Will “Radiologic Technologists” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Job Description

Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Job Details

• The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 29-2034.00
• The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 59,260.00
• The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 28.00
• Currently, there are 200,650 people on this job

Also Known As…

• X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
• Staff Technologist
• Radiology Technologist
• Radiological Technologist
• Radiologic Technologist (RT)
• Radiographer
• Mammography Technologist
• Mammographer
• Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Technologist)
• Ultrasound Technologist
• Staff Radiographer
• Skiagrapher
• Radiology Therapist
• Radiographer, Mammographer
• Radiographer Technologist
• Imaging Specialist
• Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist
• CT Scan Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist)
• CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist
• Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT Rt)
• CAT Scan Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist)
• Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist
• 3D Technologist

Tasks for “Radiologic Technologists”

• Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Remove and process film.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
• Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
• Perform scheduled maintenance or minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment.
• Perform administrative duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
• Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
• Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
• Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
• Demonstrate new equipment, procedures, or techniques to staff and provide technical assistance.
• Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
• Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians or nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures.
• Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
• Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
• Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.

Related Technology & Tools

• Digital transmission densitometers
• Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM system equipment
• Subcutaneous hypodermic needles
• Radiation protection devices
• Computed tomography CT audio and visual intercommunication systems
• Image capturing and transmission systems
• Intravenous IV locks
• Portable densitometers
• Grids
• Hypodermic needles
• Portable x ray machines
• Notebook computers
• Tablet computers
• Over-the-needle intravenous IV catheters
• Intensifying screens
• Venipuncture needles
• Picture archiving and communication systems PACS
• Magnetic tape recorders
• Cones
• Diagnostic ultrasound equipment
• Intravenous IV tubing
• X ray calipers
• Scan converters
• Automated defibrillators
• Cylinders
• Computed tomography CT scanners
• Syringes
• Power injectors
• Self-contained film processors
• X ray bone densitometers
• Electrocardiography EKG units
• Sandbags
• Medical magnetic resonance imaging MRI equipment
• Compression bands
• Film cassettes
• Vacutainer tubes
• Enema equipment
• Magnetic resonance imaging MRI audio and visual intercommunication systems
• Mobile image amplifier C-arms
• Image storage systems
• Personal computers
• Desktop computers
• X ray machines
• Rapid film changers
• Patient immobilizing devices
• Radiation measurement badges
• Intravenous IV syringes
• Tabletop film processors
• X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras
• Mercury blood pressure units
• X ray image intensifier television systems
• Portable film processors
• Portable ultrasound scanners
• Fluoroscopes
• X ray beam restriction devices
• Film processing equipment
• Electronic blood pressure units
• Oxygen equipment
• Filters
• Positron emission tomography/computed tomography PET/CT scanners
• Automatic x ray film processors
• Cushions
• Collimators
• Intramuscular needles
• Diaphragms
• Straps
• Tourniquets

• Information systems integration software
• Film processor tracking and management software
• Microsoft Office
• Medical software
• Electronic medical record EMR software
• MEDITECH software
• Practice management software PMS
• Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software
• Diagnostic image review software
• Medical procedure coding software
• Diagnostic and procedural coding software
• Internet or intranet image distribution software
• Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software
• Structured data entry software
• Information management subsystem software