Becoming a Radiologist Technician
People who are looking for a good career option would be wise to check out some of the many careers in the medical fields.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of these careers are growing at rates that are faster than average, and have high levels of job availability.
Although becoming a doctor can take many years, you can get into many of these professions with as little as one to four years of training.
This is the case becoming a radiologist technician.
As a radiologist technician, you will be responsible for taking x-rays.
You will tell the patients what you are going to do and what they should expect, prepare the patient with the appropriate shielding materials, prepare the equipment and get it aimed just right, and then take the x-rays that the doctors have ordered for the patient.
You will also develop them and fill out any necessary paperwork regarding the procedure.
If you get extra training, you will be able to do MRI and CT scans as well, and you will be even more likely to be able to quickly find jobs in your field.
The work environment for a radiologist technician is relatively pleasant.
Most of these professionals work in hospitals, although some work in doctors offices or diagnostic imaging centers.
Because of the nature of the job you will have to spend a lot of time on your feet, and you might have to help to lift or turn patients in order to get them into position for their x-rays.
There will be some exposure to radiation, but this is carefully kept to a minimum through shielding devices, and is tracked to make sure that you don't get exposed to dangerous amounts during your lifetime.
Because most of this work is done through hospitals, you might end up working some nights, weekends, and holidays.
There are also part time opportunities available for those who wish not to work a full time schedule.
In order to qualify as a radiologist technician, you will need to attend an accredited training program.
Training programs last for one year (resulting in a certificate), two years (resulting in an Associate's degree), or four years (resulting in a Bachelor's degree), with the two year option being the most prevalent.
These are offered through hospitals as well as colleges and universities.
Once you have completed your training most states require you to become licensed by passing an exam.
There are also options for certification which are voluntary, and these will open up more job opportunities.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, most of these careers are growing at rates that are faster than average, and have high levels of job availability.
Although becoming a doctor can take many years, you can get into many of these professions with as little as one to four years of training.
This is the case becoming a radiologist technician.
As a radiologist technician, you will be responsible for taking x-rays.
You will tell the patients what you are going to do and what they should expect, prepare the patient with the appropriate shielding materials, prepare the equipment and get it aimed just right, and then take the x-rays that the doctors have ordered for the patient.
You will also develop them and fill out any necessary paperwork regarding the procedure.
If you get extra training, you will be able to do MRI and CT scans as well, and you will be even more likely to be able to quickly find jobs in your field.
The work environment for a radiologist technician is relatively pleasant.
Most of these professionals work in hospitals, although some work in doctors offices or diagnostic imaging centers.
Because of the nature of the job you will have to spend a lot of time on your feet, and you might have to help to lift or turn patients in order to get them into position for their x-rays.
There will be some exposure to radiation, but this is carefully kept to a minimum through shielding devices, and is tracked to make sure that you don't get exposed to dangerous amounts during your lifetime.
Because most of this work is done through hospitals, you might end up working some nights, weekends, and holidays.
There are also part time opportunities available for those who wish not to work a full time schedule.
In order to qualify as a radiologist technician, you will need to attend an accredited training program.
Training programs last for one year (resulting in a certificate), two years (resulting in an Associate's degree), or four years (resulting in a Bachelor's degree), with the two year option being the most prevalent.
These are offered through hospitals as well as colleges and universities.
Once you have completed your training most states require you to become licensed by passing an exam.
There are also options for certification which are voluntary, and these will open up more job opportunities.
Source...