Radiologic Technologists
Health Science > Diagnostic ServicesProjected Growth: Faster than average
Projected Job Openings
Medium Preparation Needed
Job Description
Your job is to Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient’s blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Common job titles of Radiologic Technologists include:
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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.
63.08% said they needed a Associate's Degree.
23.53% said they needed a Post-Secondary Certificate.
Tasks
Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians or nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures.
Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
Remove and process film.
Perform administrative duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
Perform scheduled maintenance or minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment.
Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
Demonstrate new equipment, procedures, or techniques to staff and provide technical assistance.
Tools
X ray machines
X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras
X ray image intensifier television systems
X ray calipers
X ray bone densitometers
X ray beam restriction devices
Venipuncture needles
All ToolsTourniquets
Tabletop film processors
Tablet computers
Syringes
Subcutaneous hypodermic needles
Straps
Self-contained film processors
Scan converters
Sandbags
Rapid film changers
Radiation protection devices
Radiation measurement badges
Power injectors
Positron emission tomography/computed tomography PET/CT scanners
Portable x ray machines
Portable ultrasound scanners
Portable film processors
Portable densitometers
Picture archiving and communication systems PACS
Personal computers
Patient immobilizing devices
Oxygen equipment
Over-the-needle intravenous IV catheters
Notebook computers
Mobile image amplifier C-arms
Mercury blood pressure units
Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI equipment
Magnetic tape recorders
Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
Intravenous IV tubing
Intravenous IV syringes
Intravenous IV locks
Intramuscular needles
Intensifying screens
Image storage systems
Image capturing and transmission systems
Hypodermic needles
Grids
Fluoroscopes
Filters
Film processing equipment
Film cassettes
Enema equipment
Electronic blood pressure units
Electrocardiography EKG units
Digital transmission densitometers
Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM system equipment
Diaphragms
Diagnostic ultrasound equipment
Desktop computers
Cylinders
Cushions
Cones
Computed tomography CT scanners
Computed tomography CT audio and visual intercommunication systems
Compression bands
Collimators
Automatic x ray film processors
Automated defibrillators
Technologies
Medical condition coding software
MEDITECH software
Diagnostic and procedural coding 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
All TechnologiesInformation management subsystem software
Information systems integration software
Internet or intranet image distribution software
Medical procedure coding software
Medical 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.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operation Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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
Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Cognitive Abilities › Idea Generation and Reasoning Abilities › Problem Sensitivity
Read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Cognitive Abilities › Verbal Abilities › Written Comprehension