RT
Radiologic Technologist (RT)
Career Description:
- Use Radiation (“X-Rays”) to produce diagnostic images in humans and animals
- Also called “Diagnostic Radiographers”
- Can specialize in other areas such as C.T. Scan, Interventional Radiology, Mammography w/ on- the-job training and/or additional college education
- Other medical imaging specialties such as Diagnostic Medical Sonography (“Ultrasound”), Nuclear Medicine, and MRI may be pursued through specific college training courses in addition to, or in place of Radiologic Technology programs (see subsequent career sheets for required education)
Work Environment:
- Academic medical centers, community hospitals, outpatient clinics, mobile companies, physician offices, temporary/”traveler” companies
Working Conditions:
- Requires physical stamina (long hours on feet and patient, equipment moving)
- Some risk of exposure to hazardous body fluids, radiation (reduced by training, use of protective equipment, close monitoring by hospital safety personnel and state and government regulatory agencies)
- Work often takes place in a fast-paced environment and requires the ability to interact successfully with people in sometimes stressful, difficult situations
Job Outlook:
- Over 185,000 RTs employed in U.S.; over 4,500 work in Massachusetts
- 76,000 job openings expected nationally between 2004-2014 (new and replacement positions); 23% growth rate
- 120 open RT positions predicted annually in MA through 2008; average growth rate expected through 2012
Career Advancement:
- Technologists may choose to pursue multiple clinical specialties, management, education, sales, research and other career advancement opportunities.
Earnings:
- Entry-level Radiographers in the Boston area can expect to make $40,000.00- $45,000 per year.
- Average salary in the Boston area with 5 years or more experience is $55,000.00
- Earning potential quickly rises with experience, shift differentials, and advanced training
Salary information is based on data extracted from the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development Career Information System, the Massachusetts Hospital Association “Pulse” website, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Wages vary by employer, geographical location, experience and level of education. Salaries in the Boston area are generally higher than stated Massachusetts and National averages.
Education/Training Required:
- Minimum 2 year AS degree from accredited college program
- Also 3-4 year BS degree programs available
Prerequisite Educational Requirements:
- High School Diploma or GED
- Completion of High School Biology class w/ Lab component and grade of “C” or better within last 5 years; OR
- Completion of High School Chemistry or Physics class with lab component and grade of “C” or better within the last 5 years
- Completion of 2 years of High School Algebra OR completion of 1 semester of College Algebra with a grade of “C” or better
Is this career for you?
- Are you compassionate?
- Do you have the desire to help people?
- Have you or could you successfully complete college Algebra and science courses such as Biology and Anatomy and Physiology?
- Are you interested in working with computers?
- Are you able to provide excellent customer service even in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment? Are you interested in “lifetime learning”
- For individual “self assessment” to see if this career is a good fit for you, please see: http://www.radiologycareersma.org/self.html
For more information on this career (and other medical imaging careers such as Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Medical Sonography) visit:
Schools:
Massachusetts Schools for Radiology Technology
