Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)

Are you a person who likes to work independently, pay attention to detail and learn about emerging technology? Radiologic Technologists should be sensitive to patients' physical and psychological needs, so strong communication and interpersonal skills are a must as this role requires frequent interaction with patients and their families. They also need to pay attention to detail, follow instructions and work as part of a team. If this sounds interesting to you, look into a career as a Radiologic Technologist.

Radiologic Technologists produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body to safely and effectively diagnosis and treat illness and injuries. Radiographers position x-ray equipment at the correct height and angle over the appropriate part of the patient's body, surrounding the exposed area with radiation protection devices or limiting the size of the x-ray beam. Radiologic technologists must follow physician's order precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation in order to protect themselves, their patients and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure. With additional training, Radiographers can specialize in computed tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and mammography.

First Steps:
Students interested in radiologic technology should take high school courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology.

Earnings:
Listed below are hourly/annual wages for both entry level and experienced radiologic technologists and the annual median hourly/annual wage.**

Entry Wage               Median Wage             Experienced Wage           
Hourly Annual Hourly Annual Hourly Annual
$18.07 $37,593  $26.13 $54,357 $30.02 $62.452

**Wage Data 2009, State of Illinois Department of Employment Security

Click here for a comparison of other health care occupation wages.

Work Environment:
Physical stamina is an important attribute to radiation therapists as they are on their feet for long periods of time and may lift or turn disabled patients. Radiation hazards are minimized by following safety practices. Technologists work at diagnostic machines but also may perform some procedures at patients' bedsides. Some may even travel to patients in large vans equipped with sophisticated diagnostic equipment. Most full time radiographic technologists work a 40 hour work week; however, they may have evening, weekend or on-call hours.

Job Outlook:
Employment is expected to grow faster than average. The best employment opportunities are available to those knowledgeable of more than one diagnostic procedure, such as CT, MRI and mammography.

Education:

Educational/Professional Requirements:
In Illinois, radiologic technologists are not licensed by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. However, nuclear medicine technologists must be accredited by the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Division of Nuclear Safety. Accreditation requirements include:

  • Proof of graduation from an approved training program.
  • Proof of passage of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) examination.
  • $120 accreditation fee payable to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency

Voluntary registration is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To become registered, technologists must be graduates of an ARRT-approved accredited program and pass an examination. In order to maintain an ARRT certification, 24 hours of continuing education must be completed every two years. Many employers prefer to hire registered technologists.

Professional Organization: