Radiology Technician Job Description

The radiology technician, also known as radiographers, take X-rays, conduct scans like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans and other imaging tests that help diagnose numerous diseases and ailments. The required courses are offered by many universities, colleges and hospitals, and the main employers are hospitals and diagnostic centers.

Qualification Requirement

There are certificate, associate degree and degree courses that offer formal training to become a radiology technician. The duration of these courses vary from 1 to 4 years. Many students opt for the associate degree program. The radiographers or nurses with some experience in this field, usually, prefer the 1-year certificate course in order to improve their skill set in a particular field. The bachelor's degree is chosen by students who want to become teachers, administrators and supervisors. The formal training programs include the courses in radio-biology, radio physics, medical ethics, medical terminologies, patient care procedure, human anatomy and physiology and basic principles of training.

Career Information

The radiology technician explains the basic procedure of taking an X-ray, and must tell the patients to remove any metallic object on their body because this object may create an obstruction for the X-rays to pass to the intended body part. This is because the parts of the patient's body that are not to be exposed to the X-rays, are covered with lead shields. Then, he has to place the instrument properly so as to correctly focus it to the specified body part. The technicians who are experienced in their field, can handle complex radiology instruments. In order to examine the soft tissues in the body, the patient is given a solution to drink. The contrast solution, along with the fluoroscope, highlights the tissues in the body. In this way, the technician can easily examine the specified tissues. Besides conducting the imaging test and getting patients ready for the test, he creates and maintains a work schedule and keeps an account of purchase of new equipment. He must maintain a good relation with the patients.

The radiology technician must have the ability to interpret the results of the tests that he has performed on the patient, and give a detailed report along with the test results. He must be able to distinguish between the normalcies and the abnormalities in the patient. The scans and test determine fractures in bones, cysts and tumors in the body parts. Abnormal growth of some organs are also identified. The total working hours for a radiology technician, are around 40 hours per week. However, there can be emergency calls, even at night. Some go to the patient's home with the necessary equipment for diagnosis in case of emergency.

The radiographers must wear the protective gloves, shields and aprons to prevent the harmful radiations from affecting them. They must have a good stamina because they have to stand and perform various tests for the whole day. The salary is decided on various factors. Qualification and his experience in the radiology field, are taken into consideration. The location of this job plays an important role in deciding the salary.

Experienced radiology technicians can work as an administrator in diagnostic centers or teachers at the training centers. This is also a part of the job profile, in addition to conducting tests and examinations.