What Do Radiologic Technologists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

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Job Description, Daily Responsibilities, and Work Life

Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic Technologists take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Salary
$64840
Becoming One
Medium
Education
Associate's degree
Job Satisfaction
Job Growth

Personality



Job Description

Job Description

Radiologic Technologists 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. They also review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.

Other tasks include:

  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
  • Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

We asked Radiologic Technologists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

Job satisfaction

73%

How meaningful is this job

77%


73% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 77% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.



Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Radiologic Technologists review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. They use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.

A typical day for a Radiologic Technologist will also include:

  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
  • Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.

We asked some Radiologic Technologists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job? 79% said yes
How important is it to work in a team in this job? 80% said very important
Do you have group discussions everyday in this job? 87% said yes
Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job? 76% said yes
Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job? 27% said yes
Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job? 56% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Radiologic Technologists also perform administrative duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules. They may also perform scheduled maintenance or minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Radiologic Technologists Remove and process film. They might also Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians or nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures.

In addition, they Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.

To some Radiologic Technologists, it is also their responsibility to Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.


Working life

Working hours

Standard 40 hour work week

Working schedule

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Radiologic Technologist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Do Radiologic Technologists work in an office-style work environment?

Every day
97%


Never
3%


Do Radiologic Technologists work outdoors?

Never
88%


Once a year
12%



Is this right for me

Best personality for this career

The Builders and The Helpers

People who are suitable for this job tends to like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery..

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

You can read more about these career personality types here.



Learn more about Radiologic Technologists

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Related to Radiologic Technologists Job Description

Radiologic Technologists job description, what do Radiologic Technologists do, typical day for Radiologic Technologists, what is it like to work as a Radiologic Technologist, how many hours do Radiologic Technologists work, day to day work of a Radiologic Technologist

Additional resources

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm
http://www.arrt.org/
http://www.asrt.org/
http://www.jrcert.org/


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