Nuclear radiology technicians capture special images used to detect and treat illness and injury.
A career as a nuclear radiology technician is one of the 50 best careers in any industry, according to a report by U.S. News. Individuals in this career work directly with patients in hospitals and doctor's offices and use technology to improve the lives of people with illnesses or injuries.
Work Type
Nuclear radiology technicians use X-ray imaging, known as radiography, to detect health problems and injuries. Radiology technicians work directly with patients and answer questions regarding the process before the imaging occurs. Technicians must adjust the radiography equipment properly to capture the necessary images and must maintain strict safety procedures to prevent excess radiation from reaching themselves or patients. Radiology technicians must be skilled with complex medical devices and computers. Common types of technology for this career include computed tomography, or CT, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI. In many cases, technicians specialize in these or other similar medical technologies and become experts at using one particular type of imaging device.
Required Education
Several education paths exist for individuals seeking to become nuclear radiology technicians. At the most basic level, certificate programs are available. The programs are approximately two years long and are specifically focused on preparing students for careers in the radiology technician field. Associate degrees are also available. These degree programs are commonly offered by community colleges and also take approximately two years to complete. Unlike certificate programs, associate degree programs usually cover more broad medical training in the areas of anatomy and physiology. The third path for students pursuing a nuclear radiology technician career is a bachelor's degree. Typically four years long, this degree is offered by colleges and universities. A bachelor's degree program covers significantly more medical material than the other two paths. The results of this additional training include better pay and improved chances for advancement.
Employment Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the nuclear radiology career field is expected to expand faster than average over the next decade. Specifically, the BLS projects that between 2008 and 2018, the number of employment opportunities will increase by 17 percent. One major reason for this increase is the number of retirees expected to need medical care in the coming years. Hospitals are the main employers of nuclear radiology technicians. However, other employers are projected to hire technicians as well. These employers include private physician offices and specialty imaging centers. Technicians with the best chances at employment and advancement are those with broad backgrounds in medical education as well as training and experience with multiple types of imaging technology.
Typical Wages
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2008 the median yearly salary for a nuclear radiology technician was $52,210. However, many technicians earned more than this median amount. Ten percent of individuals in this career earned $74,970 or more. Wages for nuclear radiology technicians vary based on several factors, including education and experience. Additionally, the type of employer affects the amount of pay. In 2008, the median yearly wage for technicians employed by medical laboratories was $55,210. General hospitals paid technicians a median wage of $52,890, while private physicians' offices provided a median annual salary of $48,530.
Tags: nuclear radiology, radiology technicians, this career, 2008 median, 2008 median yearly, approximately years