Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

At a glance

• Sector: Healthcare Practitioners
• O*NET-SOC code: 29-2034
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
• Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.

Tools and technology

MEDITECH software, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, R, eClinicalWorks EHR software, Automated defibrillators, Automatic x ray film processors, Collimators, Compression bands

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
• Radiation Therapists
• Neurodiagnostic Technologists
• Nuclear Medicine Technologists
• Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
• Endoscopy Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.