Become A Computed Tomography Technologist

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Working As A Computed Tomography Technologist

Assisting and Caring for Others
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Getting Information
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Unpleasant/Hazardous Environment
Repetitive
$56,670
Average Salary

What Does A Computed Tomography Technologist Do At Ascension Health

What Does A Computed Tomography Technologist Do At Kaiser Permanente

* Explains procedure to the patient , verifies patient history & confirms appropriateness of ordered exam/procedure.
* Selects appropriate software for the exam, utilizing a variety of software programs ; based on imaging principles, area of interest to be demonstrated & patient conditions, enters data such as type of scan requested, slice thickness, scan time & other technical factors into computer.
* Positions & immobilizes patient in order to obtain diagnostic image(s) of area of interest; may administer contrast media orally or assist radiologist in intravenous administration.
* Recognizes adverse reactions or changes in patient condition & reacts appropriately.
* Observes all standards for radiation safety/protection in order to minimize dose.
* Utilizes scanning techniques, selects best plane, acquisition method (eg: spiral, dynamic, multi-row detector), parameters (e.g.: slice thickness, mA, time, algorithm, pitch) to best demonstrate anatomy & pathology in studies such as those performed for the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis & musculoskeletal.
* Modifies protocols as indicated by presence of pathology or trauma.
* May perform special procedures such as - but not limited to
* D studies, biopsies, drainage & aspiration, post myelography, CT arthrography, CT angiography, cardiac gating & interventional CT.
* Evaluates images on video display screen for diagnostic quality & presence of artifacts; evaluates videotapes & computer generated information for technical quality; takes corrective action as indicated to ensure image quality.
* Photographs/films images / scans utilizing appropriate window/level settings & formats; archives images & data

What Does A Computed Tomography Technologist Do At Seton Medical Center Harker Heights

* Maintains effective communication with medical staff, administrative staff, nursing staff and other team members.
* Assists the organization in incorporating the guiding principles into its radiology practice.
* Ascertains the delivery of patient care is provided in a personalized, professional and quality manner.
* Ascertains that Joint Commission, local, state and federal accrediting and licensing bodies' requirements are met.
* Ascertains that the delivery of patient care is compliant with the accrediting and regulatory agencies.
* Assists in the Quality Assurance / Improvement Program of Imaging Services.
* Performs quality control on equipment and notifies management immediately of any potential malfunction or hazard of equipment.
* Adheres to appropriate radiation safety, practicing the concept of As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA).
* Explains CT procedure to the patient and/or family member in a thorough and professional manner.
* Performs CT procedures ascertaining appropriate imaging parameters (MAS, KVP, positioning, etc.) are utilized, providing physician with a quality diagnostic procedure.
* Enters and retrieves patient information from the Picture Archiving Communication System (PACS) in a proficient manner.
* Enters and retrieves patient information from the Hospital Information System (HIS) in a proficient manner.
* Provides minimal nursing care to patient, ascertaining the patient is comfortable in the department.
* Seeks additional nursing or physician assistance when necessary.
* Transports patients to and from Imaging Services ascertaining that the patient is relocated without injury or incident.
* Orders supplies for the division, ensuring that patient care is not interrupted.
* Prepares and maintains department paperwork, verifying accuracy of information.
* Ascertains that the delivery of patient care and billing are compliant with the accrediting and regulatory agencies.
* Ascertains that patient charges are entered correctly.
* Releases patient information in accordance with policies and procedures and accrediting and regulatory agencies.
* Answers telephones in a courteous and professional manner within three (3) rings.
* Schedules patient examinations according to departmental procedures.
* Maintains CT procedure rooms and work area in a clean and organized manner.
* Any other duty that may be assigned

What Does A Computed Tomography Technologist Do At Catholic Health System

Specific related tasks as assigned

What Does A Computed Tomography Technologist Do At Ascension Health

* Prepares and positions patients and selects anatomic and technical parameters accurately.
* Prepares and administers contrast media and/or medications within the accepted scope of practice and applicable state and federal regulations.
* Observes patient during procedure and reports abnormal activity.
* Monitors protocols and recommends updates or refinements as warranted.
* Follows radiation safety procedures and guidelines.
* Acts as preceptor and educator to ensure appropriate staff development, training, orientation and education within CT modality.
* Assesses patient and family need for education and assistance specific to imaging procedure and coordinates service.
* Performs CT, diagnostic and specialized radiographic procedures.
* Observes procedure protocols and assesses procedure quality via analysis of filmed image.
* Ensures that ancillary staff, family members and co-workers observe radiation safety procedures and performs education as needed.
* Monitors protocols and recommends updates or refinements as warranted.
* Complies with departmental standards for quality and legality of work performed.
* Performs equipment Quality Control to ensure equipment operation within established parameters.
* Assesses need for equipment maintenance and reports malfunctions in a timely manner.
* Establishes an orderly and clean working environment.
* Ensures that departmental procedures are charged accurately and incorporate examination supplies.
* Completes paperwork in a quality and timely manner.
* Reviews procedural charges and coding, recommending adjustments as protocols change or new procedures are added.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
* May be required to be "on-call

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How To Become A Computed Tomography Technologist

Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Many MRI technologists start out as radiologic technologists and specialize later in their career. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.

Education

An associate’s degree is the most common educational requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelor’s degrees. Education programs typically include both classroom study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. Completing an accredited program is required for licensure in some states.

High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, physiology, and physics.

Work Experience in a Related Occupation

MRI technologists typically have less than 5 years of work experience as radiologic technologists.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.

To become licensed, technologists must usually graduate from an accredited program, and pass a certification exam from the state or obtain a certification from a certifying body. Certifications for radiologic technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certifications for MRI technologists are available from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and from the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT). For specific licensure requirements for radiologic technologists and MRI technologists, contact the state’s health board.

Employers typically require or prefer prospective technologists to be certified even if the state does not require it.

Important Qualities

Detail oriented. Radiologic and MRI technologists must follow exact instructions to get the images needed for diagnoses.

Interpersonal skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists work closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or mentally stressed. Technologists must be able to put the patient at ease to get usable images.

Math skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists may need to calculate and mix the right doses of chemicals used in imaging procedures.

Physical stamina. Radiologic and MRI technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and they must be able to lift and move patients who need assistance.

Technical skills. Radiologic and MRI technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery.

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Computed Tomography Technologist jobs

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Computed Tomography Technologist Career Paths

Computed Tomography Technologist

MRI Technologist Radiology Supervisor Radiology Manager

Director Of Radiology

11 Yearsyrs

Nuclear Medicine Technologist CT Technologist

Lead CT Technologist

7 Yearsyrs

CT Technologist MRI Technologist

Lead MRI Technologist

8 Yearsyrs

MRI Technologist Staff Technologist Radiologic Technician

Lead Radiologic Technologist

5 Yearsyrs

CT Technologist MRI And CT Technologist MRI Technologist

MRI Supervisor

8 Yearsyrs

Radiation Therapist CT Technologist Radiology Supervisor

Radiology Manager

9 Yearsyrs

Nuclear Medicine Technologist MRI Technologist Staff Technologist

Senior Staff Technologist

6 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Cat Scan Technologist 6.9 years
Staff Radiologic Technologist 6.6 years
CT Scan Technologist 5.9 years
CT Technologist 4.9 years
Lead CT Technologist 4.8 years
Computed Tomography Technologist 4.0 years
Radiographer Technologist 3.6 years

Top Careers Before Computed Tomography Technologist

Top Careers After Computed Tomography Technologist

Radiologic Technician 28.0%
CT Technologist 12.6%
X-Ray Technician 8.4%
MRI Technologist 6.5%
Nuclear Medicine Technologist 5.7%
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician 5.7%
Radiography Technician 3.8%
Laboratory Technician 3.1%
Radiation Therapist 3.1%
MRI And CT Technologist 2.7%
Imaging Technologist 2.7%
Radiology Manager 2.3%
Director Of Radiology 2.3%
Lead Technician 2.3%
Adjunct Professor 1.9%
Imaging Services Director 1.9%
Medical Manager 1.9%
Technician 1.9%
PRN 1.5%
Chiropractic Internship 1.5%

Computed Tomography Technologist Demographics

Gender

Female
60.3%
Male
37.5%
Unknown
2.3%

Ethnicity

White
79.5%
Hispanic or Latino
11.1%
Asian
6.7%
Unknown
2.0%
Black or African American
0.7%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
71.4%
Portuguese
7.1%
Korean
7.1%
Vietnamese
7.1%
Greek
7.1%

Computed Tomography Technologist

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Computed Tomography Technologist Education

Schools

Community College of the Air Force
9.2%
Weber State University
7.9%
Midwestern State University
7.9%
Emory University
6.6%
Galveston College
6.6%
Trident University International
6.6%
University of Phoenix
6.6%
University of Alabama at Birmingham
5.3%
Arkansas State University
3.9%
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
3.9%
Naval School of Health Sciences
3.9%
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
3.9%
Indiana University Northwest
3.9%
Adventist University of Health Sciences
3.9%
Quinnipiac University
3.9%
Baker College
3.9%
Fort Hays State University
3.9%
Champlain College
2.6%
University of Saint Francis
2.6%
University of Central Florida
2.6%

Majors

Medical Technician 43.2%
Nuclear And Industrial Radiologic Technologies 11.9%
Military Technology 7.1%
Business 6.5%
Health Care Administration 4.1%
Health Sciences And Services 3.4%
Education 3.1%
Computer Science 2.7%
Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology 2.7%
Management 1.7%
Medicine 1.7%
Biology 1.7%
Clinical Psychology 1.7%
Kinesiology 1.7%
Physician Assistant 1.4%
General Studies 1.4%
Public Health 1.0%
Medical Assisting Services 1.0%
Elementary Education 1.0%
Information Technology 1.0%

Degrees

Bachelors
30.1%
Associate
29.8%
Other
16.8%
Certificate
9.8%
Masters
9.5%
Diploma
2.3%
Doctorate
1.4%
License
0.3%

Computed Tomography Technologist

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Top Skills for A Computed Tomography Technologist

Top Computed Tomography Technologist Skills

Radiologic Technologist
IV
Trauma Patients

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Supervised staff of 12 radiologic technologists for the operation of 24-hour Cat Scan Department at a 300+ bed Regional Medical Center.
Programmed/operated dual power injector for contrast delivery.
Transported inpatients, outpatients and trauma patients to CT work area.
Collaborated with PACS and IT staff during integration of medical equipment and upgrades, including Siemens syngo software and applications.
Interpreted data and provided recommendations for optimal patient care.