Radiologic Technologist

Common tasks

• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician.
• Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist.
• Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor.
• Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician.
• Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.

Most important skills

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.

Social Perceptiveness

Understanding people's reactions.

Service Orientation

Looking for ways to help people.

Speaking

Talking to others.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Monitoring

Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.

Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.