Radiographer

Radiologic technologists perform radiographic procedures and obtain images of various body parts for diagnostic purposes.

Description

Working as part of a medical team, the radiographer’s responsibilities may include:

  • Produce X-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems
  • Prepare patients for radiologic examinations
  • Explain radiologic procedures to patients
  • Position patients for X-ray
  • Position radiographic equipment
  • Follow regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, patients, and coworkers from unnecessary exposure
  • Keep patient records
  • Adjust and maintain equipment
  • Prepare work schedules
  • Evaluate equipment for purchase

Licensing

Many employers prefer to hire certified radiographers. Certification, which is voluntary, is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. To be eligible for certification, technologists generally must complete an approved program of study, clinical competency evaluations, and graduate from an accredited program. Upon successful completion of the boards administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), individuals will be certified, registered technologists.

The radiologic science programs at MCPHS have been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (www.jrcert.org).

Personal qualifications

  • Excellent judgment, dependability, conscientious performance
  • Close attention to detail, scrupulous recordkeeping
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • High ethical and professional standards
  • Physical stamina
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Mechanical ability and manual dexterity for operating complicated equipment
  • Ability to visually monitor patient condition and assess emergency situations as they arise
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with patients as part of the radiographic procedure
  • Sensitivity to patients’ physical and psychological needs

Employment opportunities

  • Excellent, according to the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • Employment of radiologic technologists is expected to grow faster than average (increase by 27 percent of more) through the year 2014
  • Radiologic technologists who also are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT and MRI, will have better employment opportunities

Progression

Graduates with the bachelor of science degree can expect to have expanded opportunities in management, education, research, and qualify for graduate level education programs.

Experienced technologists also may be able to grow into roles such as:

  • Supervisor
  • Chief radiologic technologist
  • Department administrator or director (may require a master’s degree)
  • Sales
  • Instructors in radiologic technology programs
  • Application specialists with equipment manufacturers

Radiologic technologists who also are experienced in more complex diagnostic imaging procedures, such as CT or MRI will have better employment opportunities, as employers seek to control costs by using multi-skilled employees. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Getting there: Your degree program at MCPHS

Two programs at MCPHS provide pathways to a career as a radiographer:

Certificate programs in medical imaging at MCPHS enable radiographers to gain a competitive edge by acquiring additional expertise: