Traveling radiation technicians must be good at taking X-rays.
Radiation technicians are health care professionals who perform diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays. Employment of radiation technicians is projected to climb by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Median annual wages of these individuals at the time of publication were $52,210, reports the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Radiation technicians have the option of traveling to various regions in the United States to increase their range of experience and earn their living.
Duties
Radiation technicians are responsible for handling X-rays prescribed by a doctor to help diagnose different medical problems in patients. These professionals must prepare patients for X-rays by removing jewelry and other substances through which X-rays cannot pass. They then use devices similar to a measuring tape to measure the thickness of the patient's body section to be radiographed. Radiation technicians must set X-ray machine controls to capture images of the right density, contrast and detail.
Traveling
Radiation technician travel jobs allow these health care professionals to visit various parts of the country to work temporarily in medical facilities that need their help. By going through a travel staffing agency, aspiring radiation technicians who want to travel can receive the benefits of free housing and job-related travel reimbursements. They work in hospitals, imaging centers or even private doctors' offices. Traveling to work in different United States' facilities actually can help a radiation technician build his resume by expanding his skills in various competency areas.
Skills
Strong attention to detail is a critical skill for radiation technicians because they must be able to carefully follow doctors' instructions. Radiation technicians should know protect themselves from radiation by using devices such as lead shields. They also must know prepare radiographic equipment and put patients in the right position to capture certain images. In addition, radiation technicians typically are on their feet for long periods of time. As a result, being in a good physical condition is important for these professionals.
Education
In order to travel and work in the radiation technician industry, individuals must have completed a two-year associate degree or four-year bachelor's degree in this field. Programs in the field are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. In addition, most states require radiation technicians to have a license in this industry as well as voluntary certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (see Resources). Many states use ARRT-administered exams for state licensing purposes. Maintaining ARRT certification involves completing 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Tags: Radiation technicians, Bureau Labor, Bureau Labor Statistics, care professionals, health care, health care professionals
