Radiology Technician

Radiology technicians take x-rays and inject non radioactive materials into the bloodstream of patients in order to perform diagnostic functions.  Some of the equipment commonly used by radiology technicians includes x-rays, computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

The process involves describing the procedure to the patient, removing items of jewelry which interfere with the images, positioning the patient and taking the film images to be reviewed by the physician. Sometimes the radiology technician will perform more sophisticated techniques at the physician’s orders.  These might include fluoroscopies or CT scanners.

Many radiology technician jobs are full-time, although part-time and shift work is also available as well as on-call.  The work involves standing for long periods and also requires the physical ability to move and position disabled patients correctly.

Formal education ranges from diploma type courses to one, two and even four-year programs with the two year associate degree program being the most common.  Such Associate of Applied Science degrees are often offered at community colleges or trade/ technical schools.

Certification for radiology technicians is voluntary, but offered in 38 states currently.  Employers prefer to hire certified employees.  Recertification which occurs every two years requires an addition 24 hours of continuing education each biennium.

In 2004 about 182,000 jobs were available for radiology technicians and prospects are expected to remain favorable.  Median salaries for radiology technicians fell into the $36,000 to $56,000 range during 2004 with the median salary at $43,350.

Additional information about the career of radiology technician may be found at:

American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 15000 Central Ave. S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917. Internet: http://www.asrt.org.

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182. Internet: http://www.jrcert.org.

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, 1255 Northland Dr., St. Paul, MN 55120-1155. Internet: http://www.arrt.org.