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What is a diagnostic radiologic technologist and how to become one
A diagnostic radiologic technologist is a medical professional who creates images of body structures or prescribes treatment for diseases and conditions using radiology techniques.
They are mid-level workers as they work below radiologic assistants. However, they also work above radiologic technicians in responsibility, level, and experience.
The technologist sends the results of a completed test to the radiologist or radiologic assistant for further analysis.
An individual needs a minimum of two years of formal training at an accredited facility to become a diagnostic radiologic technologist. Someone with a certificate lower than this may start as a technician before moving on to be a technologist.
The diagnostic radiologic technologist reviews and evaluates developed x-rays or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, they follow all safety measures and use protection devices when performing radiology techniques.
What general advice would you give to a diagnostic radiologic technologist?
Dr. Heidi Shelton D.C., R.T(R)
Clinical Coordinator, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
Avg. Salary $54,476
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 6%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.48%
Asian 6.05%
Black or African American 5.39%
Hispanic or Latino 10.19%
Unknown 4.14%
White 73.75%
Genderfemale 59.85%
male 40.15%
Age - 43American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 43Stress level is very high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is excellent
6.4 - fair
Diagnostic radiologic technologist career paths
Key steps to become a diagnostic radiologic technologist
Explore diagnostic radiologic technologist education requirements
Start to develop specific diagnostic radiologic technologist skills
Skills Percentages Patients 20.24% ARRT 8.43% Radiologic Technologist 6.90% Magnetic Resonance Imaging 5.85% Diagnostic Radiology 5.12% Complete relevant diagnostic radiologic technologist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New diagnostic radiologic technologists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a diagnostic radiologic technologist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real diagnostic radiologic technologist resumes.Obtain the necessary licensing
Becoming a licensed diagnostic radiologic technologist usually doesn't require a college degree. However, you need to pass an exam to become a licensed diagnostic radiologic technologist in most of states. 32 states require diagnostic radiologic technologists to have license for their work. You can see the list of states below.State Education Exam License url Alaska Specific course required Third-party exam required Radiologic Technologists Arkansas Degree required Both state and third-party exams required Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer) California Degree required Third-party exam required California Radiologic Technologist (CRT) Colorado Specific course required Third-party exam required Radiologic Technologists Connecticut Specific course required Third-party exam required Radiographer Gain additional diagnostic radiologic technologist certifications
More About CertificationsDiagnostic radiologic technologist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific diagnostic radiologic technologist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.
The most common certifications for diagnostic radiologic technologists include Certified Radiological Technologist and Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA).
Research diagnostic radiologic technologist duties and responsibilities
- Manage imaging databases and relate processes including image file compression and EMR implementations.
- Travel between client sites to perform c-arm imaging for surgery centers, pain management cases, and cadaver training labs.
- Demonstrate knowledge of radiation protection standards by selecting technical factors and making necessary exposures of patients.
- Perform limit in-house lab tests, perform EKG's.
Prepare your diagnostic radiologic technologist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your diagnostic radiologic technologist resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a diagnostic radiologic technologist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable diagnostic radiologic technologist resume templates
Build a professional diagnostic radiologic technologist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your diagnostic radiologic technologist resume.
Apply for diagnostic radiologic technologist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for a diagnostic radiologic technologist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first diagnostic radiologic technologist job
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Average diagnostic radiologic technologist salary
The average diagnostic radiologic technologist salary in the United States is $54,476 per year or $26 per hour. Diagnostic radiologic technologist salaries range between $33,000 and $89,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do diagnostic radiologic technologists rate their job?
Diagnostic radiologic technologist reviews
use of advanced technology to help diagnose and treat people for their illnesses
people who are rude and demanding and refuse to acknowledge that they are not the only person needing the service- and complain about waiting and wanting things done faster
Is an experience that will make you love humanity and be kind to others ,using technology to help people get better is extremely rewarding , also the flexibility to work in different places with different people is a plus.
Most places need more CT techs ,we can't have enough people ,petty sure hospital in the world is understaffed .
Updated January 8, 2025
