Radiology Technician Skills

Radiology Technician Training/Certification | Radiology Technician Schools | Radiology Technician Salary | Radiology Technician Skills

Radiology Technician Requirements | Radiology Technician Programs | How To Become A Radiology Technician

Among the most interesting and in-demand jobs available in the healthcare field today is radiology technician, a highly trained professional responsible for operating X-ray and additional diagnostic imaging equipment. Among the radiology technician skills an individual must learn is the correct use of sophisticated X-ray equipment as well as the ability to determine if developed X-ray films are of the proper caliber to be evaluated in order to help the patient.

Anyone considering a career as a radiology technician should take as many courses in high school dealing with math, science and chemistry as possible. Radiology technician training programs can be found at many teaching hospitals in addition to local vocational-technical colleges, as well as other universities and colleges. Training programs vary in length, depending upon whether or not the student enrolls in a program that awards a certificate in radiology technology, usually taking one year, or an associate degree (a 2-year program) or bachelor degree in radiology technology which requires four years of study. No matter what length of study a prospective student chooses, he must already have a high school diploma or GED in order to gain entrance into a radiology technician skills training program. There is both classroom instruction supplemented by practical clinical work, with courses covering such topics as physics, human anatomy, proper medical terminology, physiology, radiology technology principles and diagnostic imaging.

Radiology technicians must have excellent communication skills and enjoy working as part of a team because an essential part of their work is accurately following both oral and written directions and instructions provided by doctors and other healthcare professionals. Good physical dexterity and an understanding of mechanical equipment are also required since all X-ray and diagnostic equipment is under their care. Radiology technicians are responsible for careful inspection of the equipment they use on a daily basis in order to keep the machines in perfect working order.

Physical strength is among the many radiology technician skills required for loading heavy cassettes into the machines, moving patients and positioning patients for the proper X-ray angle. Most radiology technicians are on their feet and moving physically throughout their work shift rather than sitting behind a desk all day.

Among the most important skills required is a thorough understanding of the technology used in the operation of today's sophisticated X-ray, analog imaging and digital imaging equipment. A radiology technician must be very skilled at keeping himself as well as his patient safe from over-exposure to potentially dangerous chemical and radiological materials in the course of taking X-rays and other diagnostic images.

Following both classroom and practical coursework, students must successfully pass a certification exam in order to receive official certification from the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT). Additional study is required every two years to complete recertification. With additional training, a radiology technician can expand their career options by receiving proper licensing to administer other diagnostic tests such as mammograms CT and MRI scans and angiograms.