Radiologic Technologist: Skills You'll Need in your New Career

The Baby Boomer generation of individuals born between 1945 and 1965 has entered its retirement years. Not content to fade quietly into the sunset, this new crop of seniors is determined to make the golden years happier, healthier, and more active than their parents and grandparents before them. As this sector of the population continues to grow in number, so will the demand for medical care.

As with most jobs in the healthcare sector, the demand for radiographic technicians is projected to increase by 13 percent between 2016 and 2026. That’s faster than the average for all occupations in the country. This translates to abundant career opportunities in a fast-moving, exciting field.

What does a radiographic technologist do?

Physicians rely heavily on radiographic imaging to diagnose medical conditions, monitor treatment, and predict outcomes. The radiographic technologist plays a pivotal role assisting medical and surgical teams and provides valuable guidance and emotional support to patients.

The importance of producing clear, precise images cannot be overstated. Emergency call-backs, for example, caused by faulty images or misinterpretation are risky and inconvenient for the patient and, at an average cost of more than $2,000 per incident, they are expensive for the healthcare provider.

Specialized branches of Medical Radiography

There has never been a more exciting time to enter the field of medical radiography. Over the past few decades, new specialties have emerged. Among them are:

• Bone densitometry — Known also as dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), bone densitometry is a type of scan that measures bone density. As we get older, bone density plummets. A bone scan is used to determine if someone is at risk from osteoporosis, which can increase the rate of bone fractures.
• Computed tomography — Here, a computer controls the motion of the x-ray source and detector, processes the data, and generates an image.
• Mammography — A technique used to screen for tumors of the breast. This is a particularly exciting area of radiographic technology. Since the introduction of artificial intelligence software to analyze mammograms, they can be read with 99 percent accuracy, minimizing the need for costly and unpleasant biopsies.
• Magnetic resonance imaging — MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields to generate extremely detailed pictures of the organs in the body to detect disease. Although the technique is noninvasive and doesn't require the use of harmful radiation, the inside of the scanner itself can be very claustrophobic and fiercely noisy.

The radiographer therefore needs to be able to calm the patient while instructing them to remain absolutely motionless, a feat requiring extraordinary skill in diplomacy, empathy, and psychology.

• Cardiovascular interventional radiography — Formerly a sub-specialty of radiology, cardiovascular interventional radiography is now a discipline in its own right, using minimally invasive imaging to guide clinicians in procedures that aim to diagnose and treat disease in every organ system of the body.
• Nuclear medicine — The use of radioisotopes to diagnose and treat disease. Here, the radiation emanates from inside of the body out.
• General radiography — The most basic form of radiography, general radiography uses x-rays to produce a fixed image of part of the body. It is used routinely to diagnose fractures.
• Radiation oncology — Medical densitometry and radiation therapy
• Virtual colonoscopy screening — a noninvasive method of screening for colon cancer and has been shown to prevent cancer in as many as 94 percent of cases.

How to prepare for a career in radiographic technology

In addition to well-developed interpersonal skills, a talented radiographic technologist needs to possess a knowledge of anatomy, equipment protocols, radiation safety and protection, patient positioning techniques, and basic patient care.

While the profession is in great demand, it is also highly competitive. An associate's degree can help elevate your resume closer to the top of the pile on a recruiter's desk.

Are you ready to take the first step?

If you're interested in becoming a radiologic technologist, you'll need the right education and hands-on training. ECPI University offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Medical Radiography. For more information on this accelerated, hands-on program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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