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Career: Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologist

Summary

 
Quick Facts: Radiologic and MRI Technologists
 
2020 Median Pay $63,710 per year
$30.63 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education       Associate's degree
Work Experience needed  See How to Become One
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2019 250,700
Job Outlook, 2019-29 7% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2019-29 16,800

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited July 26, 2021).

Typical work activities

Duties

Radiologic and MRI technologists typically do the following:

  • Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
  • Follow precise orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
  • Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
  • Position the patient and the equipment in order to get the correct image
  • Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
  • Work with physicians to evaluate the images and to determine whether additional images need to be taken
  • Keep detailed patient records

Radiologic technologists are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.

MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They inject patients with contrast media, such as a dye, so that the images will show up on the scanner. The scanners use magnetic fields in combination with the contrast agent to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical problems.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (visited July 26, 2021).

Education

Education needed - An associate’s degree is the education typically required for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Education programs typically include both academic study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography and magnetic resonance, and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) accredits MRI programs. Some states require candidates for licensure to complete an accredited program.

 



 

 

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See more details at O*NET OnLine about radiologic technologists and technicians.