What Is a Radiology Technician?

Medical science and health care are among the fastest-growing career fields, and many of the career options in these fields do not require going to medical school. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiology technicians will see the number of jobs in their field grow by 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. With a median annual salary of $53,240, as reported in May 2009, and training that can take as little as two years to complete, a career as a radiology technician may be well worthwhile.

Job Description

• Radiology technicians are diagnostic imaging professionals who use a wide variety of imaging techniques that help physicians assess illness and injury. Radiology technicians use X-rays, mammograms and advanced imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography on a regular basis. Some technicians specialize in one of these areas, while others engage in general practice, utilizing multiple imaging techniques as ordered by physicians. Radiology technicians work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, physicians' offices and private health clinics.

Job Tasks

• Taking diagnostic images is only about half of the job performed by radiology technicians on a daily basis. Much of the work is geared toward safety, for both patients and fellow workers. Radiology technicians must use shielding techniques and special restrictive technology to limit a patient's exposure to radiation. This means that radiology technicians must set up the imaging room properly for patients as well as ensure that equipment is properly working. Technicians also must be able to explain procedures to patients, alleviate fears that they may have regarding procedures and properly situate them for the best imaging results.

Technology Used

• Radiology technicians use a variety of specific technologies throughout the course of a day. Aside from medical darkroom equipment and supplies, radiology technicians also use film archiving software to store imaging results, intensifying screens to make the images more readable and various positioning aids like straps, immobilization devices for patients and compression bands. Technicians also use advanced imaging equipment like computed tomography or CAT scanners for imaging purposes. In addition, they must make use of various types of imaging software, including storage and retrieval programs.

Knowledge and Skills

• To complete their degree or certificate programs and perform their jobs correctly, radiology technicians must be knowledgeable in a variety of areas and develop a number of different skills. They must have the proper education and training in imaging techniques, which requires a strong background in math and science. They also need to have knowledge of basic psychology along with customer service skills. Basic clerical and computer skills also come in handy. Interpersonal skills are a necessary prerequisite to success in this field, as radiology technicians typically deal with patients, doctors and other coworkers on a daily basis. Radiology technicians must be able to actively listen and communicate clearly.