Radiologic Technologist

Contact: Marlene Doan
Office Manager/PROJECT coordinator

Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, use x-ray machines and other equipment to create images of the internal structures of the body. This allows physicians to study the organs and bones for injury and disease. Radiologic technologists learn the theory and practical aspects of the uses of imaging equipment to produce clear and accurate images, with safety for the patients, themselves, and others.

Work Environment:

Radiologic technolgists usually work under the direction of radiologists or other physicians in hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, and public health departments. Some hospital radiographers operate mobile x-ray equipment at patients' bedsides, in the emergency room, or in surgery.

Training:

Radiologic technologists can receive their education at community colleges, universities, or in hospital-based programs. The program is usually two years in length. Students earning a bachelor's degree take two years of preparatory college courses and two years of professional courses in radiologic technology.

Certification/Licensing:

Graduates are eligible for registration through a national examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To practice in Pennsylvania, radiologic technologists must pass this test, or become certified by another certifying body.

Average Salary:

$24,900 to $35,000

Suggested High School Course of Study:

College preparatory curriculum.

Educational Programs:


Professional Associations:

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
(651) 687-0048
www.art.org

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave., SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123
(800) 444-2778
(505) 298-5063 fax
www.asrt.org

Employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than the average (21% to 35%) for all occupations through 2010, as the population grows and ages, increasing the demand for diagnostic imaging. Opportunities are expected to be favorable. Some employers report shortages of radiologic technologists and technicians. Imbalances between the supply of qualified workers and demand should spur efforts to attract and retain qualified radiologic technologists and technicians. For example, employers may provide more felxible training programs, or improve compensation and working conditions.

Although physicians are enthusiatic about the clinic benefits of new technologies, the extent to which they are adopted largely on cost and reimbursement considerations. For example, digital imaging technology can improve quality and efficiency, but remains expansive. Some promising new technologies may not come into widespread use because they are too expensive and third-party payers may not be willing to pay for their use.

Radiologic technologists who are educated and credentialed in more than one type of diagnostic imaging technology, such as radiography and sonography or nuclear medicine, will have better employment oopportunities as employers look for new ways to control costs. In hospitals, multi-skilled employees will be the most sought after, as hospitals respond to cost pressure by continuing to merge departments.

Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists and technicians. However, a greater number of new jobs will be found in offices and clinics of physicians, including diagnostic imaging centers. Health facilities such as these are expected to grow very rapidly through 2010 due to the strong shift toward outpatient care, encouraged by third-party payers and made possible by technological advances that permit more procedures to be performed outside the hospital. Some job openings will also arise from the need to replace technologists and technicians who leave the occupation.