A radiology technician is a quickly emerging position that is becoming one of the highest-paying jobs in the medical field. It also requires relatively little training and education. Furthermore, it is a recession-proof job because it is always in demand.
Main Duties
A radiology technician administers medical scans on patients. These scans include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasound.
Safety Duties
Because a radiology technician works constantly around radioactive materials, he makes sure both he and the patient are safe from them. This means wearing lead shields that protect the body from radioactive emissions.
Administrative Duties
Before beginning any scan, a radiology technician follows the doctor's notes to make sure he is performing the correct scan. For instance, a doctor may order a technician to administer an MRI with contrast material (an injection administered to the patient that "lights up" internal organs on the scan).
Training of a Radiology Technician
A radiology technician typically goes to a technical school or community college to earn an associate's degree in radiologic technology. After earning his degree, the technician takes the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT) exam to gain state licensure.
Earnings and Job Outlook of a Radiology Technician
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a radiology technician earns about $48,000 per year. The BLS also states that radiology technician jobs will grow by 15 percent in the next decade.
Tags: radiology technician, Radiology Technician