Responsibilities of Radiology Technicians

If you want to become a radiology technician, you must be aware of the duties and responsibilities involved in a Radiology technician job. You need to evaluate and review the developed x-rays, computer generated information, or video tapes for determining whether the images can be used for diagnostic purposes or not. In order to ensure the safety of patients, you and the other staff, you must strictly follow the radiation safety measures and should use the protection devices. You need to observe patients during scanning and explain them its procedures for ensuring their safety and comfort. Radiology technician job description also includes:

Position patients on examination table

Position imaging equipment

Adjust the machine for setting exposure time and distance as per specification

Enter data and key commands in to computer

Specify scan sequences

Adjust receivers and transmitters

Take photograph of certain images

Monitor the video display of the area to be scanned

Adjust contrast or density of scan image to improve the quality of pictures

Monitor the reactions and conditions of patients

If there are abnormal signs, report it to physicians

Set up examination room to ensure all necessary equipment is ready

Administer injected or oral contrast media to patients

Take medical history of patients accurately and thoroughly

Remove and process films

Perform minor emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance on radiographic equipment

Undertake administrative duties

Work with the other healthcare members for conducting special vascular procedures or angiography

Help patients in dressing if they are seriously injured, ill, or disabled

Provide technical assistance to the other team members

Process, record, and maintain the data and treatment records of patients, etc.

Potential Dangers

Radiology technicians mostly handle cancer patients and the chance of exposure to radiation is also very high. However, you can prevent it if you use protective devices, like lead shields. It is also essential to check the amount of radiation exposure frequently to avoid adverse side effects due to it.

Educational Requirements for Radiology Technicians

You can enroll in a number of formal training programs to get a Radiology technician job. You can get an entry level job in this field if you have an associate degree or a certificate. However, employees with a bachelor degree in radiology can earn more salary and reputation. In order to enroll in a radiology training program, you must have a high school diploma, high scores in an entrance examination and must be free from criminal activities.

Certificate Program in Radiology

You need to devote 1-2 years for getting a certificate in radiology. The program empowers students with clinical training, classroom instructions, and technical skills necessary for handling entry level positions in radiology technology. Coursework include patient care, image processing, radiology equipment, etc. You will also get clinical training under the supervision of a radiologist.

Associate Degree in Radiology

The duration of Associate Degree programs in Radiology is around two years. The program consists of clinical training, classroom teachings, and general education in science and communication. Usually, technical schools and community colleges are conducting these training programs. You can take courses in radiation protection, radiographic physics, and imaging procedures and analysis.

Bachelor Degree

Some universities and colleges offer bachelor degree in radiologic technology programs to the student who wants to get a Radiology technician job. The duration of this program is 4 years and it emphasizes patient care, diagnostics, advanced technology, which are essential for you to perform your duties as a radiology technician in clinics, hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. You will also get classroom studies and clinical training. The program covers topics such as:

Principles of radiological imaging
Pathology
Human anatomy
Physiology
General and nuclear physics
Mathematics
Radiation physics
Radiopharmacology
General chemistry
Medical ethics
Patient care
Computer programming
Medical imaging techniques
Emergency medical procedure
Radiological instrumentation
Medical imaging science and diagnosis
Nursing procedures
Research
Biology, etc.

Some of the top schools, which conduct radiologic technology training programs are University of Charleston, University of Iowa, University of St Francis, etc.

Licensure

If you want to work as a radiology technician, you must earn a state licensure. Though the health boards of the respective states are the determining authority for licensing requirements, you must pass a licensing examination to obtain a licensure. You can seek Radiology technician job in some states, if you have a certification from the ARRT (American Registration of Radiologic Technologists). It can be obtained by earning high scores in a state licensing examination.

Certification

Certification is not mandatory to work as a radiology technician. However, if you have a certification, it means that you are highly qualified for doing Radiology technician job. Employers also prefer to hire people with professional certification in radiology technology, which is issued by the ARRT. You are eligible for getting a certification if you have completed an ARRT accredited formal training program successfully. You must also obtain high scores in a primary certification examination. The radiology technicians who seek primary certification from January 1, 2015 must have at least an associate degree.

Radiology Technician Salary

The salary of a radiology technician depends on various factors, such as education qualification, certification, experience, geographical location, etc. However, as per the estimates of Salary.com, an entry level technician can earn around $30,000 per year. The annual median salary of an experienced radiology technician is around $90,000.

Prospects of Radiology Technician Job

Employment opportunities for radiology technicians are very bright. The growth rate in radiology technician job is 28% and it is expected that this tendency will continue till 2020. Compared to the growth rate of all other occupations, it is really very fast. The old age population is increasing and they need more medical care and attention due to fractures and breaks. Radiology technicians are essential for the proper diagnosis of the health problem in such circumstances. Modern lifestyle also contributes a major part for new illnesses. This is also favorable for those who seek radiology technician job.

Radiology Technician Certificate Program

The radiology technicians practice their profession in the hospitals where they carry out diagnostic imaging, like CT or computed tomography, x-rays as well as MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scans. Students who are under a certificate program on radiology learn the skills that they need in preparing and positioning patients, handling diagnostic machinery as well as processing the radiologic images. Within two years, these programs can already be finished and after it, the graduates will already be qualified to take the certification exam to become a radiology technician.

Educational Fundamentals

Before being admitted to the certificate program for radiology technician, students must be able to complete a class on computer information technology and several other basic courses in science like physiology and anatomy, medical terminology and biology. Background checks are usually needed before the students can partake in clinical practices.

Program Coursework

Students who want to be radiology technicians in general must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or even higher for them to get their completion certificate. Through hands-on externship and lab participations, students will be able to learn and study topics on radiology like:

• Patient care
• Safety procedures for radiology technicians and patients
• Health care personnel ethics
• Biology of radiation
• Radiographic pathology
• Radiologic medical methods
• Operations of scanning equipment

Information on Salary and Employment Outlook

From 2008 to 2018, it is predicted that employment of radiology technologists and technicians will increase by 17.2%, based from the studies of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). This agency also noted that in the year 2008, the technicians grossed a mean yearly wage of $53,230. Also, during that year, some of the field’s highest earners worked in the states of Maryland, Nevada, Massachusetts, New Jersey and California, with an average of $61,780 to $67,240 per annum.

Information on Continuing Education and Professional Certification

Majority of radiology technicians must get their licensure from the states where they live for them to practice legally. Requirements usually vary per state but in general, it includes completion of the program on radiology technician and passing the exam that follows. Radiology technicians can also choose to have a voluntary professional certification which is usually preferred by most employers. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (www.arrt.org) also offers certification to those individuals who passed organizational assessment and were able to meet the minimum educational requisites. Continuing education is needed biannually for maintaining the certification on radiology technology.

Masters of Science in Radiologist Assistant

The programs in the master’s degree in radiologist assistants are recommended in order to help these professionals to be prepared in making a link between the gap of physicians and technologists. The role of Radiologist assistants is noticed when it comes to the interaction with the patients, performing some radiology procedures designated to them by their head as well as conduction of the first interpretations of the diagnostic scans that were made. The program for this continuing educational course will require you to commit two years of your time and is intended for those who are already exercising their profession. The focus of the coursework is all about clinical research and computer technology. Pharmacology courses, work in clinical experience and fundamentals in anatomy are also components of their curricula.

Educational Requirements

There is a need for the students to work for at least three years for the position of radiologic technologists in order for them to be accepted in master’s degree program for a radiologist assistant. Also, the degree in the bachelor course from the legitimate university is also a requirement. Aside from that, schools offering this kind of course are also requesting for recommendations. Lastly, students for this program must be members of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Coursework of the Program

There is an on-campus as well as online learning depending on the kind program. In addition to that, there must also be a practice on-site in a health facility. The courses like these are more advanced specifically regarding the equipment used for radiology. The coverage of the course include:

• Pathophysiology
• Radiobiology
• Interventional procedures
• Patient assessment
• Health physics

Salary Information and the Employment Outlook

Because there is an emergence of the field of radiologist assistant, there is less availability when it comes to the salary figures as well as to the employment information. The pioneer radiologist assistants’ class is a product of Loma Linda University in the year 2005 which is based from the information of American Society of Radiologic Technologists. But when it comes to the radiologic technologists figures, in which radiologic technologists is the outlet, it can be found once you take a look at the data from Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States. From 2008, there was 17 percent job growth to this profession. This is a lot faster as compared to the average. On May 2008, $52,210 is the expected median salary for those radiology technologists.

Overview of the Degree in Radiology Technician Associate Offered Online

The coverage of this program is all about supplying its students with the basic principles needed to help patient examination made possible. Moreover, the students from this kind of program are able to study terminologies from medical field as well as the information regarding examination procedures, x-ray technology and its principles. The information regarding this is thought alongside with the data about x-ray machines and all the fundamental facts about how technicians in radiology assist doctors in curing internal ailments of patients like ulcers, fractured bones as well as tumors. Furthermore, the students under this program are also trained to evaluate the images of x-ray results and to help out in the process of diagnosis. When undergoing this kind of program, it is best for the students to have good body built. During the course of this profession, lifting of machines will be noted.

Program Requirements and Information

The hybrid formats of the degree programs offered in the internet regarding technician associate must complete experience in on-the-site clinical experience in a health facility. There are some schools out there which will supply their coursework by means of Blackboard platform. Because of this, there will be communication between the student and the teacher with the aid of email as well as message boards.

Of course, there is a need to have an access with computer with quality internet connection. Moreover, the operating system of the computer must be upgraded.

Information on Distinctive Online Courses

Aside from the elective courses, students also have the freedom to engage in educational courses that are general. The courses expected from these are asynchronous.

Course on Radiographic Procedures

The main focus of this course is on the understanding of the x-ray equipment function. The students here are expected to learn more about commonly used terminologies as well as the interpretation of images projected in the equipment. The information on body positions and fundamentals of anatomy is also learned from this.

Course on Radiation Protection

Under this, the information on the effects of radiation to the human system will be learned. This also concentrates on the monitoring of radiation and the means of measuring it. Furthermore, students will also be imparted with the measures that will help in the protection of their patients from such harmful factor.

Course for Radiographic Imaging Equipment

The course includes the topic on equipment physics of x-ray, mechanics and other fundamental information. The components of x-ray machine are also learned from this course.

Continuing Education and Certification

Once the program is completed, the students are already allowed to take certification exam on radiography administered by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. There is an option for the graduates to improve their education by means of undergoing Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology. This is also a course in hybrid structure. The program deals mainly with the complex radiographic imaging like MRI scanning, CT scanning and others.

Career Information

Based from Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were employed radiologists in the year 2008 of around 214,700. There is an increase of 17 percent in this number based from BLS in years 2008 to 2010. There is about $53,240 median wage for this profession in the year 2009. People who work in this kind of field are considered as the highest earners having $57,250 as their annual salary.

Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology

The basic understanding regarding radiography will be provided by this two year program or degree on radiologic technology. Aside from that, this program is also able to supply its students with the information on x-ray equipment operation. The graduates of this program is surely eligible and prepared to undergo with the examination and certification imposed by American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Courses on general education, clinical experience, laboratory courses and courses on core didactic are the four elements of this degree program. Aside from understanding the ways and how’s regarding procedures in radiology, computer science, algebra, physiology and anatomy will also be covered by the program. When the participants are performing their clinical hours, they are being trained with the help of the assistance of specialist in medical imaging as well as licensed radiographers.

Educational Prerequisites

There are programs in associate degree in this kind of field that are all in the entry level type. The only requirement that is asked from the students who will undergo this program is diploma in high school. But the incoming students under the course must have powerful English command as well as have 2.5 GPA minimum in some of the courses like laboratory science as well as biology.

Program Coursework

There is a pairing happening with the classes of radiologic technology degree associate program together with practicum in clinical radiography. Because of this kind of curriculum, the students under the program are able to learn all of the information that they need in an entry-level position. Therefore, they will end up as a knowledgeable graduate. The coverage of the program coursework includes:

• Radiation biology
• Radiographic exposure lab
• Radiographic equipment
• Radiographic procedures
• Radiation physics
• Fundamental patient care
• Introduction to radiologic technology

Salary Information and Outlook Employment

When it comes to the employment of the professionals in this field which covers diagnostic laboratories, offices of the physicians and hospitals, there are radiologic technicians of about 213,000. This was in the year 2009 and is based from the information of BLS of United States. Median salary is expected for this professional at about $53,240. In the year 2018, there will be an estimated 17 percent growth in this kind of profession. This is a lot faster as compared to the other occupations of professionals.

Information on Course Certification

There are different licensing requirements and procedures from different states in U.S. American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is offering examination in the certification of people who are in the profession of radiography and this can also be used in terms of licensing the profession. The specialist in CT, radiology assistants and MRI technicians can also make an educational advancement by means of attending and enrolling in trainings.

Radiology Technicians: Information on Licensing

Because of the fact that the field of radiology is exposed to the harmful element which is radiation, most of the states are imposing profession regulation to make sure that there is an utmost safety that will be felt by the patient. Generally, almost all of the states require for a radiation technician to be licensed. To those who are interested in this, they should connect with the licensing department of the place where they live.

It is a common requirement that for those who will undergo this profession, they should have graduated from accredited educational institutions. But in some states, interested individuals can use professional certification as substitute to this requirement. Prior to testing to the so called general license, concerned radiology technicians need first to get temporary certificate.

Radiology Technicians: Credential Information

Education
There are four years of bachelor’s degree that can be obtained by individuals interested in the field of this profession. Aside from that, associate degree that is about two years as well as radiology certificate is also offered for this career. Based from the data found in BLS or Bureau of Labor Statistics in United States, the commonly chosen path of entering in the career of radiology is the associate’s degree. Generally, the programs presented are able to teach information on how to use and to identify equipment for imaging. There is also participation as well as observation opportunities for participating students in these programs.

Professional Credentials
ARRT or American Registry of Radiologic Technologists introduces credential and exam for the professionals in this field which is recognized nationally. Even though this field of the radiological certification is set as voluntary, most of the employers are choosing to hire those technicians that can show their proficiency and knowledge due to the organization certification.

Certification
The certification usually starts by means of initial examination. This will require the candidates to qualify for the criminal background evaluation as well as training program that comprises clinical experience. The coverage of the test is usually more of the procedures involved which utilize technology myriads like technology in nuclear medicine, sonography and computed tomography. For those people who will use the examination for state licensing, goal intent can be tested for the application of the knowledge that they have.

Registration
By the time that ARRT has already certified a radiologic technician, he is still required to pass yearly registration in order to have the certified status maintained. The applicant will be required to stick to the ethical code of ARRT as well as to enter to the continuous educational programs. Yet, the continuous registration may not be required by the other states.

Information of Radiology Technician

When speaking of radiology technician, this is the individual who is responsible in the assistance of administered radiological treatments based from the order of the physician. Moreover, technician is also responsible in the operation of the machines used to come up with the images depending on the type of procedure needed. Aside from that, preparation and patient dealing is also a function of radiologic technician. There are other functions involved like setting of equipment, control adjusting, table examining, positioning of the patient and explanation of the procedures.

Requirements Needed to be a Radiology Technician

The professional in this field are well trained regarding the radiology areas. Examples of these are ultrasound, MRI, CT scan and plain radiology. If a physician is more skilled, there will be more complex task that he is able to do. Like in the case of fluoroscopic procedure, the technician will not just perform in manipulating machines but will also prepare the solution needed to easily come up with the imaging needed.

In some cases, there is formal training needed for you to assume a position in medical institutions. The program needed can actually last for more than four years but this still varies from the concentration that you want. There is a minimum two year program that most of the technicians are able to engage in. However, there are already programs offered in one year where you will be given with the training that you need. Bachelor’s degree is needed when you are planning to assume a supervisor position.

Coursework of Radiology Technician

The components of the coursework of radiology technician involve:
• Mammography
• Interventional cardiovascular Radiology
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Computerized Tomography
• Procedures on Cardiovascular Intervention
• Computerized Tomography
• Nuclear Medicine
• Radiotherapy
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Program Finding

There are varieties of institutions offering trainings for radiology technician. Examples of these are universities, collages as well as hospitals. There are also some of the vocational-technical institutions that will provide you with the high quality of training that you need. Example of the specific institution where you can get high quality of training like this is the Armed Forces of the United States. This institution will provide you with the training with modernized technologies.

Salary Information and Career Outlook

There is a positive expectation when it comes to the employment aspect of the radiology technicians in the year 2014. The principal employers that the professionals in this field can apply for are hospitals. Based from the information of American Society of Radiologic Technologists or the ASRT, the average salary of the professional in this field is about $24. Moreover, the annual salary is expected to reach up to $65,000.

Nature of Radiologic Technician

Based from the information from BLS, the function of professionals under this field is to take the patients’ x-rays as well as the administration of the non-radioactive substances to their clients in order to help ascertain the presence of an illness.

Aside from that, radiologic technicians are also in charge of the maintenance of the safety of their patients as well as their security when using the machines for patient testing. Moreover, the people under this profession are also expected to update their patient records as well as execution of other clerical duties which include maintaining and scheduling relevant paperwork to the machinery office involved.

Specializations Available

The included specialization in this field is composed of having expertise with Magnetic Resonance Imaging as well as Computerized Tomography. There are also more advance radiologic technicians who can also perform fluoroscopies or the administration of a contrast medium solution to his patient in order for the doctor to ascertain the condition of the patient tissues.

The Requirements in Education for Aspiring Radiologic Technicians

Based from the data of CareerInfoNet, most of the radiologic technicians have already finished their college education. The percentage is about 68.3 percent. The remaining percentage which is about 22.6 has just completed their bachelor’s degree.

Based from the information from BLS or the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the programs for radiography ranges from year length of one up to four years and this will also end up in having a bachelor’s or associate degree as well as certification. However, there is less popularity that is expected from people who have finished associate degrees. In case of the teaching positions, the people who are interested with this must obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Programs for Radiography

You can identify the accreditation level of the programs for radiography by means of ascertaining whether it is recognized by Joint Review Committee on Education focusing in Radiologic Technology. When this is the type of program that you will avail of, you are surely able to get not just whole forms of theory but also practical instructions. There is also included clinical and classroom hours. The coursework usually includes radiation, imaging, patient care and anatomy and physiology.

Radiologic Technicians Occupational Outlook

Basing from the data presented by BLS or the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is overwhelming increase in the career growth of people who are under this profession. There is an increase of about eighteen up to twenty six percent of the employment opportunity for this career in the year 2014. The possible employers are imaging and diagnostic centers and hospitals. These stated employees will also feel the advantage in terms of the modernized equipment used in diagnostic procedures like in MRI or Magnetic Imaging Resonance.

Patients may be anxious about the procedures and have questions. Technicians need to be good listeners and good communicators. After explaining the process, the technician helps position the patient as well the equipment. For some procedures, contrans agents will need to be prepared and administered by injection. Depending on the type of imaging, special protective gear maybe use to save the patient from unnecessary exposure to radiation. Technicians also may need protection such as led aprons or shield. The technicians set the equipment for the appropriate detail and contrans and then take the images.

With x-rays they develop the film, although this process is increasingly being replaced by computer imaging, a much more efficient and higher resolution process. While formal training can range from one to four years, two years associate degree programs are the most common. Employment has mainly in hospitals, doctor’s offices and diagnostic imagining centers.