Research Assessment #1

Date: October 13, 2016

Subject: Radiologic Technology
MLA: "Radiology Careers and Career Outlook | Radiology Schools 411." Radiology

Schools 411. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Oct. 2016.
Assessment:
Throughout my research, I discovered notable information about careers
involving Radiology. A key reminder I will have to set is that in the Medical field, there
are different levels of specializations.

In radiology, the highest level anyone can reach is specializing as a Radiologist.

They are superior to the other careers, due to the amount of educational experience
and time they put into obtaining a Doctorates degree. These physicians are extremely
advanced in interpreting and diagnosing medical images presented to them, and can be
located in hospitals or their own private office.

The next level attainable would include Radiology Technologist. Radiology

Technologist, also referred to as radiographers, are the professionals that produce
specific medical images for radiologist and other specialist. Radiographers are allowed
to work in hospitals, private offices, clinics, urgent care facilities and radiological
laboratories. This career intrigues my interest, because radiographers are licensed
professionals that are allowed to operate all x-ray equipment. Depending on the college
I attend, I will obtain all the information I need to create medical images, and be able to
get my license within a 4 year Bachelor's degree.

Radiology Technicians, occupy the last level of radiology. These technicians or

x-ray techs, are limited to specific images they are allowed to perform. They are found
in urgent care facilities and doctor's offices, however, they are not allowed to practice in
hospitals. To obtain a certificate or associate's degree, potential technicians will have to
train for about 6 months to 2 years.

Before discovering the difference between radiographers and x-ray techs, some
articles I read about radiology careers labeled them as the being the same. Although
they are similar careers, technologist are allowed a broader range of practice than
technicians. Since I was unaware about it, I am surprised and curious on why other
websites dont include the detailed distinctions. During my upcoming interviews I will be
sure to question; is there a variance among radiography and x-ray techs, or are these
two careers actually the same? Would it be beneficial to specialize in one practice, or
learn about other practices? Why did they choose their profession besides the others? If
I was not in ISM, I would have been oblivious to my new discovery. Now, I wonder what
else I will uncover while continuing my research about radiology technologist.

Article:

Radiology Careers
Why pursue a career in radiology?
 With the number of

radiologic technologists in the US projected to increase by 9% by 2024, the field of radiologic

tech is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations.1

More than 17,200 new jobs are expected in the field between 2014 and 2024.2 In addition to
working as a radiology technologist, ultrasound technician, X-ray technician, MRI tech or CT
tech, medical professionals such as nurses, respiratory and physical therapists also work in the
field of radiology.

As of May 2015, the average radiologic technologist earned an average salary of $58,520 per
year, while average hourly earnings were $27.13.3 With an immediate and sustainable demand
for educated radiologic technologists in hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices, the field of
radiography should continue to show higher than average job growth into the future. Whether a
student is seeking a radiology certificate or masters, bachelors, or associates degree in
radiology or applied health sciences, radiologic technology is a fascinating subject to study. In
addition to providing the required certification to work in your state of residence, earning a
degree from a radiology school also prepares you for a healthcare career that is challenging,
important, and gratifying.
Ranked as the 15th best job in healthcare and the 30th overall, a career in radiology working as
radiological technologist is a smart choice.4 In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts more
than 17,200 new jobs over the next eight years.1

Job searchers can stand out in a growing field of qualified professionals by completing a
two-year degree in radiology and by gaining as much hands-on experience as possible prior to
their career in radiology. Radiology certification can be met in most states by completing exams
that test the candidates knowledge of safety procedures and imaging technology.

What does a radiologic technologist do?

As a critical member of the healthcare team, a rad tech must be adept at using computed
technology (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and x-ray generators.
Radiographers may specialize in a variety of diagnostic imaging techniques, including
mammography and ultrasound.

Radiologic technologists assist physicians and radiologists, who read the images and diagnose
illness and injury. Job prospects for those starting their careers in radiology are expected to
remain high, particularly for those interested in working for general medical and surgical
hospitals.2 Radiation techs also work in urgent care facilities, clinics, equipment sales, and
private offices.

Types of Radiologic Careers

Radiologist (MD)
Physicians and surgeons who learn the highly-advanced skill of interpreting and diagnosing
medical imaging are called radiologists. Assisted by technicians, radiologists use
mammography, x-ray, MRI, fluoroscopy, and CT scans to identify illness and disease. In
addition to diagnosis, some radiologists called radiation oncologists or nuclear medicine
adiology can be divided into several different
specialists also treat cancer using radiation. R
fields including breast imaging, cardiovascular radiology, emergency radiology, musculoskeletal
radiology, and neuroradiology.

Radiologic Technologists / Radiographer

Commonly referred to as radiologic technologists or rad techs, radiographers create medical
images using X-ray, MRI, and mammography for radiologists and other physicians to read and
analyze. Becoming a radiographer requires significantly less education, training, and investment
than a nuclear medicine specialist or radiologist.

Many radiologic technologists earn a two-year associates degree or a four-year bachelors

degree. In addition to a degree, in most states, radiographers must be licensed and/or certified
to have careers in radiology.

Radiology Technicians
A radiologic technician or X-ray technician, sometimes referred to as a limited scope technician,
has a limited scope of practice. X-ray technicians generally work in urgent care centers and
doctors offices but not hospitals. Training programs for X-ray technicians can range from six
months to two years in duration and result in a certificate or associates degree upon successful
completion.

It is important to know the difference between radiologic technologists and

radiology technicians when planning your education. In the medical community,
radiology technologists (also referred to as radiographers) are licensed professionals
who can perform advanced imaging procedures and can operate all X-ray equipment. A
radiologic technician, sometimes referred to as a limited scope technician, has a limited
scope of practice and is not allowed to perform certain imaging procedures. The
licensing and scope of practice for radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians
varies by state, so you can check with your states health department for details.

Ultrasound Technician / Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

An ultrasound tech utilizes diagnostic imagery equipment that uses sound waves to do more
than just identify the sex of a baby. Diagnostic medical sonographers are skilled technicians
who use ultrasound technology on a wide range of soft-tissue procedures, including obstetric
and gynecologic sonography, abdominal, cardiac, and neurosonography.

row at a rate of 26% between 2014 and

Employment of ultrasound technicians is projected to g
2024, which is at a much faster rate than average.5 With a median salary of $67,530 in 2015,
larger metropolitan areas such as San Jose, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco in California tend
to compensate especially well.5 Although hospitals remain the main employer of medical
sonographers, the number of jobs expected to increase even faster in diagnostic and medical
laboratories, as well as in physicians offices.

As one of the most popular type of radiology careers, the growth of ultrasound technology is
largely due to the fact that patients will continue to choose to avoid exposure to radiation and
other invasive procedures when given the option. Additionally, ultrasound imaging technology is
popular with medical facilities because it is an excellent substitute for other more costly and
invasive procedures.

o formal licensure process in for

Equipped with excellent social and patient care skills, there is n
ultrasound techs most states. However, most employers will require a candidate to have passed
a certification exam conducted by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
(ARDMS) and will require clinical experience. While there are bachelors programs in ultrasound
technology available, most students choose to get a two-year associates degree.

MRI Technician
MRI techs operate a magnetic resonance scanner to obtain two- or three-dimensional maps of
various tissue types within the patients body that are used by physicians in the diagnosis and
treatment of pathologies. After entering and monitoring the patients data, the MRI technician
transfers images from disk to magnetic media in order to create a transparency and then
develops the film for the doctor or radiologist to analyze.

The median average MRI tech salary in the United States is $67,720, making it one of the more
desirable radiology careers.1 While many radiographers hold an MRI tech bachelors degree, at
least two years of experience is typically required in the field or in a related area, as well as
registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

CT Tech / CAT Scan Technologist / CT Scan Technologist

T tech is responsible
With a median average salary for a CAT scan technologist of $56,670, a C
for producing computerized tomographic scans of certain sections of the patients body.1 CAT
scan technologists perform abdominal scans, gynecological and obstetric scans, ultrasound
examinations, as well as retroperitoneal scans to create three-dimensional cross-sections or
slices of the body.
In addition to a high school diploma, CT techs typically complete rad tech training and ARRT
registration and begin their careers in radiology with at two years of experience.