Michigan needs more radiology technicians to take diagnostic images.
Radiology technologists help diagnose medical problems by taking X-rays or other diagnostic images. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment through 2018 is expected to grow faster then average, increasing by 17 percent. The bureau lists average yearly wages for Michigan radiology technologists in May 2009 at $49,480.
Education
Most radiology technicians in Michigan earn a two-year associate's degree from an accredited program that includes practical work-site training and required classes such as anatomy, medical terminology, patient care and imaging. Most workplaces hire radiology technicians who are certified and registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians.
Accredited Michigan colleges that offer radiology technician degrees include Mott Community College in Flint, Baker University in Muskegon, Owosso and Clinton Township, Lansing Community College, Oakland Community College in Bloomfield Hills and Wayne State University in Detroit.
Environment
Michigan radiology technologists work in hospitals, clinics, medical centers and doctors' offices. Technologists usually work 40-hour weeks that may include evenings and weekends. They are on their feet most of the day, have to move and adjust equipment and may need to lift or assist disabled and ill patients.
Radiology technologists sometimes travel to a patient's bedside or home with equipment to take images. Safety equipment must be used for protection from the radiation that is used for X-rays, including lead shields, gloves, aprons and badges that monitor radiation levels.
Duties
Radiology technologists in Michigan set up, position, adjust, operate and maintain X-ray and diagnostic imaging equipment. They explain the imaging process to patients, help remove metal objects, provide safety equipment such as lead shields, position the patients, monitor them during the procedure and produce high-quality images. Sometimes they inject nonradioactive dye or contrast liquid into patients' veins to help produce clearer images. Radiology technologists schedule appointments, keep records, take medical histories and prepare reports.
Prospects
As the population ages and diagnostic imaging is used more often, more jobs will be created in Michigan for radiology technologists. Those with the best prospects are technologists with specialties in more than one area, such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI and angiography.
Some radiology technologists may use required continuing education classes to become a specialist in interventional radiation, nuclear medicine or radiation therapy. Others may become teachers, supervisors, administrators or directors.
Tags: Community College, Michigan radiology, Michigan radiology technologists, radiology technicians, diagnostic images
