Careers in the medical industry are booming and skilled and certified radiology technicians are in high demand. In just a few years, you can qualify to become a professional radiology tech in a stable and respected career field, while earning an above-average income (2009 starting average is up to $19.87 an hour) and enjoying flexible work hours.
About Radiology Technicians
Certified radiology technicians, sometimes referred to as radiology technologists, are medical professionals who perform medical imaging tests or x-rays on patients in a variety of medical settings. While working under the supervision of a licensed radiologist, you will provide hands-on contact with patients undergoing various x-ray procedures. Explaining the medical imaging procedure, helping the patient to get into position for the tests, properly positioning the imaging equipment and assuring those patients who are worried or in pain are also functions of the radiology technician's job.
Education
The average training program to become a radiology technician takes about two years to complete. These programs are most commonly found in community colleges and lead to an associate's degree, although some students may choose a four-year bachelor's degree program at a larger university. A few technical and vocational schools may also offer programs that lead to certification. Once you have successfully completed all classroom work and a clinical internship, you must then sit for an examination before the national certification board before seeking active employment. Some regions may require radiology technicians to complete continuing education courses in order to retain their certification over a period of time.
Job Requirements
Radiology technicians are required to stand for long periods of time while on duty and often lift up to 50 pounds or more, particularly with patients who are immobile. As such, those considering the career field of radiology tech should be physically fit. Since you will also be in close contact with patients, radiology technicians should always be well groomed and conscious of their personal hygiene. Most radiology departments are kept at a cooler temperature so those who tend to feel cold may not fare as well in this position.
Additional Requirements
Radiology technicians must follow procedures very carefully because they are working with high doses of radiation that could be harmful to both themselves and their patients. All radiology technicians are required to wear special badges that monitor the amount of radiation levels they are exposed to in order to ensure their safety. In addition, radiology technicians are normally required by most medical facilities to wear protective gear such as lead aprons, gloves and other devices that help shield them against harmful exposure during medical imaging procedures.
Specializing
Qualified job candidates may choose to work as a general radiology technician, which will usually be in a hospital setting, or they may specialize in a certain medical area. Some radiology technicians choose to specialize in areas such as mammography, bone densitometry (bone scans), obstetrics or cardiac imaging. Some radiology technicians who receive additional training, often on the job, work in radiation therapy, where they are trained to administer large doses of radiation to patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
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