Radiology Technician Educational and Career Overview

Making the decision to have a career as a radiology technician is a wise choice as this field is a fast-tract career in high demand today.  Not only is it a fast-tract and in high demand career, but it also pays well and has a very promising future as the demands are high and are expecting to rise even higher in the coming years.

RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

As a radiology tech you will be taking x-rays and administering nonradioactive materials into a patient for diagnostic purposes such as bone fractures and soft tissue problems.  You will learn the importance of explaining the procedures to the patients while also positioning them so that the parts of the body to be x-rayed can be appropriately radiographed.  Also, to prevent any unnecessary radiation exposure you will learn how to use devices such as lead shields and gloves and how to limit the size of the x ray beam.

Throught a radiology technician career you will wear badges that measure the radiation levels in the radiation area and detailed records are kept on the cumulative lifetime dose.   You will learn to use instruments similar to a measuring tape that measures the thickness of the section of the body to be radiographed and how to set the controls on the x ray machine to produce radiographs of the correct detail, contrast and density.  You will also learn how and where to place the x ray film under the part of the patient’s body, make the exposure and then develop the film.  It is of the utmost importance that radiology technicians and technologists follow physician’s orders precisely concerning the use of radiation so as to not only protect themselves, but their patients and co-workers as well.

In addition, radiology technicians keep patients records and learn to adjust and maintain equipment, prepare work schedules, evaluate equipment purchases or may even manage the radiology department.  Also keep in mind that since you will be dealing with patients on a daily basis, people skills is a must!

RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN SCHOOLING

You can expect to spend anywhere from one to four years in getting the education needed for this fast-tract career.   Certificates and diplomas can be earned through a residency program or in independant programs which are offered in medical schools.  Of course this all depends on where you choose to get this needed education.  Keep in mind however that the route you take will play a large role in your career as a radiology technician.  You can either take a class offered at a hospital, go to a radiology technical school dealing particularily with your field or career, or choose to attend a college or university of your choice.

RADIOLOGY TECHNICIAN SALARY

As with any job, the amount of schooling you have will play a large part as to how much money you will be making as a radiology tech.  Also, a leading factor is that of your experience, the more years you have on the job, the more money you will be making.   So keep in mind that starting your career with less than two years experience, you will probably be earning an annual average radiology tech salary of $35,000 per year.  But with a bachelors degree and continued education and experience, you can expect that annual salary to go up to around $63,000 per year.