Radiologic Technologist: Duties, Salary + How to Become One

Radiologic technologists use specialized equipment, such as X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, to take diagnostic images of patients. In effect, radiologic technologists pair their knowledge of specialized technology with expert interpersonal skills to provide patients with potentially life-saving care.

If you enjoy working directly with technology and patients, then a career as a radiologic technologist might be right for you.

In this article, you'll learn more about radiologic technologists, including what they do, earn, and how to become one. At the end, you'll also explore flexible, cost-effective courses that can help you start gaining job-relevant skills today.

What is a radiologic technologist?

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging in health care settings like hospitals, medical laboratories, and physicians’ offices. Working with patients under the supervision of a doctor, radiologic technologists perform diagnostic images on parts of the body in order to diagnose or monitor existing health conditions.

During their day-to-day duties, radiologic technologists must use their knowledge of health care and radiologic equipment to position patients correctly for procedures and minimize their exposure to radiation. Some radiologic technologists specialize in areas, such as mammography, sonography, nuclear medicine, cancer radiation treatments, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

What does a radiologic technologist do?

Radiologic technologists operate and maintain imaging equipment and perform procedures such as mammograms, MRIs, and X-rays. Other duties include patient interaction, ensuring patient safety, and producing quality images. At a glance, here's what you can expect to do on the job:

• Manage, handle, and maintain imaging equipment.

• Prepare patients for procedures by explaining what will take place and answering any questions they may have.

• Ensure patient safety to limit exposure to radioactive material.

• Communicate with patients before, during, and after procedures to ensure they are calm and well taken care of.

• Coordinating with other health care professionals to ensure patients receive proper care.

Radiologic technologist salary and job outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists and technicians earn a median annual salary of $61,370 as of May 2021. The BLS reports the lowest 10 percent of radiological workers earn less than $46,850, and the highest 10 percent earn over $94,880 annually [1].

The BLS also notes that radiologic technologists and technicians are projected to grow by six percent between 2021 and 2031, resulting in about 16,000 new job openings each year throughout the decade [2]. That's slightly higher job growth than the BLS projects for all occupations during the same period, which sits at 5 percent on average.

Read more: What Do Health Care Jobs Pay? Salaries, Job List, and More

Where do radiologic technologists work? 

A radiologic technologist has many career options available when choosing a work setting. Those working in a hospital typically work in a specific area such as an emergency room or critical care unit. Medical laboratories serve outpatients who need diagnostic imaging. Private imaging centers and doctors’ offices also employ radiology technologists. According to the US BLS, 57 percent of radiologic technologists work in public or private hospitals as of 2021 [3]. 

How to become a radiologic technologist

The path to becoming a radiologic technologist is marked by education, licensure, and skills development. But, a rewarding health care profession awaits you at the end of it. Here's what you can expect to do on your way to joining this impactful job.

1. Obtain your degree.

Typically, radiologic technologists must possess an associate or bachelor's degree in a health or health technology field. In some cases, you may also be able to obtain a postsecondary certificate that prepares you for the career. Depending on the course of study, relevant degree or certificate programs may include a combination of clinical work and academic instruction.

Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider

2. Get certified or licensed.

Many states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or hold a certification. However, each state has its own educational requirements for licensing or certification, so reach out to your state officials to learn more about the precise requirements before attempting to get licensed. After completing the required degree program, radiological technologists must often pass an examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

How long does it take to train as a radiologic technologist?

The educational path you choose will determine the time it takes to prepare for a job as a radiologic technician. Certificate programs typically take one year to complete. However, before considering a certification program, you’ll want to make sure it meets accreditation requirements from the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. 

The minimum requirement is typically a two-year associate degree that can qualify you for an entry-level position. A bachelor’s degree provides more opportunities for advancement. Be sure to check with your state licensing board to determine its education requirements.

3. Hone your skills.

To be a successful radiologic technologist, you’ll need communication skills, mechanical aptitude, and analytical skills. As a radiologic technologist, you’ll work with all age groups and demographics, so you’ll also need diverse, effective communication skills.

To ensure you do the best possible job, here are some of the skills you should consider honing to excel in the workplace:

• Communication

• Empathy

• Knowledge of specialized imaging technology, including how to operate and maintain it

• Understanding of safety measures to prevent over-exposing radiation to the patient and yourself

• The physical ability to position a patient so quality images can be captured while keeping the patient comfortable

• Attention to detail in order to keep careful patient medical records

4. Explore career advancement opportunities.

You can advance your radiologic technologist career to an MRI technologist through experience and MRI coursework. Unlike a radiologic technologist who operates several types of equipment, an MRI technologist works solely with magnetic resonance imaging.

Another career path is to become a mammography technologist. These professionals play a major role in early disease detection and prevention using low-dose x-ray imaging. Mammography is commonly used to detect breast cancer. Along with an associate degree, you’ll need to complete 40 hours of continuing education credit in mammography.

If your career goal is health care management, the position of chief radiologic technologist provides the opportunity to oversee a radiological team and manage a radiology lab.

Learn more about health care with Coursera

When considering a career as a radiological technologist, you’ll want to select an educational program to help you achieve your goals. If you're looking to start a health care career, you might consider taking a flexible, cost-effective course on Coursera.

Explore radiology courses, such as Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging or MRI Fundamentals to learn more about the opportunities that await you. Discover the benefits of radiation in the medical community through The University of Sydney's course in Life, Health, and Radiation.