bachelor's or master's degree is required.
After completing a tech program, most employers require certification. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers certificates for state licenses. To be eligible, techs must complete an accredited radiology technician program and pass the state examination. To keep the certification current, techs must take 24 hours of continuing education courses every 2 years.
Earnings
The median salary for radiology techs was $48,000 in 2006. The lowest salaries were less than $32,000, and the highest topped $68,000. Techs who work in medical and diagnostic labs made on average $51,000, $48,000 in hospitals and $45,000 in physicians' offices.
Potential
Hospitals are the primary employers for radiology techs, but more and more radiology groups are opening up outside of the hospital to offer radiology services to physicians and other specialized medical groups. These groups are expected to grow through 2016 due to the increase and general shift towards outpatient care. In fact, the National Employment Matrix predicts that over 15 percent more radiology tech jobs will be available by 2016. Techs specializing in advanced imaging, such as MRIs and CT scans, are more marketable than other techs, because these procedures are often used for diagnosis more than X-rays because of the higher level of accuracy. In addition, as radiology technology improves and new technologies develop, the field for radiology technicians will continue to grow.
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