Radiologic technologists provide diagnostic images to physicians in order to detect disease.
A career as a radiologic technologist can be both exciting and lucrative. The U.S. military regularly hires radiologic technologists to work in its medical facilities. According to USAJobs.gov, the government's official job posting site, radiologic technicians mainly work for the military as diagnostic radiologic technologists. Aside from occasional supervisory opportunities, military opportunities are primarily limited to this position.
Job Duties
Diagnostic radiologic technologists take images of the human body for the purpose of diagnosing disease. These professionals provide images to physicians so that the physicians can detect and diagnose disease. Technologists use various types of imaging techniques such as computed tomography, mammography and magnetic resonance imaging. Civilians working for the military in this capacity generally work for the U.S. Army Medical Command, another branch of the military or the Department of Veteran Affairs. Because these agencies and branches of the armed services operate nationwide, positions in this field may require you to move if hired.
Qualifications
Radiologic technologists, military or otherwise, must obtain their education from an accredited college, hospital or school that specializes in training in this field. Radiologic technology education programs generally take one to two years to complete. Those with two-year programs generally provide students with an associate degree in the field, while one-year programs provide a diploma or certificate. Areas of study covered by these programs include radiation physics, pathology, radiation exposure and human physiology and anatomy, among others. Military positions for radiologic technologists generally require at least one year of prior experience in the field in order to receive consideration.
Job Outlook and Salary
Radiologic technologists are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the the number of jobs in the field of radiologic technology should increase by about 17 percent from 2008 to 2018. This rate is nearly double the average rate for all other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also notes that the median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $52,210 as of May 2008.
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