What Radiologic Technologists Do

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients.

Duties

Radiologic technologists typically do the following:

• Adjust and maintain imaging equipment
• Precisely follow orders from physicians on what areas of the body to image
• Prepare patients for procedures, including taking a medical history and answering questions about the procedure
• Protect the patient by shielding exposed areas that do not need to be imaged
• Position the patient and the equipment in the location needed to get the correct image
• Operate the computerized equipment to take the images
• Work with radiologists reading the images to determine whether other images need to be taken
• Keep detailed patient records

Healthcare professionals use many types of diagnostic equipment to diagnose patients. Radiologic technologists specialize in x-ray, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. They may be called CT technicians or MRI technicians, depending on the equipment they work with. Radiologic technologists might also specialize in mammography. Mammographers use low-dose x-ray systems to produce images of the breast. Technologists may be certified in multiple specialties.

Healthcare professionals who specialize in other diagnostic equipment include nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, cardiovascular technologists and technicians, and vascular technologists. For more information, see the profiles on  nuclear medicine technologists, diagnostic medical sonographers, and cardiovascular technologists and technicians and vascular technologists. 

Some radiologic technologists prepare a mixture for the patient to drink that allows soft tissue to be seen on the images that the radiologist reviews.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition