What will I do in this job?

As a Radiologic Technologist, you will prepare patients for radiologic examinations by explaining the procedure and positioning patients so they can be appropriately radiographed.

A Radiologic Technologist has many jobs including:

• positioning equipment at correct angle over the patient
• placing x-ray film under the part of the patient’s body being examined
• making the exposure
• removing the film
• developing x-rays
• preparing work schedules
• evaluating equipment purchases or manage a radiology department

Sonographers (Ultrasonographers):

Direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body; the equipment then collects reflected echoes to form an image. The image is viewed on a screen and may be recorded on videotape or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by physicians. Viewing the screen as the scan takes place, Sonographers look for subtle differences between healthy and unhealthy areas, decide which images to include, and judge if the images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.

Will I need a special license?

If you want to be a Radiologic Technologist, you will need a State License.

What type of education will I need?

Preparation for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, vocational-technical institutes, and the U.S. Armed Forces. Formal training programs in radiography range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree.

Will I find a job?

Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging.

How much will I make?

Median Salary: $41,156 (Ranges from $37,000- $43,000)
(2003-2004)