Radiologic technicians use and maintain equipment used for x-rays.
Radiologic technicians use and maintain equipment and supplies that are essential for demonstrating portions of the human body on x-ray film or fluoroscopic screen for diagnostic reasons. They explain procedures to patients to reduce patient anxieties and to get their cooperation, and the technicians process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer produced methods. Radiologic technicians determine the x-ray needs of patients by reading requests or getting instructions from doctors.
Duties
The duties required of a radiologic technician include positioning patients on examining tables and setting up and adjusting equipment, using beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure, making sure that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters and other required equipment is present and in working order and maintaining a current file of examination protocols. They may also be responsible for operating digital picture archiving communications and systems, performing different procedures, preparing contrast materials, anesthetic and radiopharmaceuticals and coordinating the work of other technicians or technologists when procedures require more than one person.
Skills
The skills required of a radiologic technician include critical thinking skills, reading comprehension skills, writing skills and speaking skills. Radiologic technicians should also possess oral comprehension skills to be able to listen and understand information conveyed verbally; control precision skills to be able to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of the machines; and speech clarity to be able to convey verbal information clearly.
Knowledge
Radiologic technicians need to have knowledge of emergency medical procedures, medical terminology, medical office procedures, quality assurance techniques, clinical radiation safety procedures and clinical sterilizing safety procedures. They should also use interpersonal communication techniques, follow patient observation procedures, follow darkroom procedures, use hazardous materials information and follow infectious materials procedures. Radiologic technicians need to have knowledge of the English language, customer and personal service skills, and should have knowledge of mathematics, physics, public safety and security and psychology.
Requirements
The requirements needed to become a radiologic technician include a two-year associate degree or some sort of vocational training. Some hospitals offer on-the-job training, but most radiologic technicians acquire training outside of hospitals or doctor’s offices. Radiologic Programs range from one to four years and result in a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree. Hospitals prefer to hire applicants with prior training.
Working Conditions
Radiologic technicians usually work a full-time shift at 40 hours per week. They may have to work odd hours, however, if hospital needs change. Some work evenings, weekends or on an on-call basis. Radiologic technicians need to have physical stamina, since they work on their feet most of the workday and may have to lift or turn disabled patients. They have to wear protective equipment throughout the day; this equipment includes lead aprons, gloves and other shielding mechanisms to minimize the risk of radiation hazards.
Salary
The average annual salary of a radiologic technician was $43,350 in May 2004, according to My Plan.
Tags: Radiologic technicians, radiologic technician, have knowledge, need have, radiologic technician include, Radiologic technicians need