All About Radiologic Technicians
Job Description: Maintain and use equipment and supplies necessary to demonstrate portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic purposes.
A Day in the Life of a Radiologic Technician
- Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance.
- Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Collect and maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, patient medical histories, views taken, or technical factors used.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
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Skills Needed to be a Radiologic Technician
Radiologic Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Types of Radiologic Technician Jobs
- Radiology Assistant
- Radiologic Technician (RAD Tech)
- Radiological Technician
- EKG Tech (Electrocardiographic Technician)
- Computed Tomography Scanner Operator
Job Outlook for Radiologic Technicians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 127,800 jobs in the United States for Radiologic Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 19.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 25,100 new jobs for Radiologic Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 11,000 positions for Radiologic Technician per year.
The states with the most job growth for Radiologic Technician are Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Illinois, Rhode Island, or Kansas. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
What is the Average Salary of a Radiologic Technician
The average yearly salary of a Radiologic Technician ranges between $28,130 and $72,720.
Radiologic Technicians who work in New Mexico, Alaska, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Radiologic Technicians make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $46,230 |
| Alaska | $62,580 |
| Arizona | $48,840 |
| Arkansas | $42,300 |
| California | $50,150 |
| Colorado | $46,270 |
| Connecticut | $55,450 |
| Delaware | $48,900 |
| District of Columbia | $54,210 |
| Florida | $42,730 |
| Georgia | $46,960 |
| Hawaii | $54,660 |
| Idaho | $48,750 |
| Illinois | $47,590 |
| Indiana | $49,300 |
| Iowa | $42,590 |
| Kansas | $49,180 |
| Kentucky | $51,780 |
| Louisiana | $38,370 |
| Maine | $51,500 |
| Maryland | $44,590 |
| Massachusetts | $55,950 |
| Michigan | $45,640 |
| Minnesota | $55,940 |
| Mississippi | $36,900 |
| Missouri | $46,580 |
| Montana | $42,630 |
| Nebraska | $45,370 |
| Nevada | $45,980 |
| New Hampshire | $50,390 |
| New Jersey | $53,570 |
| New Mexico | $60,690 |
| New York | $55,700 |
| North Carolina | $39,230 |
| North Dakota | $46,370 |
| Ohio | $42,780 |
| Oklahoma | $43,960 |
| Oregon | $54,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,070 |
| Rhode Island | $55,490 |
| South Carolina | $42,820 |
| South Dakota | $54,290 |
| Tennessee | $64,010 |
| Texas | $43,990 |
| Utah | $41,150 |
| Vermont | $50,140 |
| Virginia | $48,050 |
| Washington | $59,950 |
| West Virginia | $43,490 |
| Wisconsin | $44,080 |
| Wyoming | $51,120 |
What Tools do Radiologic Technicians Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Radiologic Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Practice management software PMS
- Information systems integration software
- Structured data entry software
- Diagnostic image review software
- Internet or intranet image distribution software
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
- Film processor tracking and management software
- Information management subsystem software
- Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
How do I Become a Radiologic Technician?
Education needed to be a Radiologic Technician:
What work experience do I need to become a Radiologic Technician?
Radiologic Technicians Sector
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those interested in being a Radiologic Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Radiologic Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Ryan Conroy via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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