Radiologic Technicians (Radiographers) take X-rays and gives non-radioactive material to patients for diagnostic purposes. Some of the diagnostic are the Computerized Tomography (CT) and the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Radiologic Technicians produce radiographs (X ray films) of body's segments to diagnose any medical disease.
Radiologic Technicians prepare patients for this procedure, by explaining the method to patients, and then they remove any article like, jewelry or metal material that will give problem to the X-ray system.
Radiologic Technicians prevents any needles radiation contact by using shields, and by positioning in the right angle and height the X-ray beam. The experienced Radiologic Technicians perform the more complex imaging methods. This experienced radiographer makes a contrast medium solution that allows analyzing soft tissues.
Radiologic Technicians follow the guide of a physician that gives regulations and an order to not have any radiation exposure or any accident.
Radiographers also keep record of patients, of the equipment, schedules and of the department.
Radiographers work more than 40 hours a week depending on their schedules. They have different shifts as evening, weekend or on call hours.
Radiographers wear badges that measure the radiation level and detail record of all the procedures.
More than 174,000 radiologic technicians were needed in the 2002. Most of the jobs were full time in hospitals or in physicians offices; the rest work was in laboratories, imaging centers and in outpatient care centers.
This career is offered in colleges, universities and in some hospitals. The formal training programs length is from 1 to 4 years. This obtains a certification, bachelor or associated degree.
As the population and the ages increase, the demand of diagnostic imaging also increases. The hospitals retain the best and most skilled radiologic technicians.
Radiologic Technicians earn from $38,970 to $55,430 per year; it depends of the department: Medical and diagnostic laboratories $42,470, General medical and surgical hospitals $39,580 and physicians offices $36,490.
Some related occupations that the radiographers could do are: operate sophisticated equipment and could perform work as cardiovascular technicians, clinical laboratory technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and many more.