Radiologic Technologists

On the Job

Overview

Radiologic technologists use special equipment to create images of internal organs, tissues, and bones.

The very first x-ray picture is of a woman's left hand. Her bones are clearly visible, as well as her wedding ring. The owner of the hand is a woman named Bertha Rontgen, and her husband, Wilhelm Rontgen, took the photo and is credited as the inventor of the radiograph (another word for x-ray).

Radiologic technologists, also known as radiologic technicians and radiographers, provide information that is used to diagnose medical problems. They create images of the inside of the body. Technologists receive instructions from doctors about which areas of the body they need images of. Doctors also tell technicians which procedure to use. The main types of procedures are x-ray, fluoroscopy, and sonogram. X-rays are pictures that show the bones of the body. Both fluoroscopy and sonograms show the soft tissues of the body. These last two procedures use sound, magnetic, and radio waves to create images of the inside of the body.

Technologists prepare patients for these procedures. They explain these procedures to patients and answer their questions. They make sure patients remove their jewelry so it does not interfere with the machinery. Next, technologists position patients on an examining table near the imaging equipment. For some procedures, such as x-rays, technologists must make sure that the patient is protected during the test. For example, they may cover parts of the patient's body with a lead apron. When conducting a fluoroscopy, technologists give patients a special solution to drink. The body absorbs this solution and technologists track its movement through the body.

When giving any of these procedures, technologists adjust the controls of the equipment. When conducting fluoroscopies and sonograms, they monitor images on video screens. Technologists monitor patients' during the procedures and report problems to doctors.

Radiologic technologists analyze the images. They consult with doctors about what the images might mean. The images help doctors to identify and treat medical problems.

Radiologic technologists may oversee and train other radiologic staff members and maintain patient records. They may also be in charge of maintaining special equipment and doing inventory of medical supplies.

Work Activities

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Get instructions from doctors about which procedures to perform.
• Explain radiological procedures such as x-rays, fluoroscopies, and sonograms to patients.
• Make sure that patients remove jewelry or other items that imaging equipment cannot see through.
• Follow radiation safety measures to protect patients and staff.
• Make sure that only necessary parts of the body are exposed to x-ray radiation. Protect rest of patient's body with lead apron.
• Position patient on the examining table and arrange equipment so that images can be made.
• Monitor patients during procedure and report problems to doctors.
• Adjust exposure time and distance of x-ray equipment, using computer and mechanical controls.
• Give patients a special solution to drink for fluoroscopy procedures.
• Monitor images shown on video screens so that they can be seen as clearly as possible.
• Review x-rays, video images, or computer generated images. Evaluate the clarity of these images to be sure that doctors can read them.
• Oversee and train radiologic staff.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Assist and care for others.
• Get information needed to do the job.
• Work with the public.
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
• Establish and maintain relationships.
• Update and use job-related knowledge.
• Perform activities that use the whole body.
• Handle and move objects.
• Use computers.
• Document and record information.
• Make decisions and solve problems.
• Control machines and processes.
• Identify objects, actions, and events.
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
• Evaluate information against standards.
• Process information.
• Explain the meaning of information to others.
• Develop and build teams.
• Coach others.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They constantly talk to doctors and patients.
• Are greatly responsible for patients' health and safety.
• Often deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous patients.
• Are often placed in conflict situations.
• Are responsible for the results of the workers they supervise.
• Communicate with coworkers and patients daily by telephone or in person.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Write letters and memos on a monthly basis.

Physical Work Conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are exposed to diseases on a daily basis.
• Are often exposed to radiation while making x-rays.
• Often wear special protective clothing when taking x-rays. May wear a special medical uniform.
• Are often exposed to contaminants.
• Often wear protective attire, such as gloves.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable, such as from diagnostic equipment.
• Are often exposed to hazardous conditions.
• Work very near patients and doctors. They often work within inches of other people.

Work Performance

• Must be very exact and thorough in their work. Bad images could cause doctors to make incorrect diagnoses.
• Must repeat the same physical activities, such as positioning patients before the procedure.
• Make decisions on a daily basis that strongly impact patients. They rarely consult doctors before making decisions.
• Are usually able to set their tasks for they day without consulting with a supervisor. This is because they do many of the same tasks with each patient.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/Travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week.
• May work days, nights, weekends, or holidays.

Physical Demands

In a typical work setting, people in this career:

People in this career frequently:

• Use hands to control objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand or sit for long periods of time.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.