Radiologic Technologist (Radiologist) Job Description

Radiologic Technologist (a.k.a. Radiologists) performs x-rays and place nonradioactive matter into patients ‘veins in order to diagnose problems. There are some who are specialists in diagnostic imaging technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT).

The Primary Objectives of a Radiologist:

• The Radiologist focuses on taking x-rays of patients to determine what illness they may have or if they have broken any bones.
• The Radiologist maintains safe environment for the patient who is being x-rayed.
• The Radiologist must make sure that the patient is kept very comfortable.

Diagnostic imaging is performed by Radiologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Nuclear Medicine Technologists and Cardiovascular Technicians. Radiologist are sometimes refereed too as Radiographers, create x-ray images (radiographs) of different parts of a patient’s body to help diagnose health problems or injuries. The Radiologist teaches the patient about the procedure before they start to take the x-ray. The Radiologist must also make sure that any metal objects from the patient’s body are removed. The Radiologist then will place the patients’ body in the right position before taking the x-ray.

The Radiologist knows that in order to decrease the amount of exposure that the patient is exposed to, parts of their body that are not being radiographer are covered with lead shields, or the Radiologist limits the size of the x-ray beam. The Radiologist then will place the equipment in the proper position in relation to the patient’s body and determine the proper machine settings given the thickness of the area being x-rayed and the part of the body. The Radiologist will then place the x-ray film beneath the part being radio graphed and the picture is taken. The film is then taken out and developed by the Radiologist. Radiologists with experience sometime operate more complex imaging equipment. When performing fluoroscopes the Radiologist gives the patient a contrast medium solution to drink in order to examine the soft tissues in the patients’ bodies. CT technologists use CT scanners to create cross-sectional pictures of patients’ bodies. MRI technologists use equipment with strong magnets and radio waves in order to produce pictures of patients’ bodies.

Radiologist Technicians and Technologists have to obey doctors’ instructions carefully and comply with regulations that deal with their own, their patients’, and their co-workers protection from unnecessary radiation. Radiologists are responsible to maintain patient records and take care of equipment. Some Radiologist creates work schedules, manage imaging departments, or purchase equipment. Radiologist usually work full time which is about forty hours per week. In some cases the Radiologist is required to be on-call working over weekends, nights, and evenings. There are part-time and shift work available for some Radiologist who prefers not to work full-time. Physical fitness is essential for Radiologist since they are required to maneuver disabled patients and spend most of their days on their feet. Radiologist typically perform their duties at imaging equipment, but may do some work at patients’ besides. Other Radiologist may go to the home of the patient in large vans equipped with diagnostic imaging equipment. The Radiologist uses safety equipment like gloves, shields, and aprons made of lead in order to cut down the amount of radiation exposure. The Radiologist usually wears the type of badge that will measure and record the amount of radiation that he is exposed too. The Radiologist exposure is recorded on lifetime basis for his own protection.

Training for a Radiologist can be found through different branches of the military, vocational and technical institutions, colleges and universities, and hospitals all offer training for this occupation. Hospitals like to hire technicians and technologists who have received some kind of formal training; they employ the greatest number of Radiologists. Formal training programs in Radiography are anywhere from 1-4 years long; graduates are awarded with a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree, depending on the program. Most Radiologists usually end with an associate degree which is the most common for the profession. Radiologists with experience, wishing to expand their skill set or change jobs, can take a 1 year certification program. A Radiologist who wishes to become a supervisor, administrator or teacher in the field should possess at least a bachelor’s degree in the field. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology approves the majority of training programs.

Degrees and Training to Become a Radiologic Technologist (Radiologist)

• Medical and Health Degree

Leave a Comment

Do You Work as a Radiologic Technologist (Radiologist) ?

Tell us about your experience as a Radiologic Technologist (Radiologist) . How much you earned, who your employer was, how much education was required or anything that pertains to this career. Help others who are trying to enter into this field. All information is kept anonymous.