The best online radiology technologist schools

Radiology technicians and technologists, also called radiographers, usually have consistent duties in their day-to-day jobs; however, their routines can vary depending upon work environments. Routines also depend upon the their skills and experience, as well as further education and their desire for career advancement. Overall, radiology techs perform diagnostic imaging examinations like x-rays, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography for physicians to diagnose possible internal medical issues.

Basic Job Description

These professionals use x-ray machines to capture internal images of a patient. Diagnostic imagery helps to determine internal medical problems. The radiographer prepares a patient for radiologic exams and tests by:

• Explaining the procedure
• Removing jewelry and other articles through which x rays cannot pass
• Positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed
• Using instruments, they measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on an x-ray machine to produce images of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast

In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiology techs also keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.

Job Hazards

It is imperative that technicians follow physicians’ orders and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure. To prevent unnecessary exposure to radiation, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the x-ray beam. Learning how to use radiologic devices is an important part of any radiology tech’s education.

Federal legislation protects the public from the hazards of unnecessary exposure to medical and dental radiation by ensuring that operators of radiologic equipment are properly trained; however, it is up to each state to require licensure of radiologic technologists. Most states do require licensure for practicing radiologic technologists, though the requirements vary.

Radiologists wear dosimeters, which are rings or badges measuring radiation levels, when they work in the radiation area. These devices keep detailed records on their cumulative lifetime dose. Anyone who works in radiology, nuclear medicine, and any radiation oncology department staff (working as a radiation therapist) must wear such a device.

More Education, More Responsibilities

An associate’s degree is the most prevalent form of education among radiologic technologists and technicians, though some may receive a certificate. Earning a bachelor’s degree in radiology can change the radiologist’s workday, as those with higher education often receive more responsibility on the job.

Radiology techs can learn more about different types of medical imaging either through a hospital or college educational program.

• For example, OB/GYN sonographers take images of a fetus before birth.
• Mammographers use special x-ray machines to produce internal images of the breast.
• Radiologists also can broaden skills by specializing in certain diseases or medical conditions such as fractures, cardiology, or the brain.
• Some radiologic technologists specialize in computed tomography (CT). CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional x rays of an area of the body. The CT uses ionizing radiation; therefore, it requires the same precautionary measures that are used with x rays.
• Radiologic technologists also can specialize in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as MRI technologists. MRI, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a three-dimensional image. Unlike CT and x rays, MRI uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast.

It is not the job of the radiology tech to actually diagnose diseases or other medical conditions, but some radiologists may want to pursue advanced education to become a diagnostic medical sonographer. As a tech, though, doctors will order images and then pick them up for interpretation. A good tech will understand the images they take, so that they know when more or better images are needed. This saves the doctors time and, in turn, could save a patient’s life.

Radiology techs must also take care of their equipment. The machines used for diagnostic imagery are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Following proper procedures for maintenance and cleaning is an important part of the job every day.

Work Environment

The work environment for a radiology tech can alter a workday’s flow. Although most radiology jobs are in hospitals, technicians and technologists also operate sophisticated equipment to help physicians, dentists, and other health practitioners diagnose and treat patients in offices and clinics.

Hospital environments may be more hectic, especially if the radiologist is responsible for trauma or emergency diagnostic imagery. Physical stamina is important across the board, because technologists and technicians are on their feet for long periods of time and sometimes may have to lift or reposition injured or disabled patients.

Technologists and technicians work at diagnostic machines, but some procedures are also performed at patients’ bedsides. Some travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment, while other technicians may work in offices that see few patients or in facilities that focus on women’s health and wellness.

The larger environment, such as a hospital, might be hectic, but it also provides an arena to learn how to use multiple machines. The ability to learn how to use a number of diagnostic radiologic machines can be to the tech’s advantage when it comes to searching for a job or to maintain job stability.

Radiologists also may learn that more hectic environments are located in larger cities, where the pay may or may not match the level of activity. While the competition for a radiologic job might be stiff in New York City, a radiologist could make more money in Boston. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has more information about job locations for radiologists and their salaries.

From Working with Patients to Managing Staff

Although radiologists can start a job at a hospital or other medical facility with an associate’s degree or certification, the only way to move up the career ladder is through further education or work experience. Depending upon the facility, management positions may require a higher degree.

Depending upon an institution’s policy, a tech may need additional courses or a master’s degree in business or health administration to work as a director for that facility. But, experience may count, as some techs can be promoted to supervisory positions without extra education. A higher degree, however, opens doors for teaching positions in colleges and in teaching hospitals. Some radiologists leave the testing environment altogether as they go on to become sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.

Any of these advancements would change the radiologist’s workday. Some advancements require longer hours, more time behind desks or with students and less time with patients. These are all things to consider before you decide which path to take in your career.

Having an associate's degree is the most common educational qualification among radiology technicians and technologists. No matter which career options in the radiology technician field you may be pursuing, the health degrees listed here will have you on your way to fulfilling your dreams.

Fill out this short form below, and we'll help match you to an accredited college program that suits your interests, whether online- or campus-based.