Anyone who has ever experienced the process of having an X-ray or MRI taken has come in close contact with a professional radiology technician or technologist. These medical experts are specially trained in the practice of using X-rays to diagnose patients. They are also skilled in the the injection of nonradioactive material into the bodies of their patients in order to provide diagnostic information for their doctor or physician. Radiology (or radiologic) technicians and technologists work very closely with not only patients, but also with doctors who provide instructions and directions that the technicians are required to follow to the letter. Radioactive material is a known cause of many ailments and, as such, is a potentially dangerous matter to interact with. Radiology technicians and technologists must, therefore, be excellent listeners, obedient, and extremely careful and meticulous about their work in order to ensure the safety of patients, doctors, and their fellow medical staff.

Radiology technicians and technologists can choose from a variety of educational platforms in order to receive the training necessary to earn the required certification and the subsequent state licensure mandate. The most ideal candidates for this job not only love people and love helping them, but they also demonstrate a flair for mathematics and the sciences. They should also be passionate about medicine and working in a team environment. Most radiology technicians and technologists naturally work in hospitals, but medical laboratories, diagnostic imaging centers, and and outpatient care centers are other possible places of work. There is a favorable job outlook for radiology specialists, and they can also earn sizable and competitive salaries.

Career Specializations

• Radiographer: These professionals are experts in the production of X-rays. They also help patients to become comfortable with the process and take additional measures to protect them from any possible radiation exposure.
• CT technologist: These technologists specialize in computed tomography; scans in this discipline turn out cross-section images that, when combined, produce a 3D image.
• MRI technologist: MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, professionals concentrate almost exclusively in producing scans of the body with this technology.
• Mammographer: Mammographers work with women to help them take the scans necessary to determine the health of their breasts.

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Degrees Levels

• Certificate: 2 years to complete
• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 2 years to complete

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Education & Certification Requirements

There is a multi-tiered process to becoming a radiology technician or technologist, beginning with the foundational education process. The minimum degree level required for this position is the certificate program. Most radiology technicians and technologists prefer to earn an associate degree in the field, but bachelor's programs are also available (yet slightly more rare in number). Before enrolling in a program at any degree level, it is best that potential radiology technicians verify their program's accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Students should expect to not only take traditional classes, but they will also go through clinical and laboratory training in subjects such as radiobiology, pathology, principles of imaging, radiation physics, positioning of patients, medical terminology, and medical ethics. It is also advised that students arrive to their training in radiology technology with experience in math, chemistry, biology and physics.

Following their certificate or diploma, potential radiology technologists and technicians must pass an exam for certification administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. After earning this certification, these professionals are required to take another set of 24 hours of continued education every two years, ensuring that their skill set is up to date for the latest technology. AART certification can also help radiology technicians and technologists become licensed by the state in which they would like to practice. Each state has specific, unique requirements.

Radiology experts can advanced their careers by improving their experience with common diagnostic exams, such as the MRI, CT, mammography, or bone density examinations. The career title directly above radiology technologists and technicians in rank is the radiology assistant, which can be attained with further certification from the AART. (BLS)

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Salary Information

Those who earn a certificate to practice as a radiology technician or technologist can expect to earn a yearly salary of approximately $35,000. Associate degree holders can improve their salary to more than $50,000, and bachelor's degree recipients can bring in a yearly salary of $65,000 or more. Salaries can potentially increase depending on experience and specialties required by certain medical workplaces. Medical and diagnostic laboratories typically pay more to radiology technicians and technologists than other sectors of the industry like hospitals, outpatient care centers, and doctors' offices. (BLS)

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Job Outlook

Radiology technicians and technologists can happily anticipate growth in terms of the numbers of available jobs. By the year 2018, employment is predicted to grow by 17 percent. Most of these professionals, a commanding 61 percent, are employed by hospitals. However, many new jobs will be centered in the offices of doctors, including private physicians, and diagnostic imaging centers, which are increasingly adopting more technologies to increase their sophistication. There will always be a demand for people in this profession because demand for diagnostic imaging increases as people continue to age and experience medical conditions related to the accumulation of years. Those radiologic professionals who are the most marketable and competitive are able to demonstrate excellent knowledge in more than just one type of diagnostic imaging practice, especially CT and MRI. A willingness and ability to travel for a job is also a quality that can improve chances of being hired. (BLS)

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Related Careers

Radiation therapists are trained to help patients use radiation to help treat cancer, and they are also experts in the process of chemotherapy. Cardiovascular technicians and technologists focus on helping doctors handle patients with heart and blood vessel issues. Diagnostic sonographers are trained in the use of high-frequency sound waves to help determine patients' problems; they work with obstetricians, gynecologists, brain surgeons, cardiologists, and mammographers.

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