What do Radiology Technician Do?
Radiology is the branch of health care that uses imaging technologies such as x-ray, radiation, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Radiologists technicians are trained to use imaging technology to produce images of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. A senior diagnostic radiologist will then use the images to solve health mysteries. It’s like medical detective work, starting with the bones.
Areas of Specialty Within Radiology
- Computer Tomography (CT Scans)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammograms
- Biopsy
- CAT Scans
- Gastrointestinal Radiology
- Sculoskeletal Radiology (muscle x-rays)
- Neuroradiology (brain x-rays)
- Radiation Oncology (imaging of patients with radioactive material in the body, usually from cancer treatment).
Perks of Radiology Field
- It tends to be a calmer job than most in the medical field. If you want to help people through medicine but don’t do well with lots of stress, radiology is great place to bridge that gap.
- You can work in a variety of health care institutions and centers.
- The health care industry is fairly recession-proof.
- You help people feel better.
Radiology: Show me the Money
The current median radiographer or radiology technician salary is $58,065 but on the higher end technicians can make $90,000.
Radiology Education and Training
Radiology programs range in duration from 1-4 years depending on what level the student wants to obtain, but most require an associates degree from an accredited college. After education, 40 states require a license to practice as a radiologist. Once you’ve made it, to be re-certified radiologist must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Radiology Technician Personality Profile
People who enjoy biology, chemistry, math and physics will enjoy Radiology.
Radiology Technician: By the Numbers
- Radiologic technologists held about 196,000 jobs in 2006.
- More than 60 percent of all jobs were in hospitals.
- Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to increase by about 15 percent from 2006 to 2016.
- The committee accredited more than 600 radiography programs in 2007.
Radiology Technician Occupational Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average, and job opportunities are expected to be favorable.
- Although hospitals will likely be the biggest employer of radiology technicians, new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
Interested?
Check out My Colleges and Careers to find a radiology program in your area.
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