Become A Radiologic Technician
Where do you want to work?
Working As A Radiologic Technician
- 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
$68,490
Average Salary
What Does A Radiologic Technician Do
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images.
DutiesRadiologic and MRI technologists typically do the following:
- Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
- Precisely follow orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
- Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and answering questions about the procedure
- Protect the patient by shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
- Position the patient and the equipment in order to get the correct image
- Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
- Work with physicians to evaluate the images and to determine whether additional images need to be taken
- Keep detailed patient records
Healthcare professionals use many types of equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray and computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists prepare a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.
Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low-dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.
MRI technologists specialize in magnetic resonance imaging scanners. They inject patients with contrast dyes so that the images will show up on the scanner. The scanners use magnetic fields in combination with the contrast agent to produce images that a physician can use to diagnose medical problems.
Healthcare professionals who specialize in other diagnostic equipment include nuclear medicine technologists and diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists.
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How To Become A Radiologic Technician
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.
EducationAn 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 OccupationMRI technologists typically have less than 5 years of work experience as radiologic technologists.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsRadiologic 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 QualitiesDetail 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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Radiologic Technician jobs
Radiologic Technician Career Paths
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Staff Radiologic Technologist 6.6 years
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Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist 5.0 years
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Radiologic Technician 5.0 years
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X-Ray Technician 4.3 years
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Radiographer Technologist 3.6 years
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Radiography Technician 3.1 years
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Radiologic Technology Student 1.7 years
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X-Ray Technician 12.2%
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Technical Internship 7.0%
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CT Technologist 6.5%
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Sales Associate 5.1%
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Internship 5.1%
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Cashier 4.7%
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Medical Assistant 4.7%
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MRI Technologist 4.0%
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Assistant Manager 3.4%
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Staff Technologist 3.1%
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Server 2.9%
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Student Technician 2.9%
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CT Technologist 15.8%
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MRI Technologist 15.5%
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X-Ray Technician 13.0%
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Radiation Therapist 4.5%
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Medical Assistant 3.0%
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Lead Technician 2.9%
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Supervisor 2.4%
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Mammographer 2.4%
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Clinical Instructor 2.3%
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Sales Associate 2.3%
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Radiology Supervisor 2.2%
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Technician 2.1%
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Clinical Coordinator 2.1%
Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Radiologic Technician
Top Careers After Radiologic Technician
Radiologic Technician Demographics
Gender
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Female
66.2% -
Male
32.1% -
Unknown
1.7%
Ethnicity
-
White
79.3% -
Hispanic or Latino
10.7% -
Asian
7.6% -
Unknown
1.8% -
Black or African American
0.6%
Languages Spoken
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Spanish
58.6% -
Vietnamese
5.1% -
Hindi
4.3% -
French
4.3% -
Arabic
3.7% -
Portuguese
3.5% -
Urdu
2.5% -
Polish
2.3% -
Gujarati
1.9% -
Mandarin
1.9% -
Russian
1.9% -
German
1.9% -
Korean
1.6% -
Chinese
1.6% -
Cantonese
1.2% -
Armenian
1.0% -
Tagalog
0.8% -
Italian
0.6% -
Persian
0.6% -
Hebrew
0.6%
Radiologic Technician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Radiologic Technician Education
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Weber State University
13.4% -
Keiser University
11.6% -
Midwestern State University
6.8% -
University of Phoenix
6.5% -
Community College of Allegheny County
4.9% -
Delgado Community College
4.4% -
Sinclair Community College
4.3% -
Ferris State University
4.3% -
Washburn University of Topeka
4.1% -
Orange Coast College
4.0% -
Niagara County Community College
4.0% -
Quinnipiac University
3.9% -
Gateway Community College
3.8% -
Greenville Technical College
3.8% -
College of DuPage
3.7% -
Loma Linda University
3.5% -
Grand Canyon University
3.4% -
Adventist University of Health Sciences
3.2% -
Community College of Rhode Island
3.1% -
University of South Alabama
3.1% -
Medical Technician 50.1%
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Military Technology 7.8%
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Business 4.8%
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Clinical Psychology 2.0%
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Management 1.5%
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Education 1.5%
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Nursing 1.4%
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General Studies 1.1%
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Liberal Arts 1.1%
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Computer Science 1.0%
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Medicine 0.9%
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Biology 0.9%
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Public Health 0.8%
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Psychology 0.8%
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Associate
42.7% -
Bachelors
21.5% -
Other
17.1% -
Certificate
10.5% -
Masters
5.8% -
Diploma
1.6% -
Doctorate
0.5% -
License
0.4%
Schools
Majors
Degrees
Radiologic Technician
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Real Radiologic Technician Salaries
Job Title
|
Company
|
Location
|
Start Date
|
Salary
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | Ut Medical Group, Inc. | Memphis, TN | Oct 26, 2010 | $150,000 |
| Radiologic Technologists | Radnet, Inc. | Rutherford, NJ | Dec 15, 2011 | $70,990 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Berger and Burrow Enterprises, Inc. | Richmond, VA | Sep 30, 2015 | $68,640 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians* | Berger and Burrow Enterprises, Inc. | Richmond, VA | Apr 04, 2014 | $68,640 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Berger and Burrow Enterprises, Inc. | Richmond, VA | May 04, 2016 | $68,640 |
| Radiologic Technician | Jacob Lake DDS Ltd. | Chicago, IL | Feb 27, 2015 | $68,370 |
| Radiologic Technician | Western Janeda Orthopedics of New Jersey, LLC | Ridgefield, NJ | Jun 08, 2012 | $66,685 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Maimonides Medical Center | New York, NY | Dec 14, 2009 | $66,000 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Jordon Hospital, Inc. | Plymouth, MA | Jan 29, 2010 | $64,551 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Jordon Hospital, Inc. | Plymouth, MA | Feb 04, 2010 | $64,551 |
| Radiologic Technician | Associated Orthopedic Surgeons | Castro Valley, CA | Mar 24, 2009 | $63,946 |
| Radiologic Technologists | Berkshire Medical Center, Inc. | Pittsfield, MA | Apr 03, 2008 | $55,000 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Inmed Diagnostic Services of Sc LLC | Florence, SC | Oct 01, 2013 | $54,638 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Inmed Diagnostic Services | Florence, SC | Oct 01, 2013 | $54,638 |
| Radiologic Technologist | University Medical Center | Lubbock, TX | Mar 13, 2012 | $54,325 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Inmed Diagnostic Services | Florence, SC | Sep 30, 2010 | $54,095 |
| Radiologic Technologist | New Jersey Imaging Partners, Inc. | Englewood Cliffs, NJ | Sep 20, 2012 | $53,352 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Aventura Hospital and Medical Center | Aventura, FL | Dec 09, 2009 | $53,260 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Inmed Diagnostic Services of Sc LLC | Florence, SC | Oct 01, 2013 | $52,551 |
| Radiologic Technologists | Shady Grove Radiological Consultants, P.A. | Montgomery Village, MD | Nov 06, 2009 | $46,363 |
| Radiologic Technologist | University Medical Center | Lubbock, TX | Apr 04, 2008 | $46,123 |
| Radiologic Technologist | St. Andrew's Hospital | Bottineau, ND | May 20, 2016 | $45,977 |
| Radiologic Technologist | Moss Regional Hospital | Lake Charles, LA | Oct 01, 2010 | $45,914 |
| Radiologic Technologist | W.O. Moss Regional Medical Center | Lake Charles, LA | Aug 09, 2013 | $45,914 |
| Radiologic Technologist | W.O. Moss Regional | Lake Charles, LA | Aug 09, 2010 | $45,914 |
| Radiologic Technologist | University Medical Center | Lubbock, TX | Feb 10, 2009 | $45,538 |
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Top Skills for A Radiologic Technician
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Top Radiologic Technician Skills
- Fluoroscopic Procedures
- Diagnostic Radiology
- C-Arm
- Assisted the radiologists with fluoroscopic procedures.
- Performed diagnostic radiology, casting, splinting, and file room duties.
- Provided C-Arm coverage for OR scheduled procedures.
- General radiography, Level One trauma radiography, surgical radiography, portable radiography, and invasive radiography at ORMC.
- Hired as full-time Radiologic Technologist with Assistant Supervisor duties on evening shifts.
Top Radiologic Technician Employers
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