Job Requirements And Duties Of Radiology Technicians
Radiology is a branch of medicine that uses X-rays and radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases. Radiology technicians, also called radiographers, use different forms of radiation to scan the components of the human body. Some of these technologies include CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, and X-rays. Diagnostic imaging is used to diagnose, treat, and monitor the progress of disease treatments.
Job duties include explaining tests and procedures to patients, safely operating sensitive and potentially dangerous imaging equipment, interpreting test results, and updating patient records. They position patients to get a clear image based on physicians requests. With experience, promotional opportunities include advancement to technologist, radiologist assistant, supervisor or administrator, trainer or teacher.
It's a physically demanding profession that requires long hours of standing. Technicians may be required to lift patients to position those with limited mobility. They must also be sensitive to patients fears and be reassuring while explaining procedures to patients. Radiographers are exposed to significant quantities of radioactive materials. They must wear proper protective garments.
Coursework can be completed at a university, college, or hospital training program. Health care professionals adding to their credentials can take a 1 year certificate program. New entrants to the healthcare field will need a 2 year associate or a 4 year bachelors degree to be considered for employment opportunities. Experienced technicians with a bachelors degree can advance to administrative or teaching positions.
Entry requirements to colleges, universities, and hospital training schools vary so plan ahead to fulfill any prerequisites. High school students interested in this career field should take biology, chemistry, physics, and math. This is a highly specialized job. College or university coursework includes radio-biology, radio physics, medical ethics, medical terminologies, patient care procedure, human anatomy, and physiology. Some colleges may include an internship as part of their training.
Licensing requirements vary in different states. Some require certification exams administered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Voluntary certification through the ARRT is highly recommended even in states where it's not required. Most employers look for this. To keep ARRT certification requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
There is a growing need for radiology technicians. Entry level positions in this field are expected to grow by 14-19 percent through 2018. Hospitals employ the greatest number of technicians. Job opportunities can also be found with doctors and dentists offices, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and diagnostic laboratories. For experienced professionals, there's a growing need for teachers and administrators.
Job duties include explaining tests and procedures to patients, safely operating sensitive and potentially dangerous imaging equipment, interpreting test results, and updating patient records. They position patients to get a clear image based on physicians requests. With experience, promotional opportunities include advancement to technologist, radiologist assistant, supervisor or administrator, trainer or teacher.
It's a physically demanding profession that requires long hours of standing. Technicians may be required to lift patients to position those with limited mobility. They must also be sensitive to patients fears and be reassuring while explaining procedures to patients. Radiographers are exposed to significant quantities of radioactive materials. They must wear proper protective garments.
Coursework can be completed at a university, college, or hospital training program. Health care professionals adding to their credentials can take a 1 year certificate program. New entrants to the healthcare field will need a 2 year associate or a 4 year bachelors degree to be considered for employment opportunities. Experienced technicians with a bachelors degree can advance to administrative or teaching positions.
Entry requirements to colleges, universities, and hospital training schools vary so plan ahead to fulfill any prerequisites. High school students interested in this career field should take biology, chemistry, physics, and math. This is a highly specialized job. College or university coursework includes radio-biology, radio physics, medical ethics, medical terminologies, patient care procedure, human anatomy, and physiology. Some colleges may include an internship as part of their training.
Licensing requirements vary in different states. Some require certification exams administered through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Voluntary certification through the ARRT is highly recommended even in states where it's not required. Most employers look for this. To keep ARRT certification requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years.
There is a growing need for radiology technicians. Entry level positions in this field are expected to grow by 14-19 percent through 2018. Hospitals employ the greatest number of technicians. Job opportunities can also be found with doctors and dentists offices, outpatient clinics, diagnostic imaging centers, and diagnostic laboratories. For experienced professionals, there's a growing need for teachers and administrators.
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