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Career Details :: Radiologic Technologists
Description
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other modalities, such as computed tomography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance.
Experience
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Tasks
- Operates or oversees operation of radiologic and magnetic-imaging equipment to produce photographs of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Operates fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
- Administers oral or injected contrast media to patients.
- Positions imaging equipment and adjusts controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Monitors video display of area being scanned and adjusts density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Positions and immobilizes patient on examining table.
- Explains procedures and observes patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Assigns duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
- Demonstrates new equipment, procedures, and techniques and provides technical assistance to staff.
- Develops departmental operating budget and coordinates purchase of supplies and equipment.
- Reviews and evaluates developed x-rays, videotape, or computer-generated information for technical quality.
- Monitors use of radiation safety measures to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Keys commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
Related Careers
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
- Dental Assistants
- Dental Hygienists
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists
- Prosthodontists
- Radiation Therapists
- Radiologic Technicians
- Respiratory Therapists
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Monitor Processes, Material, Surroundings
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Documenting/Recording Information
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Job-Required Social Interaction
- Consequence of Error
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Special Uniform
Related Majors
| Major | Add to XapPack |
|---|---|
| Anesthesiology/Patient Monitoring Systems |  [ add ] |
| Applied Health | [ add ] |
| Cardiac Rehabilitation | [ add ] |
| Diagnostic Imaging | [ add ] |
| Diagnostic Medical Imaging | [ add ] |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | [ add ] |
| Genetic Counseling | [ add ] |
| Health Care | [ add ] |
| Medical Radiography | [ add ] |
| Radiation Therapy | [ add ] |
| Radiation Therapy Technology | [ add ] |
| Radiography | [ add ] |
| Radiologic Science | [ add ] |
| Radiologic Technology | [ add ] |
| Radiological Science | [ add ] |
| Radiological Technology | [ add ] |
| Radiological/Health Sciences | [ add ] |
| Radiology Technology | [ add ] |
| Therapeutic Radiation Technology | [ add ] |
| Ultrasound | [ add ] |
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.