Are You Interested In Becoming A Radiographer Technician?

            Radiological Technologist or Radiographer Technician is a profession that was actually recommended to me by an acquaintance. After doing some research on the career, my interest increased profoundly. Radiographer Technician is a field a person can break into fairly quickly. You can receive a certificate, associate degree, or a bachelor degree. Most people achieve an associate degree. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredits educational and training programs in Radiography. Completing an accredited program is necessary for licensure in many states. The courses aren’t easy and involve a lot of studying and dedication.

            A Radiographer Technician uses X-rays to display images of patient organs. These healthcare professionals use many different types of diagnostic equipment to diagnose patients. Radiographer Technician specializes in X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. Someone who specializes in using a specific piece of diagnostic equipment may have a different title. Once you’ve achieved a license for one, there is no reason not to go back to school and train to become proficient in another area of diagnostic imagery

Some responsibilities a Radiographer Technicians must deal with are the maintenance of imaging equipment. Technicians deal one on one with patients a lot of the time. So you should have very good interpersonal skills. Preparing patients for procedures, including taking medical history and answering questions about the procedure are some interactions a technician has to deal with. Protecting patients from radiation and positioning them and the equipment in the location needed to get the correct image are also very important parts of the job.

In my opinion Radiographer Technician is a well paying job, giving the amount of time it takes to become licensed. Median annual wage of Radiographer Technicians was $54,340 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $77,000. Most Radiographer Technicians work full time. Some technicians work evenings, weekends and on call. Majority of technicians work in Hospitals, 21 percent work in offices of physicians, 9 percent work in medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Employment of Radiographer Technicians is expected to increase by 28 percent between the years of 2010 and 2020 faster than average. This is very promising for anyone looking to get into this field. Hospitals and other medical offices need imagery all over the world. An increasing aging population will have more medical conditions, such as breaks and fractures. Radiographer Technicians will be needed to maintain and use the diagnostic equipment.

If you are interested in this field I suggest you do your own research. Speak to a teacher or go to the hospital and ask questions. I realize you must surround yourself around what you want to do. So read books, visit healthcare locations that have imagery, and ask how you can volunteer and intern. For more information on this field you can contact, American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, or The American Registry of Radiologic Technologist. Any one of these committees can answer any questions you may have on a career in Radiology.

 

Tyrone Sterling