Radiologic Technician Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

This post provides exhaustive information on the radiologic technician job description, to help you learn the work they do.

It highlights the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities of the radiologic technician work description.

This article also presents the major requirements you may be asked to fulfill to be hired for the radiologic technician role, as well as the expected salary for the position.

Please, keep reading:

What Does a Radiologic Technician Do?

The radiologic technician job description entails performing technical procedures in an X-ray laboratory using specialized equipment.

These include film processors, computerized tomography (CT), fluoroscopy, ultrasound, mammography, digital imaging systems, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine.

Radiologic technicians provide support services for patients undergoing diagnostic radiology examinations.

These include assisting with positioning and immobilization of patients, and administering contrast media intravenously.

It also involves taking patient history, performing physical examination, and obtaining blood samples, and collecting urine specimens.

Furthermore, they prepare and administer medications and supplies needed during the course of treatment.

The radiologic technician job description also includes assisting physicians by interpreting images from various modalities, including CT scans, MRI, sonograms, fluoroscopies, bone densitometry, angiograms, ultrasounds, and mammograms.

It also involves operating and maintaining all types of medical equipment used in the x-ray department.

These include operating the fluoroscope, computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner, and other equipment.

Radiologic technicians are responsible for maintaining the quality of the work performed by the staff in the x-ray room.

They must be able to perform routine maintenance on the equipment and ensure proper functioning of the machines.

As part of their tasks, radiologic technicians maintain records of patient care and assist in billing procedures.

They also prepare reports for insurance purposes.

A radiologic technician has a duty to report any suspected violations of safety rules or regulations.

They may also have additional duties depending upon their area of expertise.

For example, if they specialize in nuclear medicine, they will be expected to provide more complex technical assistance than someone who works only in the x-ray lab.

More on Radiologic Technician Job Description

It is part of the radiologic technician’s duty to maintain a safe working environment for the employees and visitors.

They make sure that the x-ray machine is properly calibrated. Calibration ensures that the x-rays produced by the machine are accurate.

It is their responsibility to ensure that the x-ray machines are maintained in good condition and the X-ray rooms are clean and free of clutter.

A radiologic tech performs a variety of functions related to the operation of the x-ray unit.

Some examples are: operating the fluoroscope, taking pictures with the x-ray machine, and adjusting the focus of the x-ray beam.

Others are setting up and adjusting the controls of the x-ray machine, and cleaning the x-ray room after use.

It is part of the job description of the radiologic technician to help doctors diagnose their patients.

They may help them take x-rays and interpret the results.

As a radiologic technician, you may be required to read the films taken by the radiologists.

If there is something wrong with the image, you will need to notify the doctor immediately.

Radiologic technicians handle radioactive materials safely.

They are aware of the hazards associated with handling these materials and are therefore required to wear personal protective equipment.

Radiologic Technician Job Description Sample/Example/Template

The radiologic technician job description involves the following tasks, duties, and responsibilities:

• Administer medication needed during course of treatment
• Assist physician by interpreting images from various imaging modalities
• Perform procedures such as intravenous injections, blood draws, etc.
• Provide technical support to physicians in performing diagnostic tests
• Maintain equipment used in radiology department
• Monitor patient’s vital signs
• Prepare patients for examination
• Record results of examinations
• Assist with patient care
• Operate x-ray machines
• Report findings to doctors.

Radiologic Technician Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before or are presently working as a radiologic technician and are writing a resume for a new role, you can make a powerful Professional Experience section for your resume by applying the sample radiologic technician job description above.

You can highlight the radiologic technician duties and responsibilities in the above sample job description in your resume’s Professional experience, to show that you have been successful performing the radiologic technician’s role.

This information in your resume can significantly help to boost your chances of being hired for the new job, especially if the new position requires someone with some radiologic technician work experience.

Radiologic Technician Requirements: Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities for Career Success

Here are major requirements you may need to fulfill to be hired for the radiologic technician role:

• 18 years old minimum and have obtained a High School Diploma or equivalent education
• Good driving skills and valid driver’s license
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to understand, read, write, and converse well in English
• Ability to lift items up to 25-50 pounds during work hours
• Must be able to sit/stand for long periods of time without discomfort
• Physically fit and able to bend, stoop or kneel frequently
• Must be able to walk for long distances, climb stairs, and push/pull objects weighing up to 10 pounds
• Willingness and ability to perform emergency duties frequently
• Ability to tolerate noise levels associated with working in a hospital environment
• Must be able to handle chemicals, withstand exposure to radiation, and tolerate high temperatures
• Strong ability to operate medical equipment, perform repetitive motions, and meet deadlines
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality
• Strong ability to follow safety rules and comply with HIPAA regulations
• Pass drug test and certify free of substance abuse
• Must be able to pass background check to eliminate being involved in criminal activities
• Strong ability to attend training sessions, complete certification process, and obtain licensure
• Must be able to provide proof of insurance and present credentials upon request.

Radiologic Technician Salary

According to salary.com, the starting income for a radiology tech is from $56,801 to $68,801, with a base compensation of $62,401 on average.

Conclusion

This post is helpful to individuals interested in the radiologic technician career, to help them learn all they need to know about the duties and responsibilities of the job.

It is also useful to recruiters/employers needing to write a job description for the radiologic technician position in their organizations for use in hiring for the role.

They can apply the radiologic technician job description example provided on this page in writing a detailed one for their organizations.