Radiography Jobs | Radiology Tech Jobs | Radiologic Technologist Jobs
MRI Technologist Jobs - What is the Job of a Radiologic Technician? What does a Radiological Technologist Do?
Radiological technologists, sometimes called radiographers, or radiological technicians, are responsible for taking xrays and producing radiographs, which are xray films of parts of the human body that are used in order to diagnose medical problems.
Radiological technicians and technologists start by removing any jewelry or magnetic objects on the patient’s body that the xrays cannot pass through, and then they accurately position the patient in order to be scanned with an x-ray beam. Radiographers then position radiographic equipment over the patient’s body, and start the machine, producing radiographs of various densities and detail.
Radiologic technologists work under a radiologists direction, and must take special care to protect themselves and their patients from radiological exposure.
Other responsibilities of radiological technicians include keeping records of patients files and xrays, in addition to maintaining xray equipment. Computed tomography is a fairly new technique which allows radiographers to conduct extensive scans of a particular section of the body. By using cross sectional x-rays, a three dimensional image of a particular body system can be made, which allows qualified radiologists to more easily recognize diseases such as cancer.
The most common specialty of radiography risk involves mammograms, which involves using x-ray systems in order to produce images of the breast to spot breast cancer in its early stages.
Working Conditions for Radiography Careers - How is the Working Environment for Radiographer Jobs?
Radiologic technician jobs involve a 40 hours workweek, however if a MRI technician is working in a hospital they may have to work night or weekend hours. Because radiographers have to position disabled patients on occasion, they must have incredible physical stamina, and it is common for radiographers to have to travel in order to perform scans on patients.
Radiation contamination is a concern in this industry, however, there a number of shielding devices that are utilized in order to protect both the patient and the radiological technologist from exposure to harmful rays. Detailed information is kept on radiation levels and radiation exposure over a technologists lifetime.
Radiographer Training Education - How to Become a MRI Technologist - How to Receive Your Education in Medical Radiography
Radiography training can be had through an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or a one year certification. One year radiographer certification programs are only offered to those individuals who already have experience in other medical related disciplines, such as a registered nurse. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiological Technology accredits 600 radiographic programs across the country. At a minimum, radiography programs require a high school diploma and classroom instruction will be offered in radiation physics, protection for radiation, imaging, patient positioning, ethics, radiography, and physiology, among others.
Radiography Degree Certification - How to Become Certified as a MRI Technician
Due to the dangers of radiation, 40 states in America required that radiologic technicians and technologists are licensed, as of 2007. The American Registry of Radiological Knowledge offers certification for those pursuing a career in radiography. 35 states in America use this designation for radiation technician licensing.
Radiological technologists should also be able to pay attention to detailed information and follow instructions, due to their dealings with harmful radiation. Radiation technicians may also become specialists, entering disciplines such of angiography, magnetic resonance, and CT scanning.
Outlook for Radiologic Technologist Jobs - What is the Future of Radiology Tech Jobs?
Over the next decade, radiologic technologist jobs should grow by about 15%. As the American population ages, there’s an increasing need for medical imaging techniques, in order to detect disease early. While the costs of radiation technology used to be quite prohibitive, it is becoming increasingly inexpensive as technology progresses, and more private practices are able to own their own x-ray machines.
Job prospects are good for those radiological technologists who are willing to relocate, or who wish to specialize in a particular imaging procedure like magnetic resonance imaging or mammography.
Radiological Technologist Salary Pay Scale - How Much Do Radiological Technologists Earn?
In 2006, the median salary for radiographer jobs came to $48,170, with radiological technicians working in medical laboratories earning the highest salaries at $51,280, and those working under physicians earning the least amount at $45,500.