Radiologic Technologist
Before describing what a radiologic technologist does, it's important to understand the definition. According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, radiologic technologist is actually a broad term that includes several specialty professions in the medical field including sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists. This section focuses on radiographers, computed tomography technologists, magnetic resonance technologists, and mammographers.
What does a radiologic technologist do?
A radiologic technologist works as part of a medical team which diagnoses patients using complex high-tech imaging equipment. Radiologic technologists produce the images that allow radiologists—doctors who specialize in interpreting X-rays and other diagnostic images—to identify diseases and injuries. The exact duties that radiologic technologists perform will depend on their education, areas of specialization, and certifications. With additional specialized education, radiologic technologists can obtain certifications in a variety of imaging professions.
Radiographers
A radiographer (X-ray tech) specializes in using X-ray equipment to produce images on film (radiographs). Since X-rays can pass through solid objects, they are commonly used in medicine for diagnostic purposes. For example, they can be used to identify broken bones, detect the presence of tumors or bleeding in internal organs, locate foreign objects that people have ingested, or confirm the presence of gall stones or kidney stones. Chest X-rays are often used to detect pneumonia or lung cancer.
Computed Tomography Technologists
A computed tomography (CT) technologist specializes in working with X-ray equipment which uses computerized technology to take two-dimensional images and assemble them into three-dimensional images that provide views into the interiors of internal organs. CT scans have been commonly used when simple X-ray images are not sufficient to make a clear diagnosis, but computed tomography is now increasingly being used as an initial diagnostic tool because of its accuracy.
Magnetic Resonance Technologists
A magnetic resonance (MR) technologist specializes in using equipment which produces images of internal organs and structures without the use of ionizing radiation. Instead, magnetic resonance uses an extremely powerful magnetic field in combination with radio frequencies which produce high contrast images that allow doctors to see details that X-rays and computed tomography don't reveal.
Mammographers
A mammographer is specially trained and certified to use X-ray equipment designed to detect small cancerous breast tumors in the early stages of their development, before they can even be felt. This early detection can allow breast cancer patients to receive successful and life-prolonging treatment.
Now that the meaning of radiologic technologist is clear, it will be easier to make decisions about professional career paths. Of course, many people decide to get certified in more than one specialty to improve their employment prospects, salary levels, and geographic location options, but when starting out, the quickest and easiest path is to choose the area of highest interest, get experience in that area, and add other certifications along the way.
