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Career Details
29-2034.00 - Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
29-2034.00 - Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
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.
Key Facts

Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
197,000
Estimate
Forecasted Employment
214,200
Estimate
Change in Employment
+17,200
Estimate
Change in Employment %
+8.7%
Estimate
Tasks

Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Core
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
- 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.
- Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Operate digital picture archiving communications systems.
- Transport patients to or from exam rooms.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures.
- Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
- Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
- Maintain a current file of examination protocols.
- Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films.
- Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance.
Generic
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists and technicians.
- Perform supervisory duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
- Provide students or other technicians and technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning, or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality.
Supplemental
- Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge

Knowledge
The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools

Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology

Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications

Licensing

Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs

Online Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.
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