Career Overview
Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Also Known As
- Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)
- Radiographer
- Radiologic Technologist (RT)
- X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)
Alternate Job Titles
- 3D Technologist
- Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist
- CAT Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist)
- Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT)
- Computed Tomography Technician (CT Technician)
- Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech)
- CT Radiology Technologist (Computerized Tomography Radiology Technologist)
- CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Special Procedures Technologist)
- CT Scan Tech (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist)
- CT Scanner Operator (Computed Tomography Scanner Operator)
- CT Tech (Computer Tomography Technician)
- Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT)
- Document Imaging Technician
- EEG Tech (Electroencephalogram Technician)
- Electroneurodiagnostic Technician (ENDT)
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Social Perceptiveness
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Comprehension
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Oral Expression
- Information Ordering
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Speech Recognition
- Speech Clarity
- Inductive Reasoning
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Cooperation
- Empathy
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- R
Tools & Equipment
- Automated defibrillators
- Automatic x ray film processors
- Collimators
- Compression bands
- Computed tomography CT audio and visual intercommunication systems
- Computed tomography CT scanners
- Cones
- Cushions
- Cylinders
- Desktop computers
- Diagnostic ultrasound equipment
- Diaphragms
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM imaging equipment
- Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM system equipment
- Digital transmission densitometers
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Telephone Conversations
- Frequency of Decision Making
- Physical Proximity
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $52,360 |
| Median | $77,660 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $106,990 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 223,460
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $67,260
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $89,340
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $88,180
Radiation Therapists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $101,990
Neurodiagnostic Technologists
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $48,790
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.