Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic Technologist RT(R) or Radiographer

Radiologic Technology

The field of radiology is the foundation of medical imaging. Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen accidentally discovered x-rays in 1895 and since then physicians have been making diagnosis of patient diseases from static and dynamic images. Over the decades, the equipment has become more sophisticated, the procedures more intricate and the knowledge base has increased however, the basic principles that Roentgen discovered in 1895 are still being utilized today. Man-made radiation is still produced in a vacuumed tube and directed towards the patient to produce images. Radiology, also referred to as x-ray, uses ionizing radiation and specialized computer equipment to produce images of the tissues, organs, bones and vessels. Prior to the 1970’s, x-rays were the primary method of capturing and recording an inside image of the patient’s body. Today, there are multiple modalities utilized to produce images and they are all still commonly grouped together in one main department known as “radiology” or more appropriate, “imaging”.

Responsibilities of a Radiographer

If you've ever had an x-ray, then you have probably met a radiologic technologist. However, most people do not realize that there are actually many avenues for professional practice of a radiologic technologist. In addition to the most common practice of using ionizing radiation to produce “shadow” images of the body, some radiographers will specialize in mammography which focuses on breast cancer detection or computed tomography (CT) that produces axial images. Radiographers can also specialize in imaging areas that do not utilize ionizing radiation such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that uses huge magnets and radiowaves or sonography that uses high-frequency sound waves. A radiographer can become a nuclear medicine technologist who uses radiopharmaceuticals and special cameras to produce images of organs and reveal their function or a radiation therapist who administers highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases. Other areas of specialization include; bone densitometry , cardiovascular-interventional radiography and quality management. The field of radiology is vast, constantly growing and offers many opportunities. This career page focuses on the radiographer or radiologic technologist. For information on the specialty areas, please refer to other sections of the website.

Radiologic Technologists are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging examinations. They are educated in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, radiation protection and patient care techniques. Radiographers continually strive to provide quality patient care and are particularly concerned with ¬limiting radiation exposure to patients, themselves, and others. Radiographers use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to perform medical imaging procedures by adapting variable technical parameters of the procedure to the condition of the patient. Radiographers apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, positioning, radiographic technique, and radiation biology and protection in the performance of their responsibilities. They must be able to communicate effectively with patients, other health professionals, and the public. Additional duties may include, conducting a radiographic quality assurance program, providing patient education, and managing a medical imaging department. The radiographer must display competence and compassion in meeting the special needs of the patient and being sensitive to cultural differences.

How do I become a Radiologic Technologist

Program Length and Types

Programs are generally 2 to 4 years in length depending on program design, objectives, and the degree or certificate awarded. Program types include: Bachelors degree, Associate of Science degree; Associate of Applied Science degree, Certificate programs offerred as hospital-based learning and Military programs of study. What degree you achieve is irrelevant to the actual day to day practice of Radiology but may have an influence on your long-term career goals and pay. Hospitals require that you are ARRT certified to be hired and they usually do not specify a degree preference. Some will award higher pay for higher degrees and some will not. The higher degrees are useful if you plan on advancing your career into mangement, sales or education.

Accreditation and Certification

The curriculum of an accredited program includes an extensive component of technical and professional courses, including an emphasis on structured competency-based clinical education. Contact a particular program for information on specific courses and prerequisites. In order to practice as a radiographer you will need to be certified by ARRT. In order to be certified, you will need to complete and pass the radiology examination offered by ARRT. To be eligible for this examination you MUST graduate from an approved or accredited radiography program. The main accreditation body is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (www.jrcert.org) however programs can be acceptable to the ARRT through their college accreditation.

Utah Radiology Education

In Utah, there are three radiology programs available, one at Salt Lake Community College, one at Weber State University and the third is at Dixie College. They all have different admission policies and pre-requisite courses so it is imperative that you access information directly from the college of your choice. Weber State University requires a bioscience core and then the student applies for admission into the program. At Weber State, a selection committee with admission criteria will determine which students will be accepted. Students may reapply at a later date if they are not accepted. This type of selection is called selective admission.

Salt Lake Community College (www.slcc.edu) has pre-requisite courses and minimum grades that must be completed for admission into the program. Once the courses have been completed and the student submits an application to the Health Science Division, the student is placed on a waiting list until the program has an available spot. This is called open enrollment. The University of Utah, Department of Radiology, has an academic partnership with Salt Lake Community College in radiography. Students accepted into the SLCC program may come to the University for their clinical education.

Please contact Dixie College for the structure of the admission criteria.

Demand/Salary

Radiographers are employed in health care facilities—including hospitals, specialized imaging centers, urgent care clinics, and private physician offices—and as educators or imaging department administrators. Thirty-five states require licensure as a condition of practice.

A career in radiologic technology offers a promising future, job stability, mobility and good salaries. As technology advances and the American population ages, the demand for radiologic exams and procedures has soared. The country needs a growing number of qualified professionals to provide medical imaging and radiation therapy.

Wages of radiologic technologists are competitive with other health professionals who have similar educational backgrounds. A 2007 survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists demonstrated that the mean wage of 2,200 radiographers was $52,336. Pay increases as the number of years in the profession and educational level increases. Available working hours are flexible which permits the technologist to select a schedule that fits family and life style needs. Examples of schedules include: full-time, part-time, evenings, days, graveyards, PRN (as needed) and 7 on 7 off.

Comments from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)

A career in radiologic technology can lead in many directions. Demand for radiologic technologists is strong across the country, in every health care setting. You could work in a large hospital, a suburban outpatient clinic or a rural physician's office. You could specialize in MRI, CT or both! You could specialize in dozens of clinical areas ranging from prenatal care to orthopedics. You could be responsible for quality assurance or for overseeing the implementation of new technology. You could manage an entire radiology department, including its budget and personnel. Or you could teach. The boundaries of your career in radiologic technology are determined only by your own abilities and interests.

Educational Pathway

Pre-requisites for radiology program – 1 year Radiology program – 2 years Minimum educational length – 3 years. Links for further Information

Accredited schools in radiography and radiation therapy, contact the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60606-3182, or visit its

Web site at www.jrcert.org .

Accredited educational programs in nuclear medicine, contact the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Nuclear Medicine Technology, 2000 W. Danforth Road, Suite 130, No. 203, Edmond, OK 73003, or visit www.jrcnmt.org .
Accredited educational programs in sonography, visit www.jrcdms.org or write to the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, 2025 Woodlane Drive, St. Paul, MN 55125-2998. • American Registry of Radiologic Technologists also includes a list of accredited programs in radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. Go to www.arrt.org .
The Web sites of many of the profession's membership associations contain information about careers, scholarships and the radiologic science profession. Visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists at www.asrt.org , the Society of Nuclear Medicine at www.snm.org , and the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography at www.sdms.org .