Health care professionals who work in the field of radiologic technology are known as radiologists, radiology technicians and radiology technologists. The field of radiologic technology focuses on the usage of imaging devices such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, tomography and mammogram machines. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that radiologists and radiology technologists have very good chances of employment after receiving the proper training and certifications.
Radiology Specialties
There are two major specialties in the field of radiologic technology: radiology technicians who are also known as radiographers and radiologic technologists. Radiographers focus primarily on performing X-rays on individuals and making sure the examination is safe for the patient to experience. Because the procedure involves the usage of radiation, it is important that workers in the field of radiologic technology clearly understand how the imaging devices work and keep patients safe. Similar to radiographers, radiologic technologists or technicians have more complicated procedures to perform such as MRIs or computerized topography (CT) scans.
Education
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that workers in the field of radiologic technology must first earn a high school diploma followed by a two-year associate's degree in the field, or a four-year bachelor's degree in the subject. If you're in high school and looking forward to a career in radiologic technology, focus on science and math classes. Physics, chemistry, anatomy and biology are all subjects you need to build a strong foundation in. Understand the human body and its processes, and learn the way that radiological imaging techniques work and effect the human body. Most people involved in radiologic technology receive associate degrees or certificates from accredited institutions.
Other Qualifications
In addition to the knowledge needed to effectively perform the job, anyone looking into working in most areas of health care must be able to handle the physical, emotional and mental pressures of the job. Working in radiologic technology also requires an understanding of effective communication skills to be able to express procedures to patients and to doctors needing the images to make diagnosis. According to the article "Day in the Life: Radiology Technologist Faith Patterson," a radiology technologist must know appropriately interact with patients, truly understand the types of energy they are dealing with in imaging, and understand how the visual representations of illnesses, diseases and conditions are affected by the imaging processes.
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