What does an imaging technologist do?

An imaging technologist is responsible for performing diagnostic imaging procedures such as magnetic resonance imaging scans, X-ray examination, and computed tomography. Your day-to-day duties include working closely with physicians and radiologists in diagnosing or ruling out disease or injury, operating and maintaining imaging equipment, and assisting patients in preparation for imaging procedures. As an imaging technologist, it is also your responsibility to follow precise instructions in order to capture a high-quality image and assisting physicians in evaluating images.
Imaging technologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real imaging technologist resumes:
- Manage a team of ten members in the process of digitizing vital records.
- Perform QA on daylight processors.
- Limit computed tomography scans to maintain skill.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot issues for all clients.
- Copy, labele, scan and convert images onto CDs.
- Provide ultrasound images and all findings to the tech in charge.
- Time management, answering BLS certi ed phone and sorting paperwork.
- Maintain all confidential personnel files, licensing, and CPR compliance records.
- Work with microfiche, CDs, and other forms of digital imaging.
- Perform document prep, indexing, QC of images & scanning using Kodak and Fujitsu scanners
- Assist with implementation of PACS film less x-ray imaging system by archiving old x-ray images into PACS.
- Scan, prep, index, correct and (QA) medical charts for hospitals software program.
- Interact with outside vendors regarding purchases of equipment, supplies, and the scheduling of preventative maintenance for all MRI scanners.
- Assist PACS users throughout the organization in the use of PACS product to improve and assure accuracy of the patient imaging.
- Complete courses and receive certification in CPR, hazardous chemical containment and clean up, O2 handling and combative individual training.
Imaging technologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 26% of Imaging Technologists are proficient in Patients, Patient Care, and Customer Service. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Interpersonal skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Imaging Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Patients, 26%
Position required exceptional communications skills, demanded exemplary political/social conduct, and commanded professional etiquette when dealing with patients.
- Patient Care, 9%
Assisted in patient care during prostate biopsies, including monitoring patient as well as assisting physician with obtaining tissue samples.
- Customer Service, 7%
Maintain quality control/satisfaction records, constantly seeking new ways to improve customer service and quality.
- MRI, 5%
Acquired MRI certification while working as a technologist
- Radiologic Technologist, 5%
License: American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Ultrasound, 5%
Provided x-ray imaging and ultrasound studies on callback status.
Common skills that an imaging technologist uses to do their job include "patients," "patient care," and "customer service." You can find details on the most important imaging technologist responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an imaging technologist to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "radiologic and mri technologists must follow instructions exactly to get the images needed for diagnoses." Imaging technologists often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "document indexing, qa and qc paying great attention to detail. "
Interpersonal skills. Another essential skill to perform imaging technologist duties is interpersonal skills. Imaging technologists responsibilities require that "radiologic and mri technologists work closely with patients who may be stressed or in pain." Imaging technologists also use interpersonal skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "demonstrate strong interpersonal skills which exceeded the 50th percentile rating for customer service. "
Math skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of imaging technologists is math skills. This skill is critical to many everyday imaging technologist duties, as "radiologic and mri technologists may need to calculate the proper amount of radiation or magnetic resonance emitted in imaging procedures." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "perform qualitative and quantitative image analysis in cooperation with clinical trial reader studies. "
Physical stamina. For certain imaging technologist responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "physical stamina." The day-to-day duties of an imaging technologist rely on this skill, as "radiologic and mri technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift and must be able to lift and move patients who need help." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what imaging technologists do: "preformed dexa scans carefully reviewed patient medical histories, physical findings and diagnoses. "
Technical skills. A commonly-found skill in imaging technologist job descriptions, "technical skills" is essential to what imaging technologists do. Imaging technologist responsibilities rely on this skill because "radiologic and mri technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery." You can also see how imaging technologist duties rely on technical skills in this resume example: "perform daily system maintenance, basic technical support, triage and troubleshooting of the ris and assist in resolving simple issues. "
The three companies that hire the most imaging technologists are:
- MedPro Healthcare Staffing52 imaging technologists jobs
- HealthTrust25 imaging technologists jobs
- LifePoint Health22 imaging technologists jobs
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Imaging technologist vs. Phlebotomy technician
A phlebotomy technician is responsible for conducting the medical procedure of drawing blood samples using extraction tools and other equipment. Phlebotomy technicians label the samples for laboratory examinations, donation testing, and other related purposes. They also inspect and maintain the cleanliness of medical equipment, including sterilization of needles and other tools, to avoid contamination that would affect the accuracy of the results. A phlebotomy technician records fluid tests and procedures for reference and patient examination history.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an imaging technologist are more likely to require skills like "mri," "radiologic technologist," "ultrasound," and "diagnostic images." On the other hand, a job as a phlebotomy technician requires skills like "infection control," "blood specimens," "cleanliness," and "specimen collection." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
The education levels that phlebotomy technicians earn slightly differ from imaging technologists. In particular, phlebotomy technicians are 0.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an imaging technologist. Additionally, they're 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Imaging technologist vs. Monitor technician
A monitor technician works in hospitals and other health care centers that provide treatment relating to heart health. They are also known as cardiac monitor technicians, who assist physicians and nurses with diagnosing and interpreting conditions related to the heart through several methods of monitoring and testing. Most of their work includes using machines and other medical technology in tracking patients' heart performance and check for any possible abnormalities. They monitor irregular heartbeats, arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest. They also use this technology to perform various tests on the heart but typically do not provide treatment.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that imaging technologist responsibilities requires skills like "patient care," "mri," "radiologic technologist," and "ultrasound." But a monitor technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "ekg," "bls," "medical terminology," and "cardiac rhythms."
Monitor technicians may earn a lower salary than imaging technologists, but monitor technicians earn the most pay in the health care industry with an average salary of $34,267. On the other hand, imaging technologists receive higher pay in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $55,979.monitor technicians earn similar levels of education than imaging technologists in general. They're 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.5% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Imaging technologist vs. Mammography technician
A mammography technician is primarily in charge of operating an imaging machine to detect and diagnose breast diseases. Their responsibilities include greeting patients, reviewing their identification and request documentation, explaining the extent of procedures, answering inquiries, operating machines, performing adjustments, and conducting the study in adherence to the protocols, making sure the patients feel comfortable every step of the way. Furthermore, as a mammography technician, it is essential to practice every safety technique during the procedures, all while enforcing the facility's policies and regulations.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an imaging technologist is likely to be skilled in "radiologic technologist," "ultrasound," "patient charts," and "mammography," while a typical mammography technician is skilled in "arrt," "mammography technologist," "mqsa," and "patient history."
Mammography technicians earn the best pay in the health care industry, where they command an average salary of $73,457. Imaging technologists earn the highest pay from the health care industry, with an average salary of $55,979.Most mammography technicians achieve a similar degree level compared to imaging technologists. For example, they're 1.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Imaging technologist vs. Optometric technician
An optometric technician is responsible for performing administrative and clerical tasks to assist patients with their vision problems and needs. Optometric technicians work in the laboratory, constructing glasses and lenses according to the ophthalmologist's advice. They clean and inspect vision equipment and ensure that the facility is well-maintained. An optometric technician must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns, manage information on the database, and release customers' orders.
Types of imaging technologist
Updated January 8, 2025











