Job Description of a Radiography Tech

A radiography technician (also called a "radiographer," "radiologic technologist" or "radiologic technician") is a health care professional who performs diagnostic imaging.

Job Description

Radiography techs perform a range of imaging examinations, typically including X-ray, magnetic resonance and computed tomography. They also prepare patients for examination and perform administrative duties.

Requirements

Several hundred radiography training programs exist in the U.S., and they typically result in either an associate's or bachelor's degree. Most states require radiography techs to be licensed.

Benefits

Advancement opportunities exist for radiography techs. Radiography techs typically work in clean, well-lit environments.

Drawbacks

Radiography can be exhausting work due to long periods of standing and the lifting and transporting of patients. Radiography techs also often work with very sick patients and must deal with the emotional stress in a medical setting. They must also deal with the risk associated with radiation exposure.

Compensation

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists had in May 2008 a median annual salary of $52,210.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians