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So, what does a radiologic technologist do in a typical workday? What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? What Does a Radiology Technician Do? A radiology technician may also be responsible for updating patient records and maintaining the imaging equipment itself. Radiologic technologists—also known as rad techs— provide an important service in the healthcare industry.With skills that are learned in either a two-year or four-year program, they work closely with radiologists to take images of patients and determine the suitability of … Step 1: Get an Associate Degree in a Relevant Major. What a radiologic technologist does not do is make any judgments after seeing the images they take. Also known as a radiology tech, this position works with individuals being tested for symptoms and signs of diseases which means many times they work with people who are experiencing pain, are afraid, or may lack social support. What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? Some focus on diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Those Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists who do attend college, typically earn either a Medical Technician degree or a Nuclear And Industrial Radiologic Technologies degree. During a qualified program, students will learn the necessary skills needed to perform essential duties. What Does a Senior Radiologic Technologist Do There are certain skills that many senior radiologic technologists have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. Radiologic Technician is the original term used for this position. You would want to look for and research magnetic resonance imaging programs to start your educational journey. Working with a team of doctors and nurses, Radiologic Technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures on patients, including X-Rays. A full 8-hour day is very common, but more hours may be asked of many radiologic technologists. Radiologic technologist take xrays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Radiologic technologists must complete a minimum two-year educational program and pass a national certification exam before they can practice their trade. Radiologic technologists work in a high-tech, high touch and highly sensitive healthcare industry. As previously noted, the physical exertion from standing all day means radiologic technologists should be fit and healthy. However, an associate’s degree is usually the traditional track along with a license or certification depending on the state one resides in and their requirements. Job Duties The licensing and scope of practice for radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians varies by state, so you can check with your state’s health department for details. Radiologic technologists and technicians, also known as radiographers , produce xray films (radiographs) of elements of our body … A rad tech performs diagnostic imaging procedures. As the healthcare field has grown and job titles have changed, the position of Radiologic Technician morphed into Radiology Technologist. The technologist must have good insight into mechanical and scientific skills so they can properly use the equipment. This is more hands-on training than most other entry-level healthcare programs at any degree level. The technician will know whether an image is high-quality and good enough for the radiologist to use or not. Radiology technicians prepare the patients for the x-rays, operate the equipment, keep patient records, may even adjust and maintain the machines, and could eventually manage a radiology department. If you’ve ever gotten an X-ray, mammogram, or another kind of imaging test, you’ve probably met a radiographer. Radiologic technologists are the unsung, behind-the-scenes players in the healthcare industry. A radiologic technologist is a health care professional with expertise in the proper use and deployment of diagnostic imaging scans, such as MRIs, X-rays and CTs. The most well-known include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and computed tomography (CT) scans. Radiologic Technologist Salaries and Hiring Outlook. A radiologic technologist has many more responsibilities than just taking pictures. Radiology technologists need to have at least an associate’s degree in radiologic technology to work in entry-level radiology positions at hospitals and physician offices. 1 As you consider earning a degree in radiologic technology, you should become familiar with the various influences on radiologic technologist pay. Radiologic Technologists, or R.T.s perform an important role in the delivery of patient care in hospitals, clinics and outpatient facilities. Radiology technicians and technologists, also called radiographers, usually have consistent duties in their day-to-day jobs; however, their routines can vary depending upon their work environment.Working in a small clinic is different from working in a big, urban hospital. A radiology technician, who is also in some cases referred to as radiology technologist works with a radiologist in carrying out diagnosis and treatment of patients by the use of radiology equipment. A radiologic technologist or technician can earn either an associate or a bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology. Radiology technologists take xrays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Overview: What does a Radiologic Technologist do? A two-year radiologic technologist degree program is a superb fit for someone who wants to. Radiologic technologists may help diagnose issues such as broken bones, soft-tissue damage, and abnormal growths. A registered radiologic technologist – a rad tech – is a medical professional who is certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations. A radiologic technologist is a healthcare worker who specializes in imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, and CT scans, performed primarily in diagnostic capacities. The average radiologic technologist makes $54,340 per year and the career is growing at a rate of 28% of 2010-2012. Their only job is to report the images to the radiologist, who then analyzes the data. After graduation, many students choose to take the national certification exam and acquire a state-specific license. Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The average hourly pay for a Radiologic Technologist is $23.71. These programs would provide classroom and hands-on training. Specializations in the field include cardiovascular-interventional radiography, mammography or sonography. What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? Many technologists may choose to advance their careers with a bachelor’s degree in radiology in order to gain access to supervisory or highly specialized positions. Posted by Jessica Stensrud Tuesday, Sep. 1, 2015. How to Become a Radiologic Technologist Radiologic Technologist Job Description. Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, in order to help physicians diagnose the problems that are ailing their patients. Also provide radiological therapy and prepare and administer radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostic and therapeutic studies. It is extremely important to be informed! Their duties may begin with performing imaging procedures, or they may delegate that task to a technician. Radiologic technologists assist physicians in performing diagnostic imaging tests, including X-rays, CT scans, and mammograms, using a radiation-based photographic process. Directing radiologic technologists (personnel who operate the equipment) in the proper performance of quality exams. Radiologic technologists complete anywhere from 1,200 to 2,000 hours of clinical experience in addition to their other courses. The primary role of a radiologic technologist (also called an x-ray technologist or radiographer) is using medical imaging equipment to produce images of tissues, organs, bones, and vessels and, with advanced training, assisting in the administration of radiation therapy treatments. Radiologic technologists require at least an associate degree, although bachelor's degree programs are also available. Radiologic Technologists are professionals in the allied health field who use diagnostic imaging techniques and provide radiation therapy. Visit PayScale to research radiologic technologist hourly pay by city, experience, skill, employer and more. A radiology technician is not to be confused with a radiology technologist, which performs more advanced imaging. Hours Worked. They’re also called radiologic technologists, radiology technicians, or RTs. What does a radiologic technologist do? What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? Some radiologic technologists will specialize in certain disciplines related to specific areas of … What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. What Kind of Work Does a Radiology Tech Do Day to Day? Either way, their main job is to analyze the resulting images and record their findings. Radiology Technician v. Radiology Technologist. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or AART (link opens in a new tab) states that you must earn an associate’s degree from an approved AART program in order to take the AART certification exam. Be sure to request information from multiple schools in order to compare which course is most convenient for you. A radiologic technician, sometimes referred to as a limited scope technician, has a limited scope of practice and is not allowed to perform certain imaging procedures. One of the key roles for an RT is the operation of equipment for digital images of bones, internal organs, and tissues. There is a simple reason why these two terms exist; and why they cause confusion. Many radiologic technologists specialize in a particular area of medical imaging, such as mammography or computed tomography (CT scans). Operate radiological equipment to produce radiographs (X-rays) of body for diagnostic purposes as directed by radiologist. But you aren’t limited to radiography. If you've ever broken a bone or needed an ultra-sound, chances are you were helped by a radiologic technologist, or rad tech. Radiologic technologists are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and basic patient care. What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? The field of radiologic technology provides opportunities to help others while potentially earning a salary above the US average, with expectations for positive job growth in the coming years. Specialization in such areas as mammography, biplane fluoroscopy, or other R.T. specialties may require additional training. Radiologic technologists are radiology technicians who have progressed through continued education and training or those who acquired additional training and education before entering the field. What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? Let’s take a look at what a radiologic technologist does and how you can pursue a career in this field. 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