A radiography technician is also referred to as a radiographer or radiologic technologist. Work in this field requires technicians to perform x-rays on a variety of different parts of the body for diagnosing several medical ailments. After taking initial training, radiographers often expand their training to specialize in magnetic resonance imaging or nuclear medicine technology. For students interested in working as a radiologic technologist within the United States, a certification is required from ARRT, which is the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Job forecasts for radiography technician positions look strong with expected increases of 17 percent through 2018. Let’s examine training requirements and responsibilities for performing this job.
New students can acquire training to be a radiography technician at hospitals, universities and colleges. Generally, employers prefer to hire technologists with previous training in this career. Formal training from universities and colleges maybe from one to a four-year degree. Students can achieve a bachelor’s degree, associate’s degree or certificate. The one-year certificate training is usually for people already in the medical field who are changing careers or those people that already have experience working in the radiography field. Most radiography techs enjoy great careers with a two-year degree.
Many radiography technicians settle down into working in hospitals with an average workweek of 40 hours. However, due to the nature of their work they often work weekends, evenings and may have to be on-call as well. Their primary responsibility is taking x-rays, but they have several other duties included with the job. They take direct orders from physicians while carefully monitoring radiation equipment exposure to everyone around them including the patient, co-workers and of course themselves. Radiographers are also responsible for preparing a patient to understand the procedures that will be followed. They position patients and remove all jewelry or any other articles, which could effect the radiation. Technicians are also responsible for maintaining radiography equipment, establishing department work schedules and organizing patient records. Radiographers are required to take a minimum of 24 hours of additional education each two years for re-certification.