What Is a Radiology Technician?

What Is a Radiology Technician?

A radiology technician, also called a radiographer or an X-ray technician, is a health care professional who takes X-rays of patients to help practitioners determine a diagnosis for the patient. A radiology technician prepares patients for their X-ray exams by positioning their body or body parts to be X-rayed. They also explain the procedure, remove jewelry and other articles that will block X-rays, as well as protect the patient with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields to prevent unwanted radiation exposure. Radiology technicians operate, adjust and manage the imaging equipment while at work. They also keep patient records and may prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases or manage a radiology department.

The American Society of Radiologic Technologists describes the radiology technician field as “part science, part art,” because you study the human anatomy, while using computers and technically advanced equipment to produce internal images for diagnosis. In addition to science and art, you will also have a great deal of patient interaction. From instructing patients, moving their body to protecting them from unnecessary radiation, you are constantly communicating with patients to ensure the best possible caretaking. Radiology technicians must have excellent communication skills and be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs and issues. They also must follow physicians’ orders exactly and abide by the regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of full-time radiology technicians worked about 40 hours a week. Some have to work evenings, weekends and be on-call and others only work part-time and do shift work. In 2006, more than 60 percent of all radiology technician jobs were in hospitals. The others were in offices of physicians, medical and diagnostic laboratories and outpatient care centers. The overall work pace of a radiology technician requires physical stamina and ability to move or lift disabled patients. Radiation hazards still exist, but they are minimized by the use of protective devices that shield unwanted radiation.

A good way to learn more about this occupation is to talk with radiology technicians, ask them questions and see what challenges and joys they experience every day. An easy way to interact with radiology technicians is to join a forum like RadiologyForums.com. This medical imaging community is comprised of radiology technicians, students and anyone else who wants to join in career or school discussions. You can ask real medical imaging technologists or students about their career, schooling and specific medical questions on this interactive public forum.