Radiologic technologists are medical workers with an important role in
detecting injury and disease. They create images of the inside of the body.
Their work is the cutting-edge of technology.
There are many ways to specialize within this field. In some specialties,
they give radiation therapy treatments to patients. That is also known as
interventional radiology. Others specialize in a certain technique for creating
images. A few examples include mammography (using X-rays to create a picture
of the breast), sonography (using sound waves to create images), and magnetic
resonance imaging (using the magnetic fields of hydrogen atoms in the body
to create images).
Radiologic technologists must correctly position patients to produce a
quality image. To do this well, they must pay close attention to details and
use their knowledge of anatomy, physiology and math.
To produce images of internal organs or bones, radiologic technologists
pass a small amount of radiation through the body. Then they capture the image
on a specialized machine.
Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals and medical clinics. There
are also jobs for those wanting to work as teachers, managers or researchers.
Some find opportunities as representatives with companies that sell diagnostic
imaging equipment.
"There are many different people that become X-ray techs. The types of
people that I think do this job are helpful, caring and love hands-on technology,"
says Amanda Wyman. She is a radiologic technologist.
These health-care professionals work as part of a team with doctors and
others in health care. They work closely with patients. They must assess the
patient's condition and position the patient to get the best image. They must
explain the procedure to the patient. They operate the X-ray machine and other
computer equipment, and evaluate the quality of the finished product.
Monday-to-Friday, day-time positions are available in this field. However,
due to the vital nature of health-care work, shifts can vary. Radiologic technologists
should be prepared to work weekends, evenings, holidays and shift-work. Being
on call is not unheard of in this job. Most work a 40-hour week, although
part-time jobs do exist.
Radiologic technologists spend most of the day on their feet. As part of
the job, they often must move elderly or injured patients onto the X-ray tables.
They must be strong enough to help patients stand or walk across the room.
"You have to be fairly physically fit to be a rad tech. It would be nearly
impossible for a person with a physical limitation or special need to work
as a rad tech, because -- as with a lot of other health-care jobs -- you need
to be able to transfer and move people who cannot move themselves," says Chris
Weir. He is a medical radiologic technologist. He says that back injuries
are pretty common in an X-ray department.