Radiologic Technologist
Field of Study — Radiologic Technology
Radiologic technologists (radiographers) use X-ray equipment to help diagnose and treat diseases or injuries. They work under the direction of a physician. Radiographers work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers or physicians’ offices. Some operate mobile X-ray equipment at the patient’s bedside, in the emergency room or in surgery. Others work in medical laboratories or for private industry.
Radiologic technologists:
- review physicians’ orders and patients’ records to determine required procedures.
- evaluate patients’ conditions and explain X-ray procedures.
- position patients and X-ray equipment to make routine radiographs of specific anatomical areas.
- determine the proper voltage, current and X-ray exposure.
- prepare and administer mixtures required for some procedures.
- assist radiologists in performing sophisticated or invasive procedures.
- ensure proper equipment operation using quality control techniques.
- provide radiation protection for patient, others and self.
Radiologic technologists may specialize in using certain types of equipment or procedures that involve specific body parts:
- computed tomography (CT technologists) use computerized X-ray equipment to take cross-sectional pictures of the body’s internal structures.
- picture Archiving & Communications System (PAC) specialists convert from images to computer generated images.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists use radio waves, powerful magnets and computers to create images of body parts.
- special procedures technologists use specialized X-ray equipment to study and assist physicians in widening narrowed blood vessels.
- mammography technologists specialize in imaging of the breast tissue.
Educational Requirements
Students intending to pursue a career as a radiologic technologist should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English.
Registered radiologic technologists must complete a two-year training program at an approved hospital or school. High school graduation or (GED) is required for entry into a radiologic technology program. In addition to hospital-based certificate programs, degree programs are offered at two and four-year colleges and universities.
Educational Institutions
Virginia Colleges and Universities
Averett University
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Community Colleges
Central Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College, Medical Education Center
Southwest Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach Campus
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Western Community College
Wytheville Community College
Virginia Hospitals and Health Care Facilities
Bon Secours – St. Mary’s Hospital
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Medicorp Health System
Riverside School of Health Careers
Rockingham Memorial Hospital
Southside Regional Medical Center, School of Nursing
University of Virginia Health Sciences Center
Winchester Medical Center
Virginia Proprietary Schools
Virginia Vocational Schools
Riverside School of Health Careers, Affiliated with Newport News Public School System
Professional Associations
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists, Inc.
15000 Central Ave., S.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917
1-800-444-2778
http://www.asrt.org - Virginia Society of Radiologic Technologists
P.O. Box 547
Alexandria, VA 22313
1-800-929-8778
http://www.vsrt.org