Radiologic Technicians
Health Science > Diagnostic ServicesProjected Growth: Much faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.
Common job titles of Radiologic Technicians include:
.
Experience and Education
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
66.91% said they needed a Associate's Degree.
26.31% said they needed a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Tasks
Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient.
Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
Provide students or other technicians with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
Coordinate work of other technicians or technologists when procedures require more than one person.
Collect and maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, patient medical histories, views taken, or technical factors used.
Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
Provide assistance in radiopharmaceutical administration, monitoring patients' vital signs and notifying the radiologist of any relevant changes.
Assure that sterile or non-sterile supplies, such as contrast materials, catheters, films, chemicals, or other required equipment, are present and in working order or requisition materials.
Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
Tools
X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras
X ray image intensifier television systems
X ray filters
X ray film processors
X ray calipers
X ray bone densitometers
X ray beam restriction devices
All ToolsTabletop film processors
Tablet computers
Straps
Stationary x ray equipment
Self-contained film processors
Scan converters
Sandbags
Radiation measurement badges
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography PET/CT scanners
Portable x ray machines
Portable film processors
Portable densitometers
Picture archiving and communication systems PACS
Personal computers
Patient immobilization devices
Oxygen equipment
Notebook computers
Mobile image amplifier C-arms
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI equipment
Magnetic tape recorders
Lead shields/shielding equipment
Image storage systems
Image intensifiers
Image capturing and transmission systems
High-speed multislice computed tomography CT scanners
Grids
Fluoroscopes
Film cassettes
Enema equipment
Digital transmission densitometers
Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM imaging equipment
Diaphragms
Desktop computers
Cylinders
Cushions
Cones
Computed tomography CT scanners
Compression bands
Collimators
Automatic x ray film processors
Technologies
MEDITECH software
Diagnostic image review software
Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
Electronic medical record EMR software
Film processor tracking and management software
GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
GE Healthcare ViewPoint Solutions
All TechnologiesInformation management subsystem software
Information systems integration software
Internet or intranet image distribution software
Practice management software PMS
Structured data entry software
Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
Skills
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Abilities
Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Comprehension
Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Oral Expression
Occupation Sections
Knowledge
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Medicine and Dentistry
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.