Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
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.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $42K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $50K
Median Salary: $61K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $76K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $92K
Demand
Core Tasks
Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Customer and Personal Service
86%
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry
76%
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language
75%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics
69%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Education and Training
67%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Physics
64%
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Clerical
63%
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Psychology
63%
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Public Safety and Security
61%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Biology
60%
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Top 10 Skills
Active Listening
77%
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
77%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
73%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
68%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness
68%
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Monitoring
65%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation and Control
65%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Writing
65%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making
64%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Operations Monitoring
64%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Top 10 Abilities
Oral Comprehension
80%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
80%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
77%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
75%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision
74%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Clarity
73%
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition
72%
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Deductive Reasoning
70%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
69%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression
69%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Top 10 Work Activities
Assisting and Caring for Others
95%
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Getting Information
90%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
89%
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
84%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Controlling Machines and Processes
83%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
83%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
83%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Documenting/Recording Information
82%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Handling and Moving Objects
81%
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
80%
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Detailed Work Activities
Check quality of diagnostic images.
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
Position patients for treatment or examination.
Process x-rays or other medical images.
Verify that medical activities or operations meet standards.
Monitor patient conditions during treatments, procedures, or activities.
Explain medical procedures or test results to patients or family members.
Analyze patient data to determine patient needs or treatment goals.
Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Create advanced digital images of patients using computer imaging systems.
Maintain medical facility records.
Move patients to or from treatment areas.
Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.
Assist healthcare practitioners during examinations or treatments.
Prepare reports summarizing patient diagnostic or care activities.
Record patient medical histories.
Assist patients with hygiene or daily living activities.
Examine medical instruments or equipment to ensure proper operation.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Train medical providers.
Prepare medications or medical solutions.
Supervise patient care personnel.
Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
Manage healthcare operations.
Interests
Realistic
93%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Social
62%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Conventional
50%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
48%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
43%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
19%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Top 10 Work Styles
Integrity
93%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Concern for Others
92%
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Dependability
91%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
90%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
89%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Self Control
89%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
88%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Independence
85%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Stress Tolerance
84%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
83%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Relationships
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
79%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Independence
67%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
61%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Achievement
60%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Recognition
50%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
