Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
What they do
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Expected pay range
Expected pay range
This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
About radiologic technologists and technicians
Other titles
Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech), Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT), Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech), Mammographer, Radiographer, Radiologic Technologist (RT), Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech), Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)), X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech), X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
Tasks they perform
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
Skills they need
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Licenses and Certifications
How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.
- License Type
- Stand-alone license
- Status
- Active
- Exam
- Both state and third-party exams required
- Education
- Specific course required
- Continuing education
- Continuing education required to maintain license
- Criminal record
- Background check required
Certifications
Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications (external link opens new tab)
Similar careers
View careers in the same field as radiologic technologists and technicians.
Ophthalmic Medical Technologists
Nuclear Medicine Technologists
Surgical Technologists
Better pay
Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.
Additional career information and resources
Learn more about radiologic technologists and technicians with these helpful sites.
- American Heart Association (external link opens new tab)
- American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (external link opens new tab)
- American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (external link opens new tab)
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (external link opens new tab)
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (external link opens new tab)
- Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (external link opens new tab)
- Occupational Outlook Handbook: Radiologic and MRI technologists (external link opens new tab)
- Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (external link opens new tab)
- The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (external link opens new tab)
- The International Society for Clinical Densitometry (external link opens new tab)