Radiology technicians and technologists perform radiation-based diagnostic imaging tests to create images of the human body for use by doctors to determine problems. The tests that radiology technicians most commonly use are X-rays, but they can also include computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography.

Radiology technicians and technologists are responsible for all aspects of radiation imaging of a patient beginning with preparing the patient for testing. Before a patient can be imaged using an X-ray or other machine, all metal -- like rings or watches -- must be removed from the imaging area, as these can block images. The patient then has to be placed into position, and to avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation, lead coverings are placed on the person around the X-ray sight. In order to get a good image, the radiologist has to take measurements and adjust equipment appropriately.

Radiology technicians and technologists also prepare images to present to doctors for their diagnostic purposes. Often doctors might ask radiology techs for their opinions regarding a scan, since radiology techs look at scans all the time and can often notice irregularities very easily. In addition to producing the scans, the radiology technician then updates patient records to keep the most up-to-date information at all times. 

Radiology technicians and technologists are required to follow very strict procedures in the performance of their testing in order to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their patients from unnecessary radiation exposure. This technical expertise requires a commitment to the work in order to gain the skills and certification necessary to work as a technicians. However, because of the dangers of the job, they often receive higher pay and enjoy greater autonomy in their work than many others in healthcare support professions.

Career Specializations

• Computed Tomography Technicians: Computed tomography (CT) technicians are trained in the use of specialized equipment which creates a series of cross sectional X-ray pictures of a certain area of the body in order to digitally create a 3-D image.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are specially trained in the use of MRI equipment for creating scans. MRIs are complex and very expensive pieces of equipment that use non-ionizing radio frequencies to generate images of a person's brain or other body parts for diagnostic purposes. 
• Mammographers: Mammographers are radiology technicians who are trained in the use of X-ray technology in very low doses for the purposes of imaging women's mammary glands to look for breast cancer. Although mammographers use the same technology as general radiologists, mammographers are required to obtain additional training in the application of X-ray technology for the specific purpose of imaging in mammograms. 

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Degree Levels

• Certificate: 21-24 months to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

The most common degree for radiology technicians and technologists to receive is an associate degree, although in most places and at most institutions, a certificate is all that is required to pass the necessary licensing to become a radiology tech. Upon graduation from any level of accredited program, the student has the necessary qualifications to become a radiology technician. Technicians are able to perform most duties independently, but they often must work under the supervision of a radiologist.

To become a radiology technician, prospective students must complete a voluntary certification program offered by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This degree awards students with the necessary conditions to be able to receive a license as a technologist, opening up a whole range of additional work opportunities and providing employees with additional responsibilities and compensation. 

Licensing for radiology technicians and technologists is strictly mandated and highly regulated, as the standards for the protection of patients from medical and dental radiation are strictly controlled by the government. The specific requirements for licensing vary by state, and some states use their own exam, but the most common exam used to gain a license is the one offered by ARRT. In order to maintain an ARRT license, 24 hours of continuing education is required every two years. 

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Salary Information

Although the average pay for radiology technicians and technologists varies by state and workplace, across the industry, radiology technicians earned an average annual salary of $42,710 in 2008. Those who completed the additional education to become a radiation technologist earned an average $52,210 a year. The degree level that radiology techs earned did not have any lasting impact on the level of compensation beyond the significant distinction between technicians and technologists. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Although the demand for radiological imaging has been decreasing recently in favor of other forms of diagnostic imaging such as sonography (which do not involve the use of radiation), the number of jobs for radiologists is expected to grow by 17 percent over the next 5-10 years. This growth is above the national average for job growth in the same time period. (BLS)

Job prospects will be best for radiology technologists, and even higher for those who have specialized training in MRI or CT scanning, as both of these forms of imaging are increasing in popularity. Hospitals will also continue to be the largest employers of radiology techs in the coming years, but job openings are expected to be regionally driven. Some areas of the country are expected to have a much higher demand for radiology technologists and technicians than other parts of the country. (BLS)

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Related Careers 

• Sonographers/Ultrasound Technician: Sonographers, also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, are healthcare professionals trained in the use of sonographic technology for diagnostic imaging. Sonographers use equipment that creates a digital image based on the use of sound waves projected into the body. This technology has grown in popularity recently as ultrasound imaging becomes more clear; unlike X-rays, sonograms do not use any radiation. 
• Cardiovascular Technician: Cardiovascular technicians work alongside doctors to diagnose medical conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular technicians are required to have specialized education in the use of a variety of diagnostic equipment including electrocardiograms (EKGs) and sonograms. They provide patient care to determine ailments and diagnose the underlying condition in order to recommend treatment to a doctor.

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