Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Also called: 3D Technologist, Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist, CAT Scan Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist), Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT), Computed Tomography Scanner Operator

Varies

estimated salary

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

  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
  • Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
  • Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
  • 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.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
  • Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
  • Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
  • Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
  • Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
  • Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
  • Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
  • Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
  • Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
  • Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
  • Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
  • 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.
  • Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
  • Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
  • Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
  • Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
  • Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
  • Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
  • Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
  • Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
  • Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.
  • Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
  • Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
Work Context
  • Contact With Others
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  • Telephone
  • Physical Proximity
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Exposed to Disease or Infections
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
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Work Activities
  • Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Check quality of diagnostic images.
  • Operate diagnostic imaging equipment.
  • Adjust settings or positions of medical equipment.
  • Prepare medical supplies or equipment for use.
  • Position patients for treatment or examination.
  • Process x-rays or other medical images.
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Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
  • Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Medicine and Dentistry
  • Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Active Listening
  • Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Social Perceptiveness
  • Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Data base user interface and query software
  • Data entry software Hot Technology
  • Structured data entry software
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
Presentation software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology
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