Radiologic Technology X-Ray Technologist

What is an X-Ray Technologist?

An X-Ray technologist (also referred to as a radiographer or radiologic technologist) is a professional member of the allied health team and works with other diagnostic imaging technologists, which includes Computer Tomography technologists, Magnetic Resonance Imaging technologists, Nuclear Medicine technologists, Sonographers, Interventional technologists and Radiation Therapists.

The role of the x-ray technologist is to produce radiographs for diagnosis and to assist the radiologist (medical doctor who reads the x-rays for a diagnosis and performs specific radiographic examinations beyond the scope of practice of a radiographer). As an X-Ray technologist you will be using highly sophisticated equipment to produce pictures of internal body structures for the radiologist to interpret for diagnosis. An X-Ray technologist must employ various technical skills to deliver the radiation while providing the patient with the best possible care. With the introduction of computers in radiology, this field of medicine has changed tremendously over the past twenty years. As an X-Ray technologist today you need to be familiar with computers, as well as anatomy, physiology and range of radiography and medical courses such as; radiographic positioning, radiographic exposure, medical terminology, radiologic physics, patient care, venipuncture, radiobiology, pathology and quality assurance in radiology.

X-ray technologists can work in various healthcare setting that includes hospitals, clinics, and medical offices and on mobile units. As an X-Ray technologist you will be working with patients of all ages and at various levels of care, from outpatients to the critically ill.

X-Ray Technologist’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting patients and providing them with adequate patient care while performing radiographic examinations and procedures, including recognition of emergency medical situations and knowledge of emergency treatments.
• Positioning the patient for radiographic examinations and various radiographic procedures in order to demonstrate anatomy for diagnosis of pathological conditions.
• Producing optimal images for diagnosis by using the proper radiographic equipment, exposure factors and radiographic positions.
• Protecting patient, self and other allied health professionals from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
• Evaluating images for proper technical quality factors, positioning and identification.

Are You The Right Person For The Job?

Working as a member of a healthcare team can be rewarding and exciting. The job requires a person who exhibits some of the following personal qualities:

• Genuinely interested in the welfare of people
• Good organizational skills
• Responsibility and dependability
• A detailed person
• Compassionate
• A team player, but also able to work independently
• Good verbal and written skills
• A “People Person”