Radiological technicians, otherwise known as radiographers, are an integral part of any medical setting. In addition to prepping patients and taking X-rays, they maintain patient records and sanitize equipment. Those in an administrative position plan work schedules, manage departments or purchase equipment. As with any profession, the salary of a radiological technician is contingent on a variety of factors.
Job Description
Radiological technicians take X-ray images, also known as radiographs, of a patient's body in order to assess health problems or injuries. Prior to taking an X-ray, technicians remove metal objects from the patient's body, move the patient into a suitable position and cover the parts of the body that are not being X-rayed with a lead shield, so as to minimize exposure. X-ray film is placed beneath the body part in question, and, upon taking a picture, the film is removed and developed. There exist several specialties within the field; for example, computed tomography (CT) technicians utilize CT scanners to generate a cross-sectional image of a patient's body. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technicians create pictures using equipment with strong magnets and radio waves. To limit unwanted radiation, it is essential that radiological technicians obey doctors' orders and abide by strict rules and regulations.
Work Environment
It is not uncommon for radiological technicians to be on call for nights or weekends, particularly those working full time. Part-time work is sometimes available. Technicians spend a great deal of time on their feet and are normally stationed by imaging equipment. However, they may be required to work at a patient's bedside or to drive to a patient's home in a van equipped with necessary imaging tools. To avoid the dangers associated with radiation exposure, radiological technicians use gloves, lead shields and lead aprons to ensure safety.
Education
Aspiring radiological technicians have several options when it comes to satisfying their education/training requirements. They can pursue either a one-year certificate or diploma, two-year associate's degree or four-year bachelor's degree. If desired, technicians can earn their associate's degree and then move toward a bachelor's or master's degree----one or both of which is preferred if seeking an administrative or teaching position. Certified graduates may elect to continue their training in a specific advanced imaging field, such as mammography, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Coursework generally includes biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and medical terminology; courses specific to radiological technology consist of radiation physics and protection, pathology and medical ethics, to name a few. Radiological technicians then apply their knowledge and gain hands-on experience in a three- to six-month internship.
Salary Range
The average salary of a radiological technician in the United States is $46,916, though that varies according to location, specialty, education and employment setting. The middle 50 percent of U.S. radiological technicians earn from $42,825 to $51,271.
Job Outlook
Employment opportunities for radiological technicians are projected to grow at 15 percent----faster than the average for all occupations----over the course of the 2006 to 2016 decade. Job opportunities will increase largely because of the overall aging of the population, resulting in a growing need for diagnostic imaging. In addition, retiring radiological technicians will need to be replaced, creating even more job openings. The best employment opportunities will be available to those technicians who are willing to relocate and who have experience in multiple diagnostic imaging procedures (i.e., computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography).
Tags: computed tomography, patient body, radiological technicians, resonance imaging, associate degree, computed tomography magnetic