What Do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Do?
Radiologic technologists and technicians perform diagnostic imaging examinations. Radiologic technologists use imaging modalities such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography, while radiologic technicians perform imaging examinations like x-rays.
Radiologic technologists perform more complex imaging procedures. When performing fluoroscopies, for example, radiologic technologists prepare a solution for the patient to drink, allowing the radiologist (a physician who interprets radiographs) to see and examine soft tissues in the body.
Some radiologic technologists specialize in computed tomography (CT), as CT technologists. CT scans produce a substantial amount of cross-sectional x-rays of an area of the body from which a 3-dimensional image is made. Radiologic technologists also can specialize in MRIs, as MRI technologists. MRI, like CT, produces multiple cross-sectional images to create a 3-dimensional image. Unlike CT and x-rays, MRI uses non-ionizing radio frequency to generate image contrast. Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography.
Radiologic technologists who perform imaging examinations are responsible for accurately positioning patients and ensuring that a quality image is produced. They work closely with radiologists, the physicians who interpret medical images to either diagnose or rule out disease or injury.
Radiologic technicians, sometimes referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. They prepare patients for radiologic examinations and position patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed. They also position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient’s body.
Radiologic technologists and technicians must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.
In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists and technicians keep patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department.
For more information about radiologic technologists, go to: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm.
Where Do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Work?
Most radiologic technologists and technicians work in hospitals, although increasing numbers work in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers.
What Do Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Earn?
According to the 2019 BLS, the average salary for full time radiologic technologists nationwide was $63,120, varying by specialty and geographic region. Average annual salary also varies greatly across New York State, depending on location. The NYSDOL reports that radiologic technologists in New York also earned an average annual salary of $70,620, (entry level-$460,100, experienced- $98,230). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not yet publish employment and earnings data for radiologic technicians. According to ziprecruiter.com radiologic technicians earn an annual salary of $57,247 nationwide.
Supply and Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2016 and 2026, the number of radiologic technologist jobs is expected to increase by 18.3% in New York and by 12.3% nationwide. The demand for health technologists and technicians, all other (the BLS category including radiologic technicians) in New York will increase by 27.8%, higher then the national rate of 19.7%.
As the baby-boom population grows older, there may be an increase in medical conditions, such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, which require imaging as a tool for making diagnoses. Radiologic and MRI technologists will be needed to take the images. The aging of the population combined with increased availability and use of new and improved imaging technologies are expected to drive demand for radiologic technologists and technicians. An aging population is likely to have a higher incidence of illness and injury requiring diagnosis through imaging. In addition, diagnostic imaging is being used more and more to monitor the progress of disease and chronic illness treatment.
For projections of radiologic technologists by New York State labor regions, 2014-2024, click here.
Educational Program Requirements
Formal training programs in radiography lead to a certificate, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. An associate degree is the most prevalent form of educational attainment among radiologic technologists and technicians.
Programs in radiography typically provide both clinical training and classroom instruction, with courses in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology.
Radiologic technologists may attend accredited programs in a variety of settings, including at hospitals, community colleges, and four-year colleges. The majority of radiologic technology education programs are two years in length.
The New York State Department of Health has a list of 2 year and 4 year Schools, Colleges, and Programs for radiologic technician training on their website: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/radiological/schlist2.htm.
New York Licensure Requirements
To be licensed in New York, radiologic technologists must successfully complete an accredited radiologic technology education program and pass the radiography examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (https://www.arrt.org). For more information on New York’s requirements, go to: https://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/radiological/.
Financial Support
Many colleges and some radiologic associations, including the ASRT Foundation, offer scholarships or financial aid for individuals pursuing radiologic technology degrees.
Additional scholarships from industry groups are listed here.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has grants, awards, and scholarships that can be found here.
Education Programs in New York (subject to change)
For a complete list of general radiologic technology programs in New York, including those taught through hospitals, please go to:
www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/radiological/schlist2.htm and for more information about some radiologic programs in New York that may accept foreign-trained students, go to: www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/radiological/forgrad.htm
New York Colleges with Radiologic Technology Education Programs
| Bronx Community College 2155 University Avenue Bronx, NY 10453 (718) 289-5100 |
Broome Community College 907 Front Street Binghamton, NY 13905 (607) 778-5070 |
| Fulton-Montgomery Community College 2805 State Highway 67 Johnstown, NY 12095 (518) 762-3522 |
Hostos Community College 500 Grand Concourse Bronx, NY 10451 (718) 518-4123 |
| Hudson Valley Community College 80 Vandenburgh Avenue Troy, NY 12180 (518) 629-7123 |
LaGuardia Community College 31-10 Thomson Avenue Long Island City, NY 11101 (718) 482-5597 |
| Monroe Community College Brighton Campus 1000 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623 (585) 292-2379 |
Nassau Community College One Education Drive Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 572-9640 |
| New York City College of Technology 300 Jay Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 (718) 260-5360 |
Niagara County Community College 3111 Saunders Settlement Road Sanborn, NY 14132 (716) 614-6222 |
| North Country Community College 23 Santanoni Avenue Saranac Lake, NY 12983 (518) 891-2915 |
SUNY Orange 115 South Street Middletown, NY 10940 (845) 341-4277 |
| St. John’s University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences 8000 Utopia Parkway Queens, NY 11439 (718) 990-2000 |
Trocaire College 360 Choate Avenue Buffalo, NY 14220 (716) 827-2443 or (716) 826-1200 |
| Westchester Community College 75 Grasslands Road Valhalla, NY 10595 (914) 606-6882 |
Alfred State College 10 Upper College Dr Alfred, NY 14802 (800) 425-3733 |
| Long Island University C.W. Post Campus 720 Northern Boulevard Brookville, NY 11548-1300 (516) 299-3075 |
Upstate Medical University State University of New York 3416 University Hospital 750 E. Adams Street Syracuse, NY 13210 (315) 464-5189 |
| Concordia College 171 White Plains Road Bronxville, NY 10708 (914) 337-9300 |
Hunter Business School 3601 Hempstead Tpke Levittown, NY 11756 (516) 796-1000 |
| Mohawk Valley Community College 1101 Sherman Drive Utica, NY 13501 (315) 792-5400 |
Additional Web Links
For more information about radiologic technologists and technicians go to:
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists at: https://www.asrt.org:/
The New York State Radiological Society: http://www.nysrs.org/
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