Description
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
Work Styles
- Concern for Others
- Dependability
- Integrity
- Cooperation
- Self-Control
Tasks
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
Work Activities
- Assisting and Caring for Others
- Working with Computers
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Detailed Work Activities
- Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Technology Skills
- Medical software
- Presentation software
- Spreadsheet software
- Categorization or classification software
- Electronic mail software
Abilities
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Deductive Reasoning
Skills
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
- Reading Comprehension
- Service Orientation
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Sonography Principles and InstrumentationCertifying Organization
American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Registered Technologist - Bone DensitometryCertifying Organization
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Registered Technologist - Cardiac-Interventional RadiographyCertifying Organization
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Type
Specialty
Certificate name
Certification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging PhysicsCertifying Organization
American Board of Medical Physics
Type
Core
Certificate name
Registered Technologist - Vascular SonographyCertifying Organization
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Type
Specialty
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $37,846 |
| Median (50%) | $61,972 |
| High (90%) | $88,582 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $63,572 |
| Mid Level | $62,031 |
| Senior Level | $68,168 |
| Expert Level | $78,940 |
Employability
There are currently 227,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to increase to 241,000 positions, reflecting a projected growth of 6%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of 6%
Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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