Pursuing A Career As A Radiology Technician
In today’s economy, many are looking for a stable career that will pay a decent salary. Career opportunities in the medical field have always been a stable and lucrative choice, and the radiology technician salary might make this particular field an appealing option for those with the desire to pursue a medical profession. This field offers job security, decent salary, and is a job anyone can be proud of. Radiology technicians work closely with doctors and nurses, and are part of a team that is responsible for diagnosing patients and therefore getting them the proper treatment.
Training
Future radiologic technicians will need to attend college. The amount of time attended will determine the amount of radiology technician salary received later on. For instance, a certificate can be obtained in as little as 18-24 months. In addition, an associate’s degree is possible in this field. Ideally, the individual will seek a four-year Bachelor of Science degree, as this allows them to possibly extend their education and choose a specialty field, and it means more salary earning potential for the person with the most education and higher degree.
Skills Obtained
While in school, technicians will learn about a multitude of topics. The skilled technician will need to know medical terminology so this will be covered while in school. In addition, anatomy and physiology will be covered extensively. Knowledge of the body, its organs, and bones is imperative for the job to be performed correctly. The topic of illnesses and recognizing diseases will be taught. In addition, students will learn how to use x-ray machinery. Students will learn how to position their patients in order to get the picture they desire. Earning the radiology technician salary will also involve patient communication skills. Often times the patient is scared or in pain, so the student will learn how to communicate with the patient and put them at ease so obtaining the x-ray is not a traumatic event for the patient. Students will gain knowledge on how radiation is used to take pictures, and they will discover how to adhere to the strict guidelines regarding radiation exposure in the U.S. Radiation exposure can be serious if levels are too high, so the radiology tech will discover how to protect themselves and their patients. They will gain knowledge on what to do when levels are too high.
It used to be that radiologist were solely responsible for taking x-rays, but technology advances have expanded the field and now MRI’s and CT scans are included in the field of radiology. Those attending school can opt to specialize in a field such as obstetrics where ultrasound is safer for the pregnant woman. Ultrasound uses the interpretation of sound waves, and not radiation, to obtain images; therefore, radiation exposure to mother and child is not a concern. MRI’s use magnetic fields, and requires the patient to be enclosed in a small space for an extended period. Those suffering from claustrophobia will need to be reassured so this is where those communication skills will come in handy. Those who specialize in a certain field will increase their potential radiology technician salary earnings.
Responsibilities
The radiologic personnel will have many duties. These responsibilities are:
-Receiving orders from doctors
-Transporting patients
-Removing clothing or jewelry that might be harmful or interfere with the image
-Explaining the procedure to the patient
-Lifting the patient
-Positioning the patient under the equipment for the proper image
-Taking the X-ray, MRI, CT scan that will later be used for diagnosis and treatment
-Reporting images and findings to the doctor
Often times the tech will work long hours and this job requires that you be on your feet much of the shift. It also requires a lot of lifting and positioning of the patients, so maintaining a physically fit physique is a bonus in this line of work. It is also imperative that radiology techs know how to work as a team member. Tech’s will work closely with doctors, nurses and other staff members, so good people skills is important.
Where You Work
The radiology technician salary is earned in one of several places. Hospitals, of course, always have a need for this service. The demand at hospitals is high for accomplished, experienced radiology techs. In addition, working in a medical center is another option. For those who do not like the fast-paced atmosphere of the hospital, the slower pace of a medical center might appeal to them. Mobile units also offer services of radiology technicians. For instance, mammograms are sometimes done via mobile units as a way to offer the service to women who might not have the opportunity to receive one at a hospital or clinic.
Salary
Technician salary is based on several factors. For instance, level of education, type of degree, and years of experience may all play a role in how much the tech receives. The hourly rate ranges from 18.37-25.30 per hour. Of course, this rate can be higher if there is a specialty attached or the individual has some experience. The low end per year salary is 30,000 and this is for those with little to no experience and a certificate in this field. The median is around 48,591-58,000. The high end is 90,000 per year.
Below,you can see the average annual salary for every State in the US, arranged highest to lowest.
| Massachusetts | $78,920 | Florida | $51,590 |
| Maryland | $68,940 | Vermont | $51,440 |
| California | $66,040 | Wyoming | $51,090 |
| Nevada | $65,960 | Georgia | $50,260 |
| District of Columbia | $65,930 | Indiana | $50,190 |
| Hawaii | $65,220 | Ohio | $50,170 |
| Alaska | $64,870 | Idaho | $50,000 |
| New Jersey | $63,190 | South Carolina | $49,860 |
| Rhode Island | $62,890 | Missouri | $49,080 |
| Washington | $62,670 | Tennessee | $49,060 |
| New York | $62,500 | Montana | $48,980 |
| Oregon | $61,550 | Nebraska | $48,710 |
| Delaware | $61,460 | Louisiana | $48,470 |
| Connecticut | $60,870 | Kansas | $48,370 |
| Minnesota | $59,000 | Utah | $47,960 |
| New Hampshire | $58,020 | Kentucky | $46,630 |
| Virginia | $57,640 | Oklahoma | $46,550 |
| Illinois | $57,540 | Iowa | $46,030 |
| Colorado | $57,210 | South Dakota | $45,690 |
| Arizona | $56,810 | Mississippi | $45,020 |
| New Mexico | $54,840 | Alabama | $44,730 |
| Maine | $54,290 | North Dakota | $44,550 |
| Wisconsin | $53,960 | Arkansas | $44,490 |
| Texas | $53,610 | West Virginia | $42,920 |
| North Carolina | $53,470 | Guam | $40,090 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,980 | Puerto Rico | $25,410 |
| Michigan | $51,750 |
Source: bls.gov
Therefore, for those looking for a long-term and rewarding career, a radiology technician is a career that should be considered. It is not just the lucrative radiology technician salary that appeals to most, but the real chance to help those that are sick and in need. Truly, this profession offers the opportunity for growth, affords financial security, and gives the individual personal satisfaction from knowing that they are helping others.