What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
- Use radiation to produce images of the internal parts of a patient’s body
- Use radiation to provide treatment for disease. Review physician’s instructions
- Prepare patient for examination (physical assistance, verbal instructions, reassurance)
- Position patient for x-ray procedure
- Administer drugs and conduct venipuncture as necessary to make organs visible
- Set/operate controls. May operate computerized head or body scanners
- Some technologists operate ultrasound equipment and/or magnetic resonance imaging equipment
- Process image (film and/or digital), prepare records. Make adjustments on machines.
- Specialize in either diagnostic or therapeutic technology
Outlook for profession:
Experts are projecting faster than average growth for this career through 2018. Opportunities are best for multi-credentialed technologists and may be regional with some areas saturated ands other areas having a large demand.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11
Average pay:
- Depends on employer, location, and job description
- Area average $21.00 to $36.00 per hour plus benefits
- Starting range $42,000 to $72,000 per year
- California mean full-time income - $75,363 (source ASRT wage and salary survey 2010)
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