Radiologic Technologist

 

Career Description

The title of radiologic technologist covers various health care professionals who use radiation for diagnostic imaging. Radiographers, who most commonly produce X-rays of the body, are responsible for preparing patients for the procedure and developing the films for analysis by physicians. More experienced radiographers may administer fluoroscopies, which enhance soft-tissue imaging when taken orally.

C.T. technologists use computerized tomography to view patients cross-sectionally. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists also are radiographers, but they are skilled in using magnets and radio waves instead of radiation to produce images.

Diagnostic medical sonographers and radiation therapy technologists comprise two more subsets of radiologic technologists.

Annual Salary

Entry: $34,882	Mean: $44,054	Experienced: $53,186
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Hourly Wage

Entry: $16.77	Mean: $21.18	Experienced: $25.57
Source: Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council, 2006 Salary Data

Academic Requirements

Most employers prefer formally trained radiologic technologists, and programs currently exist for radiography, radiation therapy and diagnostic medical sonography. Radiography programs require a high school diploma for admission and may be offered at the certificate, associate’s or bachelor’s degree levels. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers the ARRT certification for radiographers, the largest group of radiologic technologists.

Schools

Avila University
816/G0-AVILA

Colorado Technical University North Kansas City
816/472-7400

Heritage College
816/942-5474

Penn Valley Community College
816/759-4000

Research Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology
816/276-3390

Saint Luke’s Hospital of Kansas City School of Radiologic Technology
816/932-3766

Professional Associations

National
American College of Radiology
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic Society of North America
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

State
Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists

Additional Information

Learn More About Diagnostic Imaging Services
Read Personal Accounts of Current Radiologic Technologists