If you want to help people, like working with science and technology, and are interested in the medical field, Radiologic Technology may be an exciting possibility for you.  Radiologic Technology is a field in which the need is ongoing, employment prospects are good, and personal and professional satisfaction are high.

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

The Occupational Outlook Handbook published through The U.S. Department of Labor describes Radiologic Technologists as professionals who

produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure, removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass, and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Radiographers position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.

What’s it really like?

A day in the life of a Radiologic Technologist is both exciting and rewarding.  You will be imaging a variety of patients and exams.  Your patients can run from  a person in the Emergency Room who was just in a motor vehicle accident or a patient with pneumonia who came from their physician’s office.  Other times you will be working in surgery assisting, for example, a physician replacing a hip and viewing the procedure live on a fluoroscopy screen.  The imaging department is a flow of constantly varying patients and procedures.

But wait, there is more!
Employment in Radiologic Technology is growing.  In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor data indicates a growth in total employment for this occupation through 2016 of 15%.
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists says that
A career in radiologic technology can lead in many directions. Demand for radiologic technologists is strong across the country, in every health care setting. You could work in a large hospital, a suburban outpatient clinic or a rural physician's office. You could specialize in dozens of clinical areas ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics. You could be responsible for quality assurance or for overseeing the implementation of new technology. You could manage an entire radiology department, including its budget and personnel. Or you could teach. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.

How much will I make?
Radiologic Technologists earn an average of $48,170 per year.  While this is not the salary which you will start at, it gives an idea of the potential. 

What should you expect in working conditions for a Radiologic Technologist?
Usually, professionals working as Radiologic Technologists work a 40 hour week.  Since emergencies requiring x-rays to assist with diagnoses can happen 24 at any time, you may work evenings or weekends – especially in a hospital setting.

The Occupational Outlook handbooks says that

Physical stamina is important in this occupation because technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients. Technologists work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients’ bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment.

Although radiation hazards exist in this occupation, they are minimized by the use of lead aprons, gloves, and other shielding devices, as well as by instruments monitoring exposure to radiation. Technologists wear badges measuring radiation levels in the radiation area, and detailed records are kept on their cumulative lifetime dose.

 How do you get there, from here?
BGSU Firelands prepares students for careers in Radiologic Technology through our   Associate of Applied Science degree program in Radiologic Technology.   Additionally, current practitioners who have obtained only a certificate may choose to pursue our Radiologic Science program.

Want to learn more?
Watch these videos supplied by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
www.asrt.org/content/RecruitmentRetention/RecruitmentTools/career_videos.aspx

Interested in Radiologic Technology as a career path?   Have more questions?
For further Information contact:

NOTE: Information in this Career Guide is subject to change without notice.
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