Overview

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS ARE THE HEALTHCARE professionals who perform medical imaging examinations used for diagnosing illness or injury. They use a variety of equipment that utilizes radiation to create the images, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT). Some are also trained to administer radiation therapy treatments to cancer patients. Radiologic technologists are often known by the type of technology they handle or the particular examination technique they perform. For example, there are MRI techs, CT techs, and X-ray techs as well as mammographers, sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists. Most radiologic technologists work in hospitals, but they are needed in every healthcare setting including doctors' offices, outpatient clinics, diagnostic and research laboratories, and independent diagnostic imaging centers. There are even traveling radiologic technologists who bring their well-equipped vans to patients in their homes, assisted living facilities, senior communities, and hospices. A career in radiologic technology offers a promising future, job stability, and a good salary. The number of jobs is increasing rapidly because of the expanding population of aging adults - the primary users of diagnostic imaging procedures. That makes it a good choice for individuals who want to make sure there is a job waiting for them when they have completed the necessary training. There is a growing demand for qualified professionals who have completed a two-year degree program in radiologic technology. The opportunities are even greater for those who pursue more advanced studies and obtain certification in specializations such as radiation therapy or vascular interventional technology. Salaries for radiologic technologists are very competitive with other healthcare professionals with similar educational backgrounds. The median annual income for a generalist is $60,000, and with the right combination of location and experience, it is possible to reach $85,000. Those who obtain the extra training needed for certification in other modalities can experience a boost in income. An MRI tech, for example, earns on average 25 percent more than a generalist. Radiologic technologists do not have to worry about being laid off or getting bored. This is a stable career that offers many options. You could use your skills to work in pediatric care or orthopedics. You could teach or manage an entire radiology department. You could perform research that leads to breakthroughs in diagnostic imaging or radiation therapy. You could even get out of the hospital environment altogether and work with professional athletes. Once you have obtained the basic knowledge and skills, you can expand the boundaries of your career in any direction that interests you.

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