9 Top Career Options in Radiologic Technology

radiologic technology
doctor holding patients history record

Employment in radiologic technology is expected to grow 9% from 2018 to 2028. If you’re searching for a job that has job growth plus an excellent salary, then look no further.

In this article, you’ll discover the top 9 careers in radiologic technology plus details of each position. Read on to discover all about your new rewarding career in radiology.

What Do Radiologic Technologists Do

Before diving into the many radiology technologist careers, it’s important to understand what exactly a technologist in this field does. You’ll be performing diagnostic imaging examinations and radiation therapy treatments.

You can work in a range of different offices including hospitals, clinics, physician’s offices, or clinical specialties such as orthopedics. You’ll learn anatomy, examination techniques, radiation safety, patient care, and many more subjects in your education and training.

You must at least get an associate’s or above to become a radiologic technologist, plus pass a national certification examination. To remain registered in this position you’ll be required to earn 24 continuing education credits every 2 years. Learn more about continuing education requirements for radiologic technology and why it’s beneficial.

1. Angiography Technologist

An Angiography Technologist, also known as an interventional radiologist, use an imaging technique known as angiography to see the inside or lumen of the blood vessels, and organs of the body. A radio-opaque contrast agent is injected into the blood vessels, and x-ray imaging is used such as fluoroscopy.

Work Environment
The work environment for this is usually in outpatient centers, hospitals, clinics, or labs. In order to obtain certification for this, you must already have a certification in radiology.

2. Computed Tomography Technologists

As a Computed Tomography Technologist, you’ll be using a sensor assembly and a rotating x-ray unit to observe slices of anatomy within the body. The computer assembles and stacks the slices, and then creates images physicians can see.

Physicians can then view images of organs layer by layer which isn’t possible with general radiography.

Work Environment
You’ll work in outpatient centers, hospitals, clinics, or labs. You must complete an educational program related to the radiology field, and register with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists(ARRT). Many start out as radiologic technologists and then take advanced training to become a Computed Tomography Technologist.

3. Radiographer

Radiographers use radiation to produce 2-D black and white images of the patient’s anatomy. Radiographs can be used to find foreign objects in the body, detect bone fractures, and show the relationship between the bone and soft tissue.

To become a radiographer you’ll need an associate’s degree in radiography or a bachelor’s in medical radiography.

4. Sonographer

The average salary of a Sonographer is $67,332 a year. As a Sonographer, you’ll use sound waves to receive images of tissues and organs in the body. You’ll place a device called a transducer in contact with the patient’s body. The different types of Sonographers are general, echo, OB/Gyn, and vascular.

Work Environment
You can work in outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, or freestanding imaging clinics. You’ll need a 2-year degree plus certification.

5. Vascular Sonography Technologist

As a Vascular Sonography Technologist, you’ll work closely with surgeons, cardiologists, and radiologists. You’ll also help physicians with diagnosing and treating vascular disorders. They also perform non-invasive exams to determine vascular diseases or disorders.

Work Environment
They normally work in hospitals. To become a Vascular Sonography Technologist, you’ll need to earn credentials for a Registered Vascular Technologist. You’ll need an associate or bachelors within cardiovascular technology or diagnostic medical sonography.

6. Radiologic Assistant

These are trained radiologic technologists who have done advanced study and work under radiologists. They manage patients, conduct tests, and make judgments based on preliminary results. Only a licensed radiologist is able to make official diagnoses from radiologic images though.

Work Environment
You can work in local, private, and state hospitals. Also, physicians and dental offices as well.

7. Radiologist

A Radiologist is a licensed medical doctor who has specialized training in conducting radiological tests and reading digital images. They can diagnose illnesses and abnormalities in the human body.

You must complete an undergraduate degree, 4 years of medical school, a year of internship with a medical facility or hospital, and pass a medical licensing exam. Then, they do 4 more years of residency in radiology.

8. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists conduct trace amounts of radiopharmaceuticals to a patient. They also use a scanner to detect gamma rays given off by the radiopharmaceuticals. Then, they create an image of the body part under the examination.

Work Environment
Most Nuclear Medicine Technologists work in hospital settings, but some work in imaging clinics or physicians’ offices. You’ll normally need an associate’s in nuclear medicine technology for this field plus become certified.

9. MRI Technologist

As a Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist, you’ll use magnetic resonance imaging scanners to take specific pictures requested by the ordering physician.

It’s required to follow a doctor’s requests and instructions, prepare and use MRI equipment, place patients properly, and then record the diagnostic images.

Work Environment
They’re normally in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. You’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the radiology field. Many radiologic technicians gain experience first and then move on to become an MRI Technologist. See more on this growing field of medical technology.

Radiologic Technology

There are various opportunities in radiologic technology that you’re bound to find the right fit for you. Whether you want to work under a radiologist or as a sonographer, the salary is great and there are many job opportunities.

Would you like to learn more about everything from careers to lifestyle? Check out our other articles.