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THE JOB
Internal images of a patient's body provide doctors with visual data that
would otherwise not be available. DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS,
also called Radiologic Technologists, prepare and process images of
designated portions of the body. This occupational group includes workers
such as Computer Tomography (CT) Technologists, and Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) Technologists. This Guide will describe the general and
specific job responsibilities of these Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists.
General job duties for this occupational group include the following
activities. Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists set up examination rooms as
required, making sure all necessary equipment is ready. They take thorough
and accurate patient medical histories. They prepare patients for
examination, informing them of the procedure to be performed. Technologists
work from doctors' orders, written for specific procedures. Sometimes
technologists prepare and help administer chemical mixtures to patients to
make the internal organs more visible. After positioning patients properly,
technologists obtain the correct images for the type of equipment being
used. Technologists must constantly monitor the patient's condition and
reactions and report any abnormal signs to a physician.
Some Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists operate equipment to produce X-rays
of the body as requested by the physician. They calculate the appropriate
exposure factors of time, distance, voltage, and current, and adjust the
settings as indicated. They then take one or more images, realigning the
patient, and readjusting the machine as required. Radiologic Technologists
may take additional training in diagnostic mammograms for breast cancer
detection and become certified Mammographic Radiologic Technologists.
Other technologists operate computerized head or body scanners (CT scanners)
which generate cross-sectional images on a viewing screen. Specially
trained technologists work with other members of the medical team conducting
intricate diagnostic studies of arteries and veins known as "angiography" or
vascular "special procedures." While doctors and nurses perform delicate,
surgical-type procedures, technologists use specialized equipment and
techniques to take a series of rapid-sequence films. The images produced
must be exactly right the first time because after the exam begins, there is
no opportunity to correct or readjust the equipment.
MRI Technologists produce cross-sectional images of the patient's body
through utilization of large electromagnets, radio waves, and computers.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists work in acute care hospitals and
outpatient clinics in all areas of the state. Some work for private doctors
or medical groups. Many work in independent imaging centers. Technologists
may work under stress, handling emergency cases and accident victims. They
are generally active and often work while standing. Excessive radiation is
a potential occupational hazard for technologists who use X-ray equipment;
however, this is minimized by proper use of protective clothing and
equipment and by careful adherence to safety procedures. While at work,
technologists wear special badges that monitor their exposure to X-rays.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division for Diagnostic Radiologic
Technologists. These data do not include the non-radiologic occupations,
such as MRI Technologists.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 16,630
Estimated number of workers in 2005 23,320
Projected Growth 1993-2005 40%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,670
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Diagnostic Radiologic Technicians is expected to grow much
faster than average through 2005. (The projected growth for all occupations
in California is expected to average about 27 percent through 2005.)
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Average entry-level salaries for Diagnostic Radiological Technologists range
from $8.00 to $15.00 per hour, Salaries for experienced technologists may
range up to $32.00 an hour. Special procedures technologists may earn more.
Students in the clinical portion of their training sometimes receive small
monthly stipends.
The regular workweek is 40 hours. Because hospitals provide X-ray services
around the clock, diagnostic technologists may work evenings, nights,
weekends, or on-call.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Mammographic Radiologic Technologists must graduate from a State approved
mammography school--or an approved equivalent program--in order to be
certified.
Training programs are conducted by community colleges, universities, and
hospitals throughout California. Most programs take two to three years to
complete. Classroom instruction is supplemented by clinical experience in
one or more hospitals. In college programs, graduates complete degree as
well as certification requirements.
Prospective students are expected to have a strong background in science and
mathematics. They are expected to have a high degree of technical and
interpersonal skills, including the ability to perform administrative tasks.
Beginning technologists are expected to have mastered basic and advanced
imaging techniques and must understand the scientific principles underlying
their particular area of imaging technology.
Technologists should be healthy and have moderate strength, normal vision
(may be corrected), and normal manual dexterity. Because they work with
patients who are ill or under stress, technologists should be emotionally
stable, empathetic and patient.
ADVANCEMENT
Experienced technologists may become supervisors and, eventually, radiology
department managers. They may earn teaching credentials and qualify as
training program instructors, clinical coordinators, or directors.
Diagnostic Radiologic Technologists may advance to the specialized fields,
such as nuclear medicine, or MRI technology. Others take positions as technical
representatives for imaging equipment manufacturers.
FINDING THE JOB
Students whose performance is superior during the clinical portion of their
training may be hired after graduation by one of the hospitals in which they
trained. School instructors may refer qualified graduates to jobs.
Additional information regarding openings in California can be obtained from
California Society of Radiologic Technologists' District Employment Referral
Directors, from radiology equipment manufacturers' representatives, and from
ads in professional journals or newspapers.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Radiological Society of North America
2021 Spring Road, Suite 600
Oak Brook, IL 60523-1860
(630) 571-2670
http://www.rsna.org
Department of Health Services
Radiologic Health Branch Certification Section
P.O. 942372--MS178
Sacramento, CA 94234-7320
(916) 323-2073
http://www.dhs.ca.gov
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Registered Nurses No. 29
Nondestructive Testers No. 279
Electroencephalograph Technicians No. 512
Radiation Therapy Technologists No. 535
Electrocardiograph Technicians No. 538
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. Rev. 1)
Radiologic Technologist 078.362-026
Special Procedures Technologist:
Angiogram 078.362-046
Cardiac Catheterization 078.362-050
CT Scan 078.362-054
Technologist, Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI) 078.362-058
Ultrasound Technologist 078.364-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Radiologic Technologists, Diagnostic 329210
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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