Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Overview
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.
What do they do?
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. Radiologic technologists are trained in the use of different types of medical diagnostic equipment. They may choose to specialize, such as in x-ray, mammography, or computed tomography (CT) imaging. Some radiologic technologists provide a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be viewed on the images that the radiologist reviews.
How to become one
Radiologic technologists typically need an associate’s degree. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified. To become licensed, technologists usually must graduate from an accredited program and either pass a certification exam from the state or obtain certification from a credentialing organization. In West Virginia, radiologic technologists are licensed by the West Virginia Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy Technology Board of Examiners.
High school students who are interested in radiologic or MRI technology should take courses that focus on math and science, such as anatomy, biology, chemistry, and physics.
