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Radiologic Technologist

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What You Need to Know About 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.

A Day in the Life of a Radiologic Technologist

  • Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
  • Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians or nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures.
  • 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.
  • Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.

Radiologic Technologist Needed Skills

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.

Other Radiologic Technologist Job Titles

  • Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT)
  • Imaging Specialist
  • Staff Technologist
  • Ultrasound Technologist
  • Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Technologist)

Is There Going to be Demand for Radiologic Technologists?

There were about 205,200 jobs for Radiologic Technologist in 2016 (in the United States). 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.

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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.

Radiologic Technologist Average Salary

The typical yearly salary for Radiologic Technologists is somewhere between $40,630 and $86,350.

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Radiologic Technologists who work in California, District of Columbia, or Hawaii, make the highest salaries.

How much do Radiologic Technologists make in each U.S. state?

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 & Technology do Radiologic Technologists Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Radiologic Technologists:

  • 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
  • Medical software
  • Structured data entry software
  • Internet or intranet image distribution software
  • Diagnostic image review software
  • Information management subsystem software
  • Film processor tracking and management software
  • Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
  • Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software

How do I Become a Radiologic Technologist?

What education or degrees do I need to become a Radiologic Technologist?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

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Where Radiologic Technologists Are Employed

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The table below shows the approximate number of Radiologic Technologists employed by various industries.

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Those thinking about becoming a Radiologic Technologist might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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