About This Career

Takes x-rays and CAT scans or administers nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.

This career is part of the Health Science cluster Diagnostic Services pathway.

A person in this career:

• Positions imaging equipment and adjusts controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Positions patient on examining table and sets up and adjusts equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Monitors patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
• Explains procedures and observes patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Reviews and evaluates developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Uses radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Determines patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Prepares contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Processes exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Operates mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and sanitation control
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Exposed to radiation more than once a month
• Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves use of special protective items such as a breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suit, or radiation protection
• Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
• Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Irregular hours
• Weekend work