Summary Report for:
29-2034.00 - Radiologic Technologists
Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
The occupation code you requested, 29-2034.01 (Radiologic Technologists), is no longer in use. In the future, please use 29-2034.00 (Radiologic Technologists) instead.
Sample of reported job titles: Radiologic Technologist (RT), X-Ray Technologist, MRI Technologist (Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist), Computed Tomography Technologist (CT Technologist), Mammographer, Radiology Technologist, Mammography Technologist, Radiographer, Radiological Technologist, Computed Tomography Radiologic Technologist (CT Rt)
Tasks | Tools & Technology | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Related Occupations | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
Tasks
- Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- 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.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
- Remove and process film.
Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Hypodermic needles — Intramuscular needles; Subcutaneous hypodermic needles; Venipuncture needles |
| Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use — Compression bands; Patient immobilizing devices; Sandbags; Straps |
| Medical x ray darkroom equipment or supplies — Automatic x ray film processors; Portable film processors; Self-contained film processors; Tabletop film processors |
| Medical x ray film archiving system software — Image storage systems; Picture archiving and communication systems PACS; Scan converters |
| Medical x ray intensifying screens — Intensifying screens; X ray image intensifier television systems; X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras |
| Radiographic locators — Cones; Cylinders; Diaphragms |
| X ray bone densitometers — Digital transmission densitometers; Portable densitometers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Structured data entry software |
| Information retrieval or search software — Information systems integration software |
| Medical software — Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software; Electronic medical record EMR software; Practice management software PMS; Virtual reality computed tomography CT imaging software |
Knowledge
| Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
| Medicine and Dentistry — Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. |
| English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. |
| Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. |
| Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects. |
Skills
| Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. |
| Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems. |
| Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people. |
| Coordination — Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. |
| Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do. |
| Science — Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems. |
| Instructing — Teaching others how to do something. |
Abilities
| Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position. |
| Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. |
| Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
| Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion. |
Work Activities
| Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. |
| Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. |
| Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
| Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
| Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. |
| Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
Work Context
| Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
| Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
| Exposed to Disease or Infections — How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections? |
| Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
| Physical Proximity — To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
| Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
| Frequency of Decision Making — How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
Job Zone
| Title | Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed |
| Education | Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. |
| Related Experience | Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. |
| Job Training | Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations. |
| Job Zone Examples | These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include food service managers, electricians, agricultural technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents. |
| SVP Range | (6.0 to < 7.0) |
There are 5 recognized apprenticeable specialties associated with this occupation:
Diagnostic Imaging Specialty (Radiologist/Nuclear/Ultra Sound/MRI); Diagnostic Imaging Specialty; Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technician; Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist; Mammography Technologist
To learn about specific apprenticeship opportunities, please consult the U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Information
website.
For general information about apprenticeships, training, and partnerships with
business, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship
website.
Education
 Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Required |
|---|---|
46   |
Associate's degree |
| 34 |
Some college, no degree |
| 10 |
Bachelor's degree |
Interests
Interest code: RS
| Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. |
| Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. |
Work Styles
| Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
| Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
Work Values
| Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
| Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
| Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
Related Occupations
| 29-1124.00 | Radiation Therapists |
| 29-2021.00 | Dental Hygienists 
|
| 29-2031.00 | Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
|
| 29-2032.00 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
Bright Outlook
|
| 29-2033.00 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists |
| 29-2054.00 | Respiratory Therapy Technicians |
| 29-2099.01 | Neurodiagnostic Technologists
|
| 29-2099.06 | Radiologic Technicians |
| 31-9091.00 | Dental Assistants
|
| 31-9099.02 | Endoscopy Technicians
|
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Employment data collected from Radiologic Technologists and Technicians.
Industry data collected from Radiologic Technologists and Technicians.
| Median wages (2012) | $26.26 hourly, $54,620 annual |
| Employment (2010) | 220,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2010-2020) | 
Faster than average (20% to 28%)
|
| Projected job openings (2010-2020) | 95,100 |
| Top industries (2010) |
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2012 wage data
and 2010-2020 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2010-2020). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
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for Radiologic Technologists
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Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Radiologic Technologists
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition.
- American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
, 1255 Northland Dr., St. Paul, MN 55120-1155. Phone: (651) 687-0048.
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
, 15000 Central Ave. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917. Phone: (800) 444-2778. Fax: (505) 298-5063.
- Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606-2901. Phone: (312) 704-5300. Fax: (312) 704-5304.
