A diagnostic radiologic technologist operates radiology equipment, interacts with patients, and provides results to higher-level members of the radiology team. They require a minimum of two years of formal training and certification from the American Registry of Radiology Technologists.
A diagnostic radiologic technologist is a medical professional who uses radiology techniques to create images of body structures or administer treatment for diseases and conditions. Members of the health care industry consider a diagnostic radiologic technologist to be a mid-level radiology worker because he ranks above a radiologic technologist but below a radiologic assistant in level of responsibility, education, or experience.
During a typical day, the primary duty of a diagnostic radiographer is to operate radiology equipment. For example, he may work with an X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Employers expect the technologist to be familiar with all radiology tools. If there is a problem with the equipment, the technologist should alert others on the radiology team, help troubleshoot problems, and assist with purchasing new equipment. The fact that a diagnostic radiologic technologist relies so heavily on this type of equipment means they must be comfortable with the technology.
Radiology tools are patient tools – that is, the technologist cannot do his job without interacting directly with the patient. Afterwards, a technologist also explains the procedures to the patient, collects medical and personal information, and prepares and positions the patient for the radiology procedure. The technologist is responsible for using the collected information to safely administer the test dose or radiology.
After the diagnostic radiologic technologist completes work with the patient, he or she provides results to higher-level members of the radiology team, such as the radiologic assistant or radiologist. Unlike a radiologic assistant who usually specializes in one area of radiology, technologists cannot offer unofficial initial judgments of image quality or give preliminary interpretations of results. The technologist must not release even basic information about the patient or his condition to the public without permission.
To become a diagnostic radiologic technologist, a minimum of two years of formal training at an accredited facility is required, which usually provides a certificate. In an academic setting, training can last up to four years and can lead to an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree. Typically, a person with a lower-level radiology degree or certificate needs to work as a technician before advancing to technologist status; the additional education within the bachelor’s degree replaces some of the experience the individual would otherwise gain. If desired, the technologist may receive more advanced training and continue toward radiologic assistant positions.
Certification in radiology is standard for technologists. Technologists can earn certification by passing a formal exam administered by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists.
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