Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Overview

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians has a national median salary of $80,110 per year, with +5% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Work Values

• Relationships
• Support
• Independence

Work Styles

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.

Work Activities

• Assisting and Caring for Others
• Working with Computers
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Controlling Machines and Processes
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Detailed Work Activities

• Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists an associate's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a bachelor's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Bachelor's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for an associate's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Radiologic Technologists and Technicians:

Video Resources