Median Annual Wage: $41,420
Education: Associate's degree (67%); Post-secondary certificate (26%); Some college, no degree (4%)
Projected Growth: Much faster than average (22% or higher)
Related Job Titles: X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech); Radiographer; Radiologic Technician (RT); Registered Radiographer; Mammographer; Bone Density Technologist; Chief Technician, X-Ray (Chief Tech, X-Ray); Lead Mammographer; Limited Radiology Technician; Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech)
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiologic Technicians.
More Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Careers
- Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient.
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
- Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
- Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
- Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
- 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.
- Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiologic Technicians.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- 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.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Radiologic Technicians.