What is a Radiologic Technologist?
Position 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.
Life As a Radiologic Technologist: What Do They Do?
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
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Radiologic Technologist Needed Skills
Radiologic Technologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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
- Radiology Therapist
- X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
- Mammography Technologist
- Ultrasound Technologist
- Mammographer
Is There Job Demand for Radiologic Technologists?
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.
Do Radiologic Technologists Make A Lot Of Money?
The typical yearly salary for Radiologic Technologists is somewhere between $40,630 and $86,350.

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
- 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?
Education needed to be a Radiologic Technologist:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

Who Employs Radiologic Technologists?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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