Radiologic technology is the largest of the Health Sciences professions.
Radiologic Technologists combine sophisticated medical scanning technology and person-to-person care to create images used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of medical conditions. Radiologic technologists perform many patient care functions. Also known as Radiographers and Medical Imaging Technologists, these specialists produce digital images of parts of the human body for use in discovering a patient’s medical problem. They are also involved in injecting special fluids into patients’ bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes.
These professionals may specialize in more specific imaging techniques such as bone densitometry, cardiovascular-interventional radiography, computed tomography, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging and nuclear medicine.
After adequate experience, a Radiologic Technologist may work full-time to teach their skills to others.
What do Radiologic Technologists do?
The name sounds technical, but Radiologic Technologists have a great deal of contact with patients. They are often very active, operating high-tech equipment and helping patients through their tests.
These specialists also give injections and provide assistance during surgery. In this profession, opportunity abounds and salaries are highly competitive.
Types of Radiologic Technologist Careers
Types of Radiologic Technology
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI
- CAT Scan
- Nuclear Medicine
- Radiology Therapy
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Mammography
- Fluoroscopy
Types of work environments
- Hospitals
- Outpatient Clinics
- Physicians' Offices
- Freestanding Imaging Centers
- Mobile Companies
Personality traits
- Active
- People person
- Willingness to work unusual hours, plus overtime and on call
- Eagerness to learn is the key to advancement
- Must keep up with rapidly advancing and exciting changes in imaging sciences
Education requirements
Radiographer: 2-year associate degree or certificate
Classes & clinicals:
- Cleveland Clinic School of Diagnostic Imaging
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Lakeland Community College
- Lorain County Community College
Salary Range
$42,710 - $63,010
US Department of Labor
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2010-2011 Edition
(Middle 50%)
(http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco1002.htm#diag)
$43,837 - $52,346
Salary.Com
(Middle 50%)
(http://www.salary.com/salary/index.asp)
Meet a Professional: Leslie
The journey begins
When I started at the University of Akron, I was taking general courses. Then my sister introduced me to the idea of becoming a radiologic technologist. Cleveland Clinic offered its own training course and certification program. I was able to attend classes and do my in-hospital training at the same time. That’s important because you’re learning and applying what you learn simultaneously.
Outgoing types are best for this out-of-this-world job
The radiology profession is great for people like me who are outgoing around people, yet easy going when it comes to work. There will always be new advancements in the field, so working as an x-ray tech is a great way to have job security. And you get to help all kinds of people from different walks of life, ranging anywhere from 1 day old to 100 years old.
An awesome career that lets you have a life
The flexibility of the position is great too. You can choose between 8- and 10-hour shifts, 4- or 5-day work weeks, 1st, 2nd or 3rd shifts, weekend programs. You name it they have it. This kind of freedom helps make it possible to attend school to take more classes while working full time. And here at Cleveland Clinic, tuition reimbursement is available. Plus their new digital radiologic equipment means no working out of a dark room all day. It’s fantastic!
What are some cool things about being a Cleveland Clinic radiologic technologist?
- Good employee benefits
- A wide variety of locations to work at including main downtown campus, suburban hospital and family health centers
- Always working with the latest innovations, ahead of the general medical industry
- The choice to work in the emergency department, with children, and with specialized fields such as orthopaedics or cardiology
Here's how you would plan for this career
- Decide to pursue an allied health career in High school
- Enroll in a shadowing program from Cleveland Clinic
- Enroll in Cleveland Clinic's School of Diagnostic Imaging Program or a Radiologic Technology program at a regional college or university
- Complete required training program
- Start in-hospital training
- Graduate from program
- Enroll in additional courses to get certified in another field of radiology
