The medical field is a diverse and complex landscape that offers a wide range of career opportunities and specialties. For those interested in working in the medical industry, you can choose from a multitude of career options that range from patient-facing roles to those that allow you to work from behind the scenes.
If you are considering a career in healthcare, one notable career path that you might be interested in exploring is a technologist in the radiology technology field. The role of a radiology technologist offers an exciting opportunity to work with advanced imaging techniques to obtain a clearer picture of the inner workings of a patient’s physiology. In this way, you can obtain more information that can help physicians make a more accurate diagnosis, which in turn leads to better outcomes for the patient.
The field of radiology technology is an exciting and dynamic industry to work in and is certainly worth exploring. Read on to learn more about the benefits of being a radiologic technologist and what qualifications you need to have in order to build a successful career in this industry.
What is Radiologic Technology?
Radiologic technology, commonly referred to as radiography, is the art and science of using radiation to acquire images of the body’s inner components. These include internal structures like the bones, soft tissues, organs and blood vessels. A common imaging technique employed in radiologic technology is X-ray, a type of ionizing radiation that can penetrate through the body and create images of internal organs and tissues.
Radiologic technology is an invaluable diagnostic tool that allows doctors to gain a clearer picture of an injury, ulcer, trauma or disease. Through radiologic diagnostic tests, doctors can realign broken bones, write better prescriptions for treating ulcers, detect the presence of internal trauma and overall create better treatment plans for their patients.
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
While radiography plays a crucial role in facilitating the accurate treatment of various conditions, the role of a radiologic technologist is even more indispensable in creating better patient outcomes. A radiologic technologist is the primary healthcare professional responsible for performing imaging tests. They specialize in various imaging techniques and modalities to produce clear images of the internal human physiology.
Aside from performing imaging tests, a radiologic technologist will also:
- Prepare the patient and set expectations before the procedure.
- Operate all imaging equipment used in conducting tests.
- Evaluating the acquired images to ensure their quality is enough for an accurate diagnosis.
- Maintain all the imaging equipment to ensure they are functioning properly.
- Administer the contrast reagents – substances that enhance the visibility of certain tissues and organs.
- Ensure the patient’s safety during these tests by following all protocols and wearing protective equipment.
What are the Benefits of Being a Radiologic Technologist?
Working as a radiologic technologist offers numerous benefits, including the following:
- Job Stability and Growth Potential: In a rapidly growing industry like healthcare, there will always be a high demand for radiologic technologists as more and more patients will need to undergo imaging tests. This creates stability and job growth for those working in this field.
- Good Salary and Benefits: According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for a radiologic technologist is $61,980 per year, which is higher than the national average of $60,575.
- Opportunities for Specialization and Advancement: There are many opportunities for radiologic technologists to advance their careers in this field. You may choose to specialize in a specific area of imaging, such as mammography or interventional radiology, and advance into better positions in the future.
- Able to Work in Diverse Healthcare Settings: The services of radiologic technologists are in great demand across different healthcare settings, giving you plenty of locations to choose from. These can include hospitals, small clinics, imaging centers and other medical expenses.
- Work Schedule Flexibility: The imaging departments in various work settings generally require to be manned 24/7. Within this work schedule, various shifts are available, giving you the flexibility to choose your working schedule within those shifts.
- Job Satisfaction: Most people who work as radiology technologists are generally satisfied with their work because it enables them to work in a collaborative environment where they can help improve patient outcomes.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
In order to become a radiology technologist, you will need to have the following requirements:
- At least a two-year post-secondary education in radiologic technology
- Must be accredited and certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Some workplaces may also require job applicants to receive on-the-job training as an avenue for developing the skills and acquiring the experience they need to perform the role.
Enjoy a Fulfilling Career in Radiology with RSG Health Services
If you want to build a career in radiology but don’t know where to start, RSG Health Services can help. We specialize in the areas of radiology, cardiology and laboratory to provide you with expert assistance and competent service to help you realize your career goals. Get in touch with us and find your dream job today!
