As with many jobs in the medical industry, radiology technicians are in high demand. According to a 10-year study completed in 2006 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for qualified radiology technicians is expected to grow through the year 2016. The field for qualified radiology techs offers those seeking employment in the medical profession a stable job opportunity with a great income.
Radiology Technician Defined
As a radiology technician, you will be a skilled and respected medical professional, trained specifically to perform diagnostic imaging tests, X-rays, on patients. Radiology techs also administer radiation treatments to those with life-threatening diseases. Radiology technicians report directly to a licensed radiologist or other health-care professional who is trained in the reading of X-rays. You will work face to face with your patients as a radiology tech, explaining the procedures, positioning them for the X-rays and reassuring them when necessary.
Specialize Your Career
Once gaining your certification, you will be able to use your knowledge in radiology technology to specialize in certain areas, or you may choose to work as a general radiology tech. Several areas that employ radiology technicians include sonography, particularly for obstetrics physicians; mammography; cardiovascular interventional radiography, working with heart patients; bone densitometry; nuclear medicine; and radiation therapy. The latter requires administering high doses of radiation to patients and requires additional training that usually is received on the job.
Above Average Earnings
According to an August 2009 survey by Payscale.com, the median starting salary for a first-year radiology technician is up to $19.87 an hour. Radiology techs with at least a year of experience are reporting earning a median of up to $21.84 an hour. After five years of experience as a radiology technician, you can expect to earn as much as $25.51 an hour and those techs with at least 10 years of job experience can earn more than $28 an hour.
Education
Most radiology-technician programs can be completed in about two years. Qualified programs can be found in community colleges and lead to a two-year associate degree. Programs also can be found in vocational schools and generally take about a year to complete. Some hospitals also offer the program in-house. After successfully completing all class requirements, which includes an internship in a medical center, all graduates are required to pass a national certification exam. Many employers also require radiology techs to enroll periodically in continuing education courses as well.
Benefits
Many employed in the radiology tech field enjoy the flexibility of different work schedules that the career provides. For those who want strictly weekday hours, working for a specialty physician, such as an OB-GYN specialist can offer a great schedule for those with families. Others, who prefer night or weekend shifts often choose the fast-paced environment of a hospital. An above average pay also allows many in the radiology technician field to work part-time and still make a decent living.
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