Radiologic Technologist/Radiographer

To be a successful Radiologic Technologist you should…

• be compassionate and emotionally mature
• have good eye/hand coordination
• have the ability to calm nervous patients
• have the ability to think and work independently
• have the ability to picture forms in space
• have the ability to stand on your feet for long periods of time

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What will my job be like?

Radiologic technologists also called radiographers, use x-ray machines and other equipment to create images of the internal structures of the body. This allows physicians to study the organs and bones for injury and disease. They give patients contrast agents so those body organs will be visualized. Radiologic technologists process and evaluate film, and educate patients on procedures. Radiologic technologists usually work under the direction of radiologists or other physicians.

Where could I work?

Radiologic technologists usually work in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and public health departments. Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening, weekend, or on-call hours.

Other workplace settings:

• Colleges and Universities
• Government Facilities
• Medical and Dental Laboratories
• Mobile Facilities
• Specialized Imaging Centers
• Urgent Care Centers
• Private Industry

What is the average annual salary?

$63,700

What is the future of this career?

The BLS reports that overall employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 20,800 openings for radiologic and MRI technologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

Radiologic technologists receive their education at community colleges, universities, or in hospital-sponsored programs. The program is usually two years in length. Students earning their bachelor’s degree may go through a 2 + 2 program, meaning two years of preparatory college courses and two years of professional courses in radiologic technology.

Education in radiologic technology is available in 2-year hospital sponsored certificate programs, 2-year associate degree programs, and 4-year bachelor’s degree programs. With additional training, a technologist can specialize and work in advanced and specialized modalities, such as CT scanning, MRI, and angiography. Registered radiologic technologists may take advanced level examinations in mammography, cardiovascular-intervention technology, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and quality management.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

• Capital Community College, Hartford
• Gateway Community College, New Haven
• Manchester Community College, Manchester
• Middlesex Community College, Middletown
• Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury
• Quinnipiac University, Hamden
• University of Hartford, West Hartford
• Yale University, New Haven

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

Licensure is required in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: Connecticut requires successful completion of an approved radiologic technology program and passing the ARRT’s examination in Radiography or Radiation Therapy technology.

Please visit the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health website for more information.

Where can I get more information?

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Avenue, SE
Albuquerque, NM   87123
(800) 444-2778
www.asrt.org