What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
Published 4 min read
A radiologic technologist is a healthcare professional who uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. They may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices.
Radiologic Technologist job duties include:
- Position patients for radiographic procedures.
- Adjust and maintain equipment.
- Select technical factors necessary to produce high-quality radiographs.
- Operate x-ray equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Perform quality control checks on equipment and images.
- Maintain accurate patient records.
- Keep abreast of new developments in the field.
- Protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure.
- Educate patients and family members about procedures.
Radiologic Technologist Job Requirements
A radiologic technologist is a health care professional who uses imaging technologies to diagnose and treat patients. A radiologic technologist may work in a hospital, clinic, or private practice. To become a radiologic technologist, one must complete an accredited radiography program and pass a national certification exam. Some states also require licensure. Most employers prefer candidates with at least one year of experience.
Radiologic Technologist Skills
- X-ray
- CT
- MRI
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine
- Ultrasound
- PET/CT
- Fluoroscopy
- Interventional radiology
- Cardiac imaging
- Vascular imaging
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How to become a Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist is a medical professional who uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat patients. There are many different types of radiologic technologists, each with their own specific area of expertise. To become a radiologic technologist, one must first complete an accredited radiology program. Once the program is completed, the individual must then pass a state-administered certification exam. After passing the exam, the radiologic technologist can then apply for a license to practice in their state.
There are many different types of imaging modalities that radiologic technologists use, including x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Each modality uses different techniques and equipment to create images of the body. Radiologic technologists must be familiar with all of the different modalities in order to provide the best possible care for their patients.
CT scanning, for example, uses special x-ray equipment to create detailed images of the body. CT technologists must be able to position patients correctly in order to get accurate images. They also must be able to operate the CT machine and understand how to interpret the images that are produced. MRI technologists use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the body. They must be able to operate the MRI machine and understand how to interpret the images that are produced. Ultrasound technologists use sound waves to produce images of the body. They must be able to operate the ultrasound machine and understand how to interpret the images that are produced.
Radiologic technologists play an important role in diagnosing and treating patients. They use their knowledge of imaging modalities to provide the best possible care for their patients.
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