Radiologic technologists, also referred to as radiographers, are medical professionals who capture and process diagnostic images to be used in patient care. Their work is incredibly important to the broader healthcare sphere, as medical imaging is needed to detect anomalies in blood, bones, organs, and tissue—as well as get patients the treatment they need and deserve.

If you are seeking a hands-on career that blends advanced technology and patient care, radiography is an excellent choice. Radiologic technologists, in particular, enjoy a high-paying, highly fulfilling role where every day brings new patients, new cases, and new learnings to light.

Read on to learn what radiologic technologists do, as well as where you can work and how you can grow in this evolving field.

A day in the life of a radiologic technologist

What do radiologic technologists do, exactly? For those considering any career, this is an important question to ask!

Radiologic technologists are primarily responsible for setting up and operating specialized imaging equipment, including X-ray technology, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, and computed tomography (CT) machines. Radiologic technologists use these to create images of patients’ bodies (or areas of concern), which are then used to diagnose and treat conditions.

Because radiologic technologists work with patients, interpersonal skills are an important part of this job. With each image taken, technologists are responsible for positioning patients appropriately and protecting other parts of their bodies from radiation. Radiologic technologists also make sure patients feel comfortable and may answer questions that patients have about the process.

Become a radiologic technologist through Goodwin!

Core responsibilities of a radiologic technologist

As you can already gather, this career is multifaceted, combining technology, science, and patient care into one impactful job. Here is an in-depth look at the core duties of a radiologic technologist:

• Conduct medical imaging using advanced equipment like MRIs, CT machines, ultrasounds, fluoroscopy equipment, and more
• Evaluate images with physician or radiologist, to confirm whether more imaging is needed for diagnosis
• Interpret images in collaboration with medical team, helping providers to identify abnormalities and produce/develop reports
• Position patients for accurate imaging, as well as set up the machine appropriately
• Prepare patients for imaging procedures, which may include administering contrast agents for visualization
• Promote patient safety during imaging, shielding other parts of the body from radiation exposure (when necessary)
• Receive and follow precise orders from physicians and practitioners regarding which parts of the body to image
• Take medical histories of patients ahead of imaging and maintain detailed records post-visit
• Test and maintain imaging equipment regularly to ensure machines are clean and operational
• Walk patients through imaging process and answer questions that arise

While the daily responsibilities of radiologic technologists can fall into routine, each patient, each image, and each evaluation is what makes their work so exciting. Radiologic technologists have the opportunity to work with a diversity of patients and cases, which helps to expand their knowledge and analytical skills over time.

Types of radiography equipment used

What a radiologic technologist does can vary depending on the type of equipment they use. Generally speaking, radiologic technologists should have training and experience in operating the following types of machines:

• Computed tomography (CT) machines
• Fluoroscopy technology
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners
• Mammography technology (commonly used to detect breast cancer)
• Nuclear medicine imaging
• Ultrasounds or sonography machines
• X-ray equipment

Specializations in radiologic technology

As radiologic technologists gain experience, they may find themselves drawn to a particular field of medicine or type of imaging. They may enjoy working with certain demographics, as well. In any of these scenarios, specialization is a common path.

Like many medical professionals, radiologic technologists have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas of medicine or achieve specialized credentials, depending on their passions and goals. Common areas of specialization in this field include:

• Bone Densitometry (BD)
• Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI)
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Mammography (M)
• Nuclear Medicine Technology (N)
• Radiation Therapy (T)
• Radiography (R)
• Sonography (S)
• Vascular Interventional Radiography (VI)
• Vascular Sonography (VS)

Work environment of a radiologic technologist

The beauty of a career in radiography, or any medical field? The options are endless! On top of the diverse certification options, patient cases, and technologies used, radiologic technologists also have the option to work in different care settings.

For example, graduates of Goodwin’s Radiography degree program go on to pursue successful careers in:

• Hospitals
• Outpatient care centers
• Physicians’ offices
• Imaging centers
• Diagnostic laboratories

And more! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most radiologic technologists (about 60 percent) end up working in hospital settings.

Learn more about your career options here.

Becoming a radiologic technologist

Radiologic technologists, like any healthcare professional, work hard to provide high-quality care and testing, all while keeping patients safe and comfortable. And all the work they do? It translates into both professional and personal reward.

Radiologic technologists, on average, earn close to $80,000 per year in the United States. But beyond compensation, these professionals get to go home at night knowing that their work has made a difference—their images are often what lead to groundbreaking diagnoses, treatments, research, and care.

On top of this, the career does not require a lengthy stretch of medical school. You can become a radiologic technologist in less than two years through the completion of a comprehensive, clinically-focused degree program.

Goodwin’s associate degree in Radiography, for example, combines classroom and clinical instruction to prepare students to become Registered Radiologic Technologists in just 20 to 24 months.

Check out our program online, here, or call us at 800-889-3282 for more information today!