Radiologic Technologist and Radiologic Technician: Career Information

Radiologic technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imaging examinations using x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammography. Radiologic technicians perform x-rays while radiologic technologists perform CT scans, MRIs and mammography.

There were 214,700 radiologic technologists and technicians employed in 2008.

Aspiring radiologic technologists or technicians must receive formal training in radiography. This training leads most often to an associate degree but one can also earn a certificate or a bachelor's degree.

Most states require licensure for radiologic technologists and technicians.

Experience as a staff radiologic technologist or technician may lead to specialization in one type of diagnostic imaging procedure, such as mammography or CT scanning. A radiologic technologist or technician may also get additional training and certification in order to become a radiologist assistant. Experienced radiologic technologists and technicians may be promoted to supervisory positions.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job growth for radiologic technologists and technicians will be faster than average through 2018. Those with knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure will have the best opportunities in this field.

Radiologic technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $53,240 in 2009.

Use the Salary Wizard at Salary.com to find out how much a Radiologic technologist and technician currently earns in your city.

On a typical day a radiologic technologist's and technician's tasks might include:

• producing x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems
• explaining radiologic procedures to patients
• positioning patients in order to perform radiologic procedures on the correct part of the body
• properly positioning radiographic equipment
• preventing unnecessary exposure to radiation

Sources:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Radiologic Technologist And Technician, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos105.htm (visited December 21, 2009).
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, O*NET Online, Radiologic Technologist And Technician, on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/details/29-2034.01 (visited December 6, 2010).

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