What You'll Do

  • Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  • Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body 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.
  • Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods.
  • Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
  • Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  • Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
  • Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians.
  • Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
  • Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.

Essential Skills

Active Listening 3.75/5
Social Perceptiveness 3.62/5
Reading Comprehension 3.5/5
Speaking 3.5/5
Service Orientation 3.5/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Critical Thinking 3.25/5
Operation and Control 3.25/5
Coordination 3.12/5
Operations Monitoring 3.12/5
Writing 3.0/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Concern for Others, Dependability, Integrity, Cooperation, Self-Control

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Oral Comprehension 4.0/5
Problem Sensitivity 4.0/5
Near Vision 4.0/5
Oral Expression 3.88/5
Written Comprehension 3.62/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.62/5
Information Ordering 3.62/5
Inductive Reasoning 3.5/5

Technologies & Tools

Diagnostic and procedural coding software Diagnostic image review software Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software eClinicalWorks EHR software Electronic medical record EMR software Film processor tracking and management software GE Healthcare Centricity EMR GE Healthcare ViewPoint Solutions Information management subsystem software Information systems integration software Internet or intranet image distribution software Medical condition coding software Medical procedure coding software Medical software MEDITECH software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft PowerPoint Microsoft Word

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Concern for Others (High importance: 4.65/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.62/5)
  • Integrity (High importance: 4.62/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.58/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 4.56/5)

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How to Become One

This career typically requires vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some specialized training or certification may also be required.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

3D Technologist Angiogram Special Procedures Technologist CAT Technologist (Computed Axial Tomography Technologist) Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT RT) Computed Tomography Technician (CT Technician) Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Tech) CT Radiology Technologist (Computerized Tomography Radiology Technologist) CT Scan Special Procedures Technologist (Computed Tomography Scan Special Procedures Technologist) CT Scan Tech (Computed Tomography Scan Technologist) CT Scanner Operator (Computed Tomography Scanner Operator) CT Tech (Computer Tomography Technician) Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (DRT) Document Imaging Technician EEG Tech (Electroencephalogram Technician) Electroneurodiagnostic Technician (ENDT) Imaging Specialist Imaging Technician Imaging Technologist (Imaging Tech) Interventional Radiologic Technologist Interventional Radiology Tech (Interventional Radiology Technician) Interventional Technician Limited Radiology Technician Mammographer Mammography Technician Mammography Technologist (Mammography Tech) Medical Imaging Technician Multi-Modality Technologist Radiation Technician Radiographer Radiographer Technologist Radiography Technician Radiologic Technician (RAD Tech) Radiologic Technologist (RT) Radiological Technician Radiological Technologist Radiology Aide Radiology Assistant Radiology Specialist Radiology Technician (Radiology Tech) Radiology Technologist (RT) Radiology Therapist Registered Radiographer Registered Radiologic Technologist (RT (R)) Skiagrapher Special Procedures Technician Travel Interventional Radiology Technologist Travel Mammographer Tech (Travel Mammographer Technician) Travel Radiology Tech (Travel Radiology Technician) Travel X-Ray Tech (Travel X-Ray Technician) Ultrasound Technologist (Ultrasound Tech) X Ray Operator X-Ray Technician (X-Ray Tech) X-Ray Technologist (X-Ray Tech)