What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
Radiologic technologists work under the supervision of a radiologist to help them with specific tasks including the operation of machines including X-ray machines or CAT scanners. They set up MRI, X-ray, and CAT scan machines, as well as ultrasound machines and other radiologic equipment.
Radiologic technologists gather high-quality images and data, and they are trained to recognize what clear high-quality images are, versus images that do not meet the standard. They sometimes answer patients’ simple questions pertaining to a procedure, and they also help patients prepare for their procedures by ensuring they remove their jewelry and by offering them a lead sheet or apron if necessary. They are responsible for the adjustment and maintenance of imaging equipment and follow orders from physicians regarding where imaging is needed. They also monitor radiographic supplies and submit purchasing requests to replenish supply levels. Radiologic technologists need an associate’s degree in applied science, a bachelor’s degree in science, or a certification from a program recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
- Manage and coordinate the release of information to patients.
- Train, assign and delegate work to all technologists as necessary.
- Have a willingness to provide support to a team as needed.
- Assure room check off sheets are complete daily as necessary.
- Call information systems and put in tickets when problems occur.
- Serve as a resource to physicians on procedural equipment options.
- Follow all safety requirements of the hospital and department.
- Perform radiologic procedures.
- Assist in ensuring all necessary supplies are available and stocked.
- Identify and processes images, assuring images are of diagnostic quality.
- Transport patients to radiographic room and prepare and maintain room.
- Prepare and position patients and select exposure factors accurately.
- May perform data entry of patient information into organization databases.
- Assist with exams and explain any delays in procedures.
- Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in applied or health sciences, certification in radiologic technology, relevant experience.
- Use professionalism and leadership skills while interacting with patients and colleagues.
- Comfortable and capable with using stents, injectors, and fluent in other radiological equipment.
- Utilize composure and communicate well in potentially stressful situations, such as patient emergencies and ICU settings.
- A critical thinker who pays strict attention to detail.
- Communicates with patients and family while preparing patient for procedures.
- Familiar with onboarding patient information and updating as needed.
- Use authority while lecturing and annotating diagnoses and presentations.
How much does a Radiologic Technologist make?
Base Pay
Additional Pay
$77,490
/ yrRadiologic Technologist Career Path
Learn how to become a Radiologic Technologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Radiologic Technologist Insights
Nova Medical Centers“Decent pay and a simple Easy job everyone that i worked with was very fun and sociable.”
Banner Health“Everything was well run and all our staff and providers were amazing to work with.”
GuideWell Emergency Doctors“This is a wonderful company to for and I highly recommend anyone seeking a new opportunity to apply and interview.”
Hospital for Special Surgery“Hss is top paying hospital for xray techs (I dnt believe this counts for CT techs)”
Medical Imagery Solutions and Staffing“It was wonderful being about to find a job that was close to home but still considered a travel position.”
Host Healthcare“I have been working with host healthcare since i started travelling in june of 2022 and i have had great experiences so far.”
Monmouth Medical Center“Great director and close to home”
Thomas Jefferson University“I really like my job in radiology at Jefferson and it’s really fun and there is lots to learn”
Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Radiologic Technologist
- Physician Assistant
- CT Technologist
- MRI Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist