Radiologic Technologists | What Do They Do?

Radiologic technologists typically do the following:

Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
Precisely follow orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and answering questions about the procedure
Protect the patient by shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
Position the patient and the equipment in the location needed to get the correct image
Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
Work with radiologists reading the images to determine whether other images need to be taken
Keep detailed patient records

Healthcare professionals use many types of diagnostic equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. They may be called CT technicians or MRI technicians, depending on the equipment they work with. Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low-dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.

In addition to radiologic technologists and technicians, others who conduct diagnostic imaging procedures include cardiovascular technologists and technicians, diagnostic medical sonographers, and nuclear medicine technologists.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition

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