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Pathway: Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services
Job: Radiologic Technician
Job Description
Radiologic technicians prepare patients and operate sophisticated equipment. They administer nonradioactive materials into patients’ blood streams, take x-rays, and produce films for diagnostic purposes. Radiologic technicians may help keep patient records, adjust and maintain equipment, prepare work schedules, and evaluate equipment purchases.
Necessary Education
Varies – Certificate, Associate’s Degree (most prevalent), or Bachelor’s Degree
Helpful High School Courses
Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Health, English
Working Conditions
- Usually work a standard 40-hour week, but may work evenings, weekends, shift work, or on-call
- May be physically demanding – standing on feet for long periods and assisting patients
- Potential radiation hazards are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring radiation exposure
- Some may travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment
Salary Range
- 2003, Delaware average annual salary,
$42,790
- 2003, Delaware average hourly wage,
$20.57
Career Ladder Information
- Although hospitals will remain the primary employer, a greater number of new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers
- Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Those with cross training in nuclear medicine technology or other modalities will have the best job prospects
- The majority of States and Puerto Rico license radiologic technicians
- Voluntary registration is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) in radiography
Personal Qualities and Interests
You:
- Have physical stamina
- Are sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs
- Pay attention to detail and follow instructions
- Are able to work as part of a team
- Have mechanical ability and manual dexterity (for operating complicated equipment)
Did you know?
Faster-than-average job growth will arise from an increase in the number of middle-aged and older persons who are the primary users of diagnostic procedures.
Radiologic technicians wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and details are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.
Additional Information
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