25Jul

Jul 25 2021

Career Spotlight: What Do Radiologic Technologists Do?

BUM Team

Experiences

There are many healthcare jobs out there, and it's still one of the largest fields in the United States.

Some of the jobs are more related to direct patient care, while others are behind the scenes. If you'd rather be someone that works for patients from a lab or imaging center, radiology is a path to consider. 

Do you want to work in radiology? Becoming a radiologic technologist may be the right way to go.

Are you thinking about an exciting career similar to those of the many radiologic technologists working in hospitals or clinics? Keep reading below to learn more about what you can expect.

The Role of Radiologic Technologists

A radiologic technologist will perform medical imaging exams for patients. They will also provide radiation treatments to patients as directed by the radiologist. Knowing the correct radiology positioning techniques and providing adequate patient care is essential for this role.

By using imaging technology, they can take photos of different areas of the patient's body. The radiologist is then responsible for interpreting the images and working with team members to create a treatment plan. 

Usually, a radiologic technologist will be specialized in specific techniques. This will make them an integral part of different medical areas, including gynecology or oncology. As a result, they can work in many different settings, such as doctor's offices, hospitals, or diagnostic labs.

Out of the man types of careers in radiology, the radiologic technologist is one of the starting points for many professionals. People that want to become MRI technologists will need on-the-job experience gained from being radiologic technologists.

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist

If you're a high school student, you will want to focus on courses that are related to science and math.

An associate's degree is required for this position. In addition to that, there are education programs available for people that want to get further training before they work. These include graduate certificates or undergraduate bachelor's degrees. 

The coursework required will include anatomy, radiation physics, image evaluation, and patient care. Some states will require you to complete an accredited program to be eligible for a license. In most states, you have to have a license to practice as a radiologic technologist.

The median pay level for a radiologic technologist in 2020 was $63,710. The job outlook is good for this position, so people interested in the field should take advantage of its growth.

Are You Interested in Radiologic Technology?

Now you know more about what radiologic technologists do and how you can be one. It's time to start researching your program options. Be sure to choose one that is accredited to get the most out of your experience. 

Did you find this article helpful? If so, take a moment to browse some of the other helpful content on our website today.

Tags: Radiologic Technologists

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