Career Information

You may not know Radiologic Sciences by name, but if you’ve ever had an X-ray, you’ve met a radiologic technologist. They are the medical personnel who perform diagnostic imaging exams and give radiation therapy treatments. RTs work in hospitals, medical centers, diagnostic imaging centers and doctors’ offices.

Work Conditions and Job Skills

Radiologic technologists usually work a 40-hour week, sometimes including evening, weekend or on-call hours. Opportunities are also available for part-time and shift work, as well as flexible scheduling. Technologists operate diagnostic machines in designated clinical areas of a hospital, medical center, diagnostic imaging center or physician’s office. They must comply with safety regulations at all times, protecting themselves, their patients and co-workers from unnecessary exposure to radiation.

Why is This a Good Career Bet? 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health-related occupations will add the most new jobs to the economy — nearly one-third of the total increase — through 2022. Fourteen of the top 20 fastest-growing jobs listed by America’s Career Infonet are in health care occupations.

Radiologic technologists are listed as a targeted occupation in Workforce Solutions of Greater Dallas’ top local job openings, showing 2,020 job openings this year. For jobs requiring at least an associate degree, CareerOneStop lists radiologic technologist as sixth in its top 36 careers with the most job openings through 2022 as well as 11th in its 39 fastest-growing occupations. Positions for radiologic technologist are projected to increase by 25% in Texas through 2024.

About a Radiologic Technology Career

The job demands sound physical and mental health, and:

• Good vision to work with charts and records, to manipulate X-ray controls for the production of radiation and to evaluate X-ray images in low-light areas
• Good communication skills for conversing with patients and fellow workers
• Physical strength for pushing wheelchairs, beds, stretchers and portable equipment; lifting and carrying equipment, supplies and patients (at least 50 pounds); and constant standing and walking
• The ability to be accurate and precise, since a procedure is only as effective as the person who performs it

Radiologic technologists:

• Follow physicians’ orders precisely
• Explain diagnostic procedures to patients
• Secure exposed areas with radiation protection devices
• Prepare diagnostic machines
• Accurately position the patient

They may also:

• Keep patient records
• Adjust and maintain equipment
• Prepare work schedules
• Evaluate equipment purchases
• Manage a department

Opportunities for advancement within the field include:

• Advanced technologies
• Cardiac catheterization
• Computed Tomography (CT scans)
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
• Education and research
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Radiation therapy
• Supervision and management
• Nuclear medicine technology
• PACS administrator
• QC/QA technologist