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Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

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.

Watch this work See majors and colleges
Other titles employers use

Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech) · Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) · Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech) · Mammographer · Radiographer · Radiologic Technologist (RT) · Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech) · Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R))

Inside the work

What you would actually do.

6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.

  • 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.

Who it suits

Would this work hold your attention?

This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and analytical work.

Practical
Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
Organizing
Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Analytical
Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems

Skills and strengths

What you would get good at.

Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.

Core skills

  • Active Listening
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Speaking
  • Service Orientation
  • Monitoring

Subjects to know

  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • English Language
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Administrative

Useful strengths

  • Oral Comprehension
  • Problem Sensitivity
  • Near Vision
  • Oral Expression
  • Written Comprehension

Working day

Picture yourself doing it.

These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.

How this job scores on four measures of working conditions, out of five
MeasureOut of 5What that means here
Close to other people4.7 Arm’s length or closer, most of the day
On your feet3.6 Up and down through the day
Talking face to face4.5 Continuous — the job is conversations
Working with your hands4.5 Handling tools, instruments or materials

Preparation

How people prepare for this work.

Employers usually ask for an associate degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.

  • A two-year degree 73%
  • A certificate or some college 16%
  • A four-year degree 11%

Tools of the work

Technology you may use.

  • Medical software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Office suite software
  • Electronic mail software
  • Presentation software
  • Word processing software
  • Object or component oriented development software
  • Categorization or classification software

Opportunity near you

See where this work is growing.

Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.

Selected stateCalifornia
People doing this work
23,500
Job openings each year
1,480
Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
17.5%
Compare every available state
State People doing it Job openings each year Expected change
California 23,500 1,480 17.5%
Texas 22,390 1,430 19.2%
New York 19,200 410 26.8%
Florida 16,430 990 12.8%
Ohio 10,530 560 1.3%
Pennsylvania 9,990 540 3.4%
North Carolina 8,830 550 16.2%
Georgia 7,970 490 14.5%
Illinois 7,920 410 —
Michigan 6,990 360 —
New Jersey 6,450 370 7.7%
Virginia 5,520 310 5.3%
Indiana 5,450 300 4.2%
Arizona 5,120 340 23.7%
Wisconsin 5,050 290 9.1%
Missouri 5,020 290 7.5%
Tennessee 4,580 270 9.6%
Colorado 4,520 280 17.1%
Minnesota 4,510 250 5.4%
Alabama 4,470 250 6.4%
Washington 4,350 310 11.8%
Louisiana 4,140 230 6.2%
Oklahoma 4,140 220 2.0%
South Carolina 3,990 230 8.7%
Kentucky 3,970 220 4.2%
Maryland 3,290 190 7.2%
Iowa 3,260 190 10.9%
Connecticut 2,900 170 9.0%
Oregon 2,810 170 10.2%
Arkansas 2,690 160 10.2%
Mississippi 2,670 150 5.1%
Kansas 2,540 140 3.3%
Nevada 2,180 140 15.3%
Utah 2,180 150 26.7%
Nebraska 1,950 110 8.9%
Massachusetts 1,900 110 6.7%
West Virginia 1,900 100 2.2%
Puerto Rico 1,740 110 17.6%
New Mexico 1,510 90 16.2%
Idaho 1,260 80 18.9%
South Dakota 1,130 70 11.9%
New Hampshire 1,110 60 6.7%
Maine 1,060 60 —
Rhode Island 1,060 60 6.0%
Montana 910 60 15.2%
North Dakota 900 50 9.8%
Delaware 890 50 14.1%
District of Columbia 800 40 3.9%
Vermont 570 30 7.5%
Wyoming 480 30 9.1%
Alaska 370 20 12.1%
Guam 70 10 16.7%
Virgin Islands 60 0 −14.3%

Career to college

Build a path toward this work.

Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.

CareerRadiologic Technologists and Technicians
Most direct field Diagnostic and treatment professions

Where to study

Colleges with strong activity in these fields.

Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.

ID

Boise State University

Degrees each year
272
Admit rate
84%
Annual cost after aid
$21,000
Open college TX

Midwestern State University

Degrees each year
218
Admit rate
87%
Annual cost after aid
$11,000
Open college OR

Oregon Institute of Technology

Degrees each year
168
Admit rate
92%
Annual cost after aid
$14,000
Open college MO

University of Missouri-Columbia

Degrees each year
93
Admit rate
77%
Annual cost after aid
$14,000
Open college OH

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Degrees each year
87
Admit rate
51%
Annual cost after aid
$10,000
Open college CT

Sacred Heart University

Degrees each year
86
Admit rate
68%
Annual cost after aid
$42,000
Open college GA

Georgia Southern University

Degrees each year
84
Admit rate
90%
Annual cost after aid
$15,000
Open college MA

MCPHS University

Degrees each year
76
Admit rate
85%
Annual cost after aid
$38,000
Open college

Compare every college offering allied health diagnostic, intervention, and treatment professions

Keep exploring

Careers with something in common.

Compare paths that use similar training and strengths.

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