Radiology Technologist - Essay Example

Radiology Technologist Introduction The job of a radiology technologist involves use of diagnostic imaging equipment in helping physician diagnose injuries and injuries (Reid-Paul, 2012). Among the equipment used by these technologists include computed tomography, X-ray equipment, CT scans and magnetic resonance imaging or mammograms. Radiology technologists could choose to specialize in any one of these diagnostic imaging technologies or acquire skills in various technologies. As such, the one who would specialize in computed tomography would be referred to as CT technologist while the one who specializes in magnetic resonance imaging would be known as MRI technologist. Roles and responsibilities As earlier indicated, radiology technologists majorly undertake diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. Their duties would typically involve adjustment and maintenance of imaging equipment. They prepare patients for the appropriate procedure including noting down their medical histories and responding to questions on the procedures carried out on them. All these procedures would be undertaken in accordance to the orders given by the physician on the areas of the body where imaging should be undertaken. But while imaging, these technologists protect exposed areas of the body that do not need to be imaged by shielding (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). It is also their mandate to position the patient and the equipment appropriately and operate the equipment to capture the right image. At times, they would be required to prepare the necessary mixture that would allow for visualization of soft tissues on the images viewed by radiologists. Radiology technologists would be expected to liaise with radiologists who read the images to determine the need for other images. Finally, this job requires the technologist to keep appropriate patient records. Work environment Out of the 219,900 jobs for radiology technologists held in 2010, 61% were undertaken in healthcare facilities where just like other healthcare workers, these employees could be exposed to various infectious diseases. The other 21%, 9%, 3% and 2% were held in physicians’ offices, diagnostic and medical laboratories, outpatient care facilities and the federal government respectively. While most of these stations would be fixed, these technologists could be needed to move around to where their services would be needed, especially for travelling radiology technologists. The job entails exposure to radiation hazards though in most institutions, these would be effectively minimized using gloves, protective lead aprons and other devices for shielding and radiation exposure monitoring equipment (Reid-Paul, 2012). Radiology technicians would put on badges that measure radiation levels with Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) noting that detailed records would be kept to determine their cumulative lifetime radiation dose. The work of a radiology technologist involves being on the feet most of the time and turning needy patients and equipment to achieve best imaging results. Educational requirements Most institutions would require an associate’s degree to employ a radiology technologist. To attain this, and perhaps a certificate or a bachelor’s degree, one undertakes formal training programs, with associate’s degree programs being cited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) as common. Typical certificate programs encompassing classroom and clinical training would last 6 to 12 months while associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree would last about 2 and 4 years respectively. The coursework would include patient care, pathology, radiation physics and protection, anatomy and image evaluation. The training and educational programs would be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, JRCERT. Cabrera (2012) advises high school students interested in this career to focus on math and science and pursue courses such as mathematics, physiology, biology, chemistry, physics and anatomy. Licensure requirements for a practicing radiology technologist vary across states. But in most states, it would be mandatory that the technologist graduated from accredited programs. In addition, they should pass a certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist, ARRT or the state (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). For the continued validity of the certification, the radiologic technologists should meet the requirements for continuing education. Personal attributes A successful radiology technologist would have to be detail oriented, following instructions to the latter so as to capture the required images for treating a patient. These persons need to have stamina as they would be on their feet most of the time and should be able to turn needy patients and equipment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) acknowledges the importance of interpersonal skills for this career due to the need for working closely with patients to determine and employ imaging procedures that would not cause mental stress or extreme pain on the patient. Damp emphasizes on this noting that radiology technologists “should be sensitive to patients’ physical and psychological needs” (2006, p.73). These interpersonal skills would also be critical due to constant interactions with other employees in a healthcare institution, especially the radiologist. Job security According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012), in 2010, there were 219,900 jobs available in this field. It has also been noted that between 2010 and 2010, employment in radiology technology would grow by 28%, a rate considered to be higher than for average growth for all occupations at 14%. This numerically translates to 61,000 vacancies, which would result in 281,000 opportunities. Similarly, radiology technicians have future demand for their services clearly set out. Cabrera (2012) acknowledges that the increase in the aging population would yield more medical conditions including fractures and breaks as a result of osteoporosis. Diagnosis of this condition would call for imaging hence the demand for radiology technologists to not only use but also maintain diagnostic equipment. Albeit hospitals would remain the major employers of radiology technologists, various jobs would require radiology technologists in imaging centers and offices of physicians. The prospects in these employment areas would rise because of the massive shift towards employment of outpatient care as much as possible. The reason for this trend has been attributed to its low cost which imparts positively on the payer and has been made possible through technological advances where high-tech equipment which allow for multiple procedures outside the hospital setting (Reid-Paul, 2012). Most of the people who qualify as radiology technologists could also effectively work as cardiovascular technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists and radiation therapists (Damp, 2006) which paid averagely $49.410, $64,380, $68,560 and $74,980 in 2010, all requiring an associate’s degree (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012). Therefore, even if the situation gets to its worse in radiology technology, the qualified personnel could find placements elsewhere. Pay scale The job of radiology technologist requires full time engagement. Due to the nature of their duty where they could be needed to attend to emergencies, it could be required of them to work even on weekends, past normal working hours or on call. As of May 2010, the median annual wage for radiology technologists in the US stood at $54,340 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012) up from $43,350 in May 2004. According to Damp (2006), the median wage refers to the wage at which 50% of workers in an occupation earn more than it and the other 50% earn less than this wage. The lowest 10% earned below $36,510 whereas the highest 10% earned above $76,850. The median hourly earnings stood at $26.50. Career advancement Other than hospitals, the US Armed Forces, vocational-technical institutes, universities and colleges also offer preparation for career in radiologic technology. For experienced radiologic technologists who would like to change fields or to specialize in one, there are one year certificate programs available. To advance to administrative, supervisory or teaching positions, Damp (2006) appreciates the need for a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Coupled with some additional training, long term experience could also earn these technologists the position of specialists in MRI, CT scanning or angiography or better still chief radiologic technologist, department administrator or director. Progress among some technologists would involve switching occupation to directors or instructors in radiologic technology programs or with equipment manufacturers. References Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012, March 29). Occupational outlook handbook. Radiologic technologist. United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 23 November 2012 from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm Cabrera, P. (2012). How to land a top-paying registered radiologic technologist job: your complete guide to opportunities, resumes and cover letters, interviews, salaries. Brisbane, QLD: Emereo Pty Limited. Damp, D. V. (2006). Health care job explosion: high growth health care careers and job locator. 5th ed. Moon Township, PA: Bookhaven Press LLC. Reid-Paul, T. S. (2012). Radiologic technology at a glance. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning. Read More