Radiologic Technologist
Surgical Technician
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical imaging services to patients and attending health care professionals.
What Radiologic Technologists Do
A program that prepares individuals, under the supervision of physicians, to provide medical imaging services to patients and attending health care professionals.
Common Tasks
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 2Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- 3Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 4Supervise laboratory sessions.
- 5Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
What You'll Learn
Types of Radiologic Technologists
Work Environment
Locations
- • Hospitals
- • Outpatient imaging centers
- • Emergency departments
- • Orthopedic and sports medicine clinics
- • Mobile imaging services
Schedule
Most work set shifts, but many roles include evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call coverage, especially in hospitals.
Physical Demands
The job involves frequent standing and walking, moving equipment, and assisting with patient transfers and positioning. Repetitive motions and bending/twisting are common, along with strict attention to radiation safety practices.
Salary & Job Outlook
National Employment: 517,600 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
An aging population and continued use of imaging to diagnose and monitor disease can increase demand for x-rays, CT, and other scans. Expanded outpatient imaging centers and preventive screening programs can also create more openings.
Skills You'll Need
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong pay for an associate-level pathway in many regions
- • Direct patient care with clear, hands-on tasks
- • Work is in demand across many healthcare settings
- • Opportunities to specialize (CT, mammography, interventional)
- • Typically structured shifts and predictable workflows
Cons
- • Exposure risk requires constant radiation safety discipline
- • Physically demanding patient positioning and lifting
- • Can be stressful in emergency and high-volume settings
- • Shift work, weekends, and holidays are common in hospitals
- • Emotional strain when working with sick or injured patients
Common Questions About the Radiologic Technologist Trade
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