What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
Radiologic Technologists work at doctors offices, hospitals, labs and imaging centers to operate X-ray, CT, mammogram, sonogram and MRI machines among other imaging equipment. Their role is to coach the patient through a scan and use computers to collect information about their health. Radiologic Technicians are in charge of keeping patients and medical staff safe by appropriately preparing an exam room and outfitting all parties with the necessary protective equipment.
Radiologic Technologists educate patients about the purpose of the scan and answer questions. They carefully observe the monitor for abnormalities during a scan and produce a detailed report for the attending Doctor to interpret.
Radiologic Technologist skills and qualifications
A great Radiologic Technologist has many soft skills and competencies including the following:
- A Radiologic Technologist needs communication skills to compassionately and accurately explain to the patient what they are about to experience. They must also be able to clearly communicate test results to doctors and staff.
- To be able to calibrate and maintain radiology equipment a Radiologic Technologist needs technical knowledge. Each machine model is different, so a Radiologic Technologist will have to learn and relearn technology as it changes.
- Patients often feel stressed, frightened and uncomfortable, when this is the case the Radiologic Technologist must be kind and show empathy and patience.
- Because a Radiologic Technologist spends many hours on their feet, they must have stamina. There are also times when a Radiologic Technologist must physically help patients, which calls for physical strength.
- A Radiologic Technologist must be detail-orientated and be good at math and science.
- A successful Radiologic Technologist must be comfortable interacting with patients and be comfortable with the human body.
Radiologic Technologist education and training requirements
Radiologic Technologists need to have an associate degree, while some Radiologic Technologists have a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree takes about two years, combining classroom and clinical training. Radiography students take classes on patient care, radiation physics and protection, anatomy, pathology and image evaluation.
A Radiologic Technologist also needs a valid Radiologic Technologist license. They need to be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) and have a current BLS for healthcare provider CPR or CRP/AED certification.
Radiologic Technologist experience requirements
Many organizations prefer that a Radiologic Technologist have trauma, fluoroscopy and surgery experience. These types of hands-on experience ensure that the candidate has the knowledge and aptitude to perform the basic tasks of the job. The number of required years of experience as a Radiologic Technologist will vary depending on the advertised position.
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