Occupational Description

Radiologic Technologists perform x-rays, also called radiographs, and other diagnostic imaging tests that assist physicians in diagnosing medical problems. An important part of the Radiologic Technologists’ occupational duties is preparing the patient for the particular radiologic test. Radiologic Technologists explain the procedure, may administer solutions into the patient’s bloodstream (if indicated), and always ensure that the patient, as well as themselves, is protected from radiation exposure. CT scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), mammograms, nuclear medicine tests and angiographs, are all examples of sophisticated types of radiological tests, some requiring advanced certification (often through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Radiologic Technologists work in hospitals, urgent care facilities, imaging centers, large clinics, and specialty treatment or research centers. Experienced Radiologic Technologists with advanced degrees may work in education. Diagnostic imaging equipment manufacturers may also hire Radiologic Technologists in marketing and sales positions.

Significant Points

• Salaries for Radiologic Technologists have risen dramatically in the last 3 years, largely due to increased demand for radiology services and a shortage of radiology professionals. This has lured more people to pursue training in the profession.

• Much of a Radiologic Technologist's daily work is performed independently.

• Radiologic Technologists work with cutting-edge medical imaging equipment and perform calculations of exposure factors for radiologic tests; Radiologic Technologists often enjoy the technological and mathematical aspects of the occupation.

• Radiologic Technologists usually work 40 hours per week and part time or per diem work is often available.

• Radiologic Technologists spend much of the workday walking and standing. Radiologic Technologists also must lift patients onto the radiologic equipment when necessary and position patients. Physical stamina is critical to success in this occupation.
  

• Though strict safety protocol is in place, Radiologic Technologists do risk exposure to radiation. Every Radiologic Technologist wears a badge that measures radiation exposure and must record radiation levels.
  

• Patients who are having radiologic tests performed are often critically injured or seriously ill. Radiologic Technologists must be highly aware of their patients’ emotional as well as physical state and this aspect of the job can be emotionally challenging at times.

• Some Technologists in the hospital setting may perform up to 40 radiologic tests per shift, often in different modalities. Radiologic Technologists must adhere to a strict schedule while ensuring that the best possible image has been captured which can be stressful.

• Radiologic Technologists administer barium enemas to patients and must also clean up after patients. This aspect of the job is unpleasant to many Radiologic Technologists.

Demand

There is strong demand for qualified Radiologic Technologists throughout the Bay Area. California produces fewer Radiologic Technology graduates per capita than any of the seven other most populated states. Employers generally prefer that Radiologic Technologists become registered through the American Registry for Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Registered Radiologic Technologists with advanced certification in a specialty area will be most desirable to employers and will have greater earning potential and opportunity for career advancement.

Recruiting Radiologic Technologists and retaining incumbent workers is a concern for many healthcare employers. It has been common for employers to offer modest hiring bonuses for several years.

There is an estimated 3% vacancy rate for radiologic technologists in South Bay area hospitals. With retirement from the radiologic technologist workforce and increasing need for radiologic procedures, demand should remain strong for radiologic technologist in the years to come.

Wages

Radiologic Technologists earn $31-$43/hr. Radiologic Technologists with advanced training may earn more. Click here to see the Santa Clara County wage survey for Radiologic Technologists and here for San Mateo County.

Training

Radiologic technology programs are usually 2 to 4 years in length and may culminate in a diploma, associate’s degree (most common) or bachelor’s degree, depending on the type of institution offering the program. Radiologic technology programs are found at community colleges, universities, some hospitals, and select programs are offered at vocational colleges. To be eligible to take the certification exam given by the ARRT, individuals must attend training programs that are accredited by ARRT approved accrediting agencies. Click here for a list of ARRT approved accrediting agencies.

Locally, ARRT approved basic radiologic training programs are available at Canada College, Foothill College, City College of San Francisco, Cabrillo College and Mills-Peninsula School of Radiologic Technology. Specialty training programs are available at Foothill College, Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, and Kaiser Permanente School of Allied Health Sciences, though most individuals pursue these programs only after completing a traditional radiologic technology program.

Admissions criteria vary by institution, though prerequisites often include a high school diploma or GED, as well as completion of courses in algebra, biology, chemistry and medical terminology. Once admitted to a training program, individuals take a variety of radiology specific courses that teach concepts such as radiographic positioning and radiation protection, as well as general health courses such as psychology and anatomy and physiology. Students also complete a clinical training component that includes hands on training. The clinical component in two-year programs is equivalent to one year of full time work, or approximately 2,000 hours.

Due to the intense time commitment of radiologic technology training, students are strongly advised not to hold full-time employment. Attrition rates are high from community college Radiologic Technology training programs--approximately 20% of students in the program do not make it through the first year of study.

Radiologic technology program spots are highly coveted and local programs are heavily impacted. Because the clinical portion of radiologic training programs occurs outside of the classroom, the number of students admitted is contingent on the availability of clinical internship sponsorships from properly equipped medical facilities and space is extremely limited--every community college training slot has been filled for the last 5 years.

Individuals can improve their chances of being accepted to local training programs by earning high grades in all prerequisites coursework. Some training programs admit a percentage of students through the lottery system.

For a comprehensive overview of Foothill Community College prerequisite requirements, program information, application and selection process, and financial information, individuals should visit http://www.foothill.edu/bio/programs/radtech/RTinfo.pdf.

Certification and Licensure

Immediately following completion of a radiology technology training program, individuals are advised to take the national certification exam given by the ARRT and to apply for a California State Certificate.

Individuals who submit documentation of passing the ARRT Radiography exam will be issued a California certificate (equivalent to a license) without additional examination. S/he can then work legally as a Radiologic Technologist. Employers prefer and may require their radiologic technologists to become registered. Registration is the annual procedure required to maintain registration of the original ARRT certification and submitting continuing education units to the ARRT is required.

Individuals who elect not to take the ARRT national certification exam or who do not pass the exam must take an additional State certification exam that is administered by the ARRT for the Department of Health Services. Click here for more information on ARRT national certification and here more information on California State certification.

California State certification must be renewed every two years and Radiologic Technologists must demonstrate completion of 24 hours of continuing education or proof of passing a certification exam in another area of radiologic study, such as mammography. Radiologic Technologists must keep active CPR-certification.

Some employers prefer that Radiologic Technologist have a current fluoroscopy permit from the State of California. Click here for information on obtaining fluoroscopy permits.

Beginning in 2008, the functions of Radiology Health Board (RHB)-- the agency that previously supervised the certification of Radiologic Technologists in California and provided regulatory oversight to radiologic technology training programs, will be absorped by the California Department of Health. This is in response to the passing of Senate Bill 162 that centralizes State regulation of health care agencies. Though individuals are still required to complete the same educational and credentialing requirements, the agency processing the applications will be changing. Individuals interested in more information can visit www.dhs.ca.gov/rhb/PDF/CDHS_External Reorg_Notice.pdf.

Career Ladder Advancement

Click here to view a Radiologic Technology career ladder diagram designed by the Healthcare Navigator.

Experienced Radiologic Technologists may gain additional training and certification and specialize in complex procedures such as CT scanning, MRI testing, or Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Individuals who specialize are in demand and usually earn higher salaries.

Radiologic Technologists interested in administration may become supervisors or clinical coordinators. Employers may prefer that individuals in administrative or supervisory roles have a BS or MS degree, and may prefer managers to also have a Certified Radiology Administrator (CRA) credential.

Radiologic Technologists who prefer not to work in a patient care setting may find employment through diagnostic equipment vendors. Radiologic Technologists with advanced degrees may pursue jobs as clinical instructors.

Resources

Additional Information

UCSF Center for the Health Professions Diagnostic Imaging Report

Silicon Valley Roots: Foundational Occupations with Growth Potential-Radiologic Technologists

Regulatory Agencies

California Department of Health Services. Radiologic Health Branch

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Professional Associations

American College of Radiology

California Society of Radiologic Technologists

Radiologic Society of North America

American Healthcare Radiology Administrators

American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

American Society of Radiologic Technologists