The School of Diagnostic Imaging, Cleveland Clinic Health System, offers a certificate program in Radiologic Technology based on 24 months of full time study.

Radiologic technology is a complex and challenging field. There are many factors that play a significant role in capturing a quality radiograph. It is the radiologic technologist’s responsibility to make sure that all steps have been taken to produce a quality radiograph.

Before any x-ray is taken, radiologic technologists must prepare the patient for the exam. To accomplish this, they explain the procedure to the patient, position the patient, and if needed administer contrast media used for diagnostic purposes into patients’ blood stream or digestive system.

To prevent excess radiation exposure, radiologic technologists will place protective devices, such as lead shields, over the areas of the patient that will not be x-rayed. They then must determine the thickness of the area being radiographed and set the controls on the x-ray machine to produce radiographic images with the appropriate density, detail and contrast. They also maintain the equipment and keep patients’ records. Some radiologic technologists specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Because they are often dealing with people in physical and/or emotional pain, radiologic technologists must be sensitive to the needs of their patients. In addition, they must be detail-oriented team players and able to follow doctors’ directions explicitly. Operating complicated equipment requires mechanical ability and manual dexterity, while long periods of standing and lifting patients requires physical stamina.

Most radiologic technologists work 40 hours a week; weekend and evening hours are sometimes required. Potential radiation hazards exist in this field, however, protective equipment, such as lead gloves and aprons as well as other shielding devices, minimize exposure. In addition, technologists wear badges that measure radiation levels in their work area. Detailed records are then kept on their cumulative lifetime radiation doses.

Opportunities and Salary

An increasingly aging population requiring diagnostic services should spur job growth for radiographers, predicts the federal government. In fact, some employers are already reporting shortages of qualified technologists. Those with additional credentials, such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR), or with multiple skills, will find more job opportunities available to them.

Radiologic technology may be attractive to those seeking flexibility in their work schedules. 20 percent of the 275,000 technologists employed in 2008 worked part time. Hospitals should remain the chief employer of technologists; however, more physicians’ offices and clinics, including diagnostic imaging centers, are expected to employ greater numbers of technologists.

The ASRT Wage and Salary Survey 2010, conducted by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the ASRT Education and Research Foundation, shows that Radiologic Technologists nationwide earn an average annual pay of $53,953.  In the Cleveland Clinic Health System, new graduates start at an average annual pay of $39,000.