Radiologic Tech / Technologist

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: CT Tech (Computed Tomography Technologist); Mammographer; Multimodality Technologist; Radiographer; Radiologic Technician (RAD Tech); Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech); Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)); RT (Radiologic Technologist); X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technician); X-Ray Tech (X-Ray Technologist)

Tasks

• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
• Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

Knowledge

• English Language
• Medicine and Dentistry
• Customer and Personal Service
• Biology
• Physics
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Chemistry
• Education and Training
• Public Safety and Security
• Engineering and Technology

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Speaking
• Critical Thinking
• Monitoring
• Writing

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Problem Sensitivity
• Written Comprehension
• Information Ordering
• Near Vision
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Speech Clarity
• Speech Recognition
• Selective Attention
• Written Expression
• Flexibility of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Category Flexibility
• Visualization
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Finger Dexterity
• Control Precision
• Trunk Strength