Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
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)
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.
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.