Radiology technicians assist physicians by preparing and performing X-rays.
In 2008 over 200,000 radiologic technicians or technologists were employed in the United States. As the health care industry grows, radiology professionals are needed in virtually every hospital and medical facility, and employment is expected to increase at a faster-than-average rate. These imaging technicians provide a wide range of services and help in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancer and heart disease, and assist women during pregnancy.
Education and Certification
The most common path to a career as a radiologic tech is through an associate's degree, but certification programs and bachelor's degrees are also acceptable. Certification programs last almost two years, as does an associate's degree program, and bachelor's degrees typically require four years of study. Classroom and clinical study is focused on physiology, anatomy, care procedures, radiation physics and protection, imaging, medical terminology, medical ethics, and pathology. Each state has its own requirements for certification of radiologic techs, but most administer tests developed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). After formal training and certification, 24 hours of continuing education must be completed every two years.
Types of Jobs
Some radiologic technicians work primarily with X-ray technology, preparing patients for X-ray tests by removing obstructive jewelry and clothing, positioning patients, and operating and adjusting X-ray equipment. Computed tomography (CT) technologists provide CT scans, which is a cross-sectional X-ray of part of the body. Others may work primarily with ultrasound, using frequency to obtain images inside of the body. This line of work is commonly associated with pregnancy as well as cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Salary and Benefits
Many factors can influence the salary of a radiologic tech, such as location, employer, experience, or level of education and certification. However, the average wage for radiologic techs in the United States as of May of 2009 was $54,180 a year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The range of averages for these positions started at $35,700 for the 10th percentile wage, and went as high as $75,440 for the 90th percentile wage. Full-time employees in radiology usually receive typical benefits as well, include health insurance, paid vacation, and 401K or a comparable retirement program.
Advancement
As specialties develop and experience and expertise grow, some radiologic technicians advance to obtain higher-paying positions with more responsibility, such as a job as a radiologist assistant. Management-level positions, such as chief radiologic tech or radiology department director, are also common for those with the proper credentials and experience. A master's degree in business or health administration often propel radiologic professionals into management-level positions or into jobs as instructors ad radiologic technician schools.
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