Radiologic Technologist-Job Duties and Educational Requirements
A radiologic technologist is a critical part of our healthcare system. They do a lot more than just checking for broken bones these days, with advances in technology radiologic technologists are now an integral part of helping doctors to diagnose problems so that they can prescribe the proper treatment. Radiologic techs are literally helping to save lives.
Job Duties
When you hear the term radiologic technologist you may think of the person that does x-rays and you would be right but there is a lot more to it these days and there are a number of specialties that fall under the umbrella of radiologic technology.
A radiologic technologist may be responsible for conducting sonograms used in obstetrics to help monitor the health of a fetus in a pregnant woman but also for locating abdominal issues as well as problems in the vascular system. They may also conduct CT scans or MRIs which can create two-dimensional or three-dimensional maps of various parts of the body providing high resolution images that can be used to diagnose a vast number of different problems.
A radiologic technologist may also perform mammograms used in the early detection of breast cancer, nuclear medicine to see how various organs are functioning, or fluoroscopy which is live motion radiography. In addition to conducting various tests and helping physicians locate problems and diagnose illnesses, a radiologic technologist may also be responsible for managing a patient’s records.
Educational Requirements
A radiologic technologist is expected to be an expert in their chosen specialty. They will have to be able to ensure that the equipment is functioning properly and they will have to know how to properly position the equipment to get the clearest possible images. They will have to be able to do all of this while also minimizing the patient’s exposure to radiation.
Before choosing your school you may want to decide which area you would like to specialize in because each specialty will have different educational requirements. Generally speaking, you will need to have at least an Associates degree which is a two-year degree that can be obtained by completing the required coursework at an accredited university. It is also possible to pursue a more advanced degree and go for a Bachelors or even a Masters degree. If you are going to specialize in a particular field, additional education may be required.
Pursuing a higher degree may allow you to eventually work in a supervisory capacity which would give you a better chance for advancement and additional income. Whether you decide to go for an Associates degree or a more advanced degree there are over 600 radiography programs across the country that are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology that will give you the training you need to pursue a career in this field.
Career Outlook
The healthcare industry in general is booming and as the large population of baby boomers gets older, more health care professionals will be required to fill various positions. The need for radiologic technologist positions is projected to increase over the next several years providing people with the proper training a lot of career opportunities and job security. The US Department of Labor Statistics expects the employment opportunities in this field to continue to grow for the foreseeable future.
