If you’re considering a career in healthcare, but aren’t sure that nursing is your thing, consider a career as a radiology tech. Radiology combines technology, patient interaction and medical knowledge to help physicians through the diagnostic process. “Rad techs” as they’re called are the pros behind the medical equipment that gives doctors the important images needed to make smart decisions about a patient’s diagnosis.
Rad techs work with X-rays, MRIs CT scans, mammograms and capture detailed images that reveal broken bones, tumors, blocked blood vessels, fluid in the lungs, foreign objects in the body and even pneumonia.
Types of Radiology Jobs
Under the rad tech umbrella, there are plenty of careers. Some of the most common include:
X-ray tech: Also called radiologic techs, these folks use machines to produce medical images of a patient’s body. X-ray techs work one-on-one with patients, positioning them in a way that captures the correct images, talking them through the procedures and protecting them from unnecessary radiation.
CT tech: Computed tomography, also known as CT technologists, operate CT equipment, which produces cross-sectional images of patients’ bones, organs and tissue that are used to diagnose medical conditions. CT technologists go through an additional course after graduating from an accredited radiology program.
MRI tech: MRI technicians operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio frequencies to create 3D images of a patient’s body tissues, which physicians then use as an aid to diagnosis.
Mammographer: A mammography tech is trained to operate radiologic equipment used to examine breasts for cancer and other abnormalities. An extensive educational background in radiology or radiography is among the requirements for becoming a mammography tech.
Nuclear medicine technologist: Nuclear medicine technologists operate equipment that creates images of areas of a patient’s body. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients. The radioactive drugs cause abnormal areas of the body to appear different from normal areas in the images.
Interventional radiology tech: Interventional radiology techs assist physicians in interventional procedures and provide diagnostic aid by conducting organ or body scans on patients. They also administer and record isotope dosage in accordance with established departmental protocol. They observe patients during procedures and report abnormal activity.
Radiation therapist: Radiation therapists are part of an oncology team that treats patients with cancer. They operate machines called linear accelerators, which are used to deliver radiation therapy. These machines direct high-energy X-rays at specific cancer cells in a patient’s body, shrinking or removing them.
Cath lab tech: Cardiovascular technologists spend most of their working time in operating rooms. Although many of the procedures they assist with have become routine, these technologists work in high-stress situations due to the fact that should complications arise, the patient can be quickly placed in a life-threatening situation.
Prior to surgery, the technologist is responsible for ensuring the EKG equipment is in working order, and during the procedure, the technologist will monitor the EKG readouts and keep the doctor apprised of anything considered abnormal. The technologist will also prepare the patient for the procedure by cleaning, shaving and, in case of cardiac catheterization for angioplasty, anesthetizing the area of insertion.
In some hospitals, the cardiovascular technologist will assist doctors during open heart surgery, and with the insertion of pacemakers or stents. Again the technologist will be the one preparing and monitoring the patient in these instances.
Daily non-surgical duties include reading and interpreting test procedures and explaining the procedures to patients. Cardiovascular technologists are exposed to a minor level of radiation in the course of some procedures, but the levels are closely monitored and protected against. During surgical procedures, they spend a great deal of time standing and may be required to help lift and transfer patients.
Ultrasound tech: An ultrasound tech is also called a diagnostic medical sonographer or just a sonographer, operates special equipment that uses high frequency sound waves to record images of internal organs. There are multiple specialty areas, including abdomen, OB/GYN, small parts, vascular and echo.
Certifications and Licensing
Radiology pros, whether they’re regular staff or travelers, typically need to be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT recognizes qualified individuals in medical imaging, interventional procedures and radiation therapy. ARRT certifies and registers technologists in a range of disciplines by overseeing and administering education, ethics and examination requirements.
Some states may require a state license or certification, but others accept the ARRT certification. If you’re interested in traveling to a specific location, talk to your recruiter about what you need in that particular state.
Other professional certifications a radiology technologist might need are Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Neo-Natal Resuscitation Program. These are often determined by the individual facility.
Advice for First-Time Radiology Travelers
If you’ve never traveled before, we got you! Triage actually started as a radiology travel agency and our very first traveler is actually still working for us.
If you’re looking for a position, check out our radiology job board. You can search by pay, location and specialty. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you can set up job alerts or reach out to a recruiter and let them do the work for you.
Meeting Your Recruiter
When you connect with a recruiter for the first time, they’ll ask for a quick phone call. We know that many people prefer to text or email, but a 10-minute phone call can really help speed up the process. That will give the recruiter time to talk through your experience and location preferences so they can start the job search. You’ll create a profile and then can sit back and wait for your recruiter to send you options.
Applying for Jobs
Once your recruiter submits your application for a specific job, you’ll have an interview with someone from the facility. In some cases, facilities will approve an “auto offer,” which means you’ve got the job!
Compliance
Next up is the compliance process. Typically, this includes a drug screen and checking to ensure that your certifications are up to date. You’ll work with a member of our compliance team but your recruiter is still available to answer any questions that might pop up. Once compliance clears, you’re ready to start!
If you’re looking for a travel radiology job, let our team of Triage recruiters help. Connect with a Triage recruiter or view our radiology job board to find a travel position today.