Radiologic Technologist Career Information

The following information is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists. Please visit the website for a more comprehensive breakdown of the data.

LINKS TO RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORY PAGES


WHAT RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS 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.)

Job Duties


  • 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

PAY


National Average Annual Pay (2019): $63,120

Top 5 States

1. California

$86,120

2. Hawaiʻi

$82,680

3. Massachusetts

$78,300

4. Alaska

$76,850

5. Oregon

$75,170

Bottom 5 States

50. Alabama

$47,290

49. Mississippi

$47,660

48. Arkansas

$49,770

47. West Virginia

$51,880

46. Tennessee

$52,080

STEPS TO BECOME A RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGIST


Radiologic technologists need at least an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, and employers usually require certification even if it’s not state law.

A radiologic program consists of classroom study and clinical work. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technology (ARMRIT) both accredit radiography programs.

After finishing the program, you can get certified as a Registered Technologist (RT) from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

You can advance your career to an MRI technologist after several years of experience. You can also receive certification from the AART.

  • 1. Enter a Radiologic Technology Program

    You will earn an associate’s degree in most radiologic technology programs. They typically take about 2 years to complete.

  • 2. Get Radiologic Technologist Certification

    The AART has 3 requirements to earn certification:

    1. Education Requirement: An AS degree or higher
    2. Ethics Requirement
    3. Examination Requirement
  • 3. Eligible for State License

    This will vary state by state.

  • 4. Get a Job as a Radiologic Technologist

  • 5. Advance Career: Become an MRI Technologist

    You can specialize as an MRI technologist after several years of experience as a radiologic technologist. The average annual salary is $74,270. The highest is $97,180 in California and the lowest is $59,390 in South Dakota.

QUALITIES OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS


Detail Oriented

Radiologic technologists must follow exact instructions to get the images needed for diagnoses.

Technical Skills

Radiologic technologists must understand how to operate complex machinery.

Math Skills

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

Interpersonal Skills

Radiologic technologists work closely with patients who may be in extreme pain or mentally stressed. They must put the patient at ease to get usable images.

Physical Stamina

Radiologic technologists often work on their feet for long periods during their shift, and they must lift and move patients who need assistance.

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