Life As a Radiologic Technologist
Job Description: 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.
Radiologic Technologist Responsibilities
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Remove and process film.
- Perform scheduled maintenance or minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
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Skills Needed to be a Radiologic Technologist
Below is a list of the skills most Radiologic Technologists say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Radiologic Technologist
- Imaging Specialist
- Mammographer
- CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist
- Radiographer, Mammographer
- Radiographer Technologist
What Kind of Radiologic Technologist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 205,200 jobs in the United States for Radiologic Technologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 12.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,300 new jobs for Radiologic Technologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 13,600 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Radiologic Technologist are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Rhode Island, or Mississippi. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Radiologic Technologist
The salary for Radiologic Technologists ranges between about $40,630 and $86,350 a year.
Radiologic Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiologic Technologists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $47,510 |
Alaska | $73,250 |
Arizona | $65,220 |
Arkansas | $48,740 |
California | $81,060 |
Colorado | $64,660 |
Connecticut | $69,100 |
Delaware | $60,550 |
District of Columbia | $77,990 |
Florida | $56,650 |
Georgia | $56,740 |
Hawaii | $76,230 |
Idaho | $59,060 |
Illinois | $64,690 |
Indiana | $56,640 |
Iowa | $53,520 |
Kansas | $54,100 |
Kentucky | $52,300 |
Louisiana | $51,120 |
Maine | $58,030 |
Maryland | $68,450 |
Massachusetts | $74,820 |
Michigan | $55,970 |
Minnesota | $67,070 |
Mississippi | $48,150 |
Missouri | $53,990 |
Montana | $54,700 |
Nebraska | $53,490 |
Nevada | $70,770 |
New Hampshire | $62,420 |
New Jersey | $66,730 |
New Mexico | $58,300 |
New York | $69,250 |
North Carolina | $58,060 |
North Dakota | $55,970 |
Ohio | $56,920 |
Oklahoma | $54,380 |
Oregon | $73,720 |
Pennsylvania | $53,640 |
Rhode Island | $68,750 |
South Carolina | $53,890 |
South Dakota | $52,400 |
Tennessee | $51,580 |
Texas | $58,760 |
Utah | $57,040 |
Vermont | $62,200 |
Virginia | $61,440 |
Washington | $71,020 |
West Virginia | $49,740 |
Wisconsin | $58,570 |
Wyoming | $57,720 |
What Tools do Radiologic Technologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radiologic Technologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Office
- MEDITECH software
- Medical procedure coding software
- Medical condition coding software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Practice management software PMS
- Diagnostic and procedural coding software
- Information systems integration software
- Structured data entry software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Medical software
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
- Film processor tracking and management software
- Information management subsystem software
- Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
How do I Become a Radiologic Technologist?
Education needed to be a Radiologic Technologist:
What work experience do I need to become a Radiologic Technologist?
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References:
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