Those who work in medical radiography help doctors diagnose patient problems.
A person working in medical radiography is commonly known as an x-ray or radiologic technician. Someone working in this field will work in a medical environment using various digital imaging methods to help doctors identify and diagnose patient illness. Training as a medical radiographer can take as little as 21 to 24 months, or can take up to four years. Each state has specific licensing requirements to work in the medical radiography field.
Education Requirements
Training in medical radiography ranges from a certification program up to an associate's or bachelor's degree. In a certified training program, you will learn use x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and mammography to create digital images that a doctor will then use to determine the nature of a patient's injury or illness. While training, you will also learn adjust and maintain the equipment you will be using. The most common education level in medical radiography is an associate's degree.
Licensing
The federal government works to protect the public from excessive or dangerous levels of radiation by ensuring that people in the medical radiography field have been properly trained. Each state is responsible for establishing its own certification or licensing program for radiographers who wish to practice in that particular state. Most states require licensing for radiologic technologists. Your state health board can inform you of its specific requirements.
Compensation
My Salary.com reports that the average compensation for a radiologic technologist in the United States as of January, 2011 is $48,286. Your compensation will be affected by your experience level and whether or not you specialize in more than one area of medical radiography. Where you live will also have an impact on your salary. The average salary in Oakland, California, was $56,625, while those working in Indianapolis, Indiana, averaged $47,218.
Working Environment and Physical Requirements
Most medical radiographers work in hospital settings, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics believes that more jobs may become available in medical offices and surgical centers. Medical radiographers spend most of the work day on their feet, and they may be required to lift or position disabled patients in order to image the affected area of the patient's body clearly. Precautions are taken to minimize the radiographer's exposure to radiation during procedures.
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