How to Be Medical Imaging Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Dec 14, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The increasing demand for medical imaging technicians is leading to a growing number of people entering the field. This has caused an increase in the number of hospitals, clinics, and other medical centers hiring imaging technicians to help diagnose and treat illnesses. As a result of this increased demand, salaries for medical imaging technicians have also gone up, making it a more attractive career option for those looking to enter the health care field.

the advent of more advanced imaging technology has allowed for faster diagnoses, improved accuracy, and better patient care, creating a greater need for well-trained professionals. With the advancements in technology, the job outlook for medical imaging technicians is very promising.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most programs require it, and in order to take the certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
Enroll in a program. Many community colleges, technical schools, and universities offer programs in medical imaging technology. Such programs may include hands-on experience with medical imaging equipment and instruction in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and patient care procedures.
Receive certification. Upon completing the program, you must pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). You must also be registered with the ARRT in order to pursue a career as a medical imaging technician.
Obtain state licensure (if required). Some states may require that you obtain a license to practice in the field of medical imaging technology. Requirements may vary by state, but may include passing an exam, completing a certain number of hours of clinical experience, and/or completing an approved training program.
Gather experience. As you gain experience in the field, you may become eligible for more advanced positions, such as lead technicians or clinical instructors. Additionally, you may become eligible to pursue certifications in specialized areas of medical imaging technology, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning.
Keep up with changes in technology. Medical imaging technology is constantly changing and evolving, so it is important to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the field. You may need to take continuing education courses or attend conferences in order to stay up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.

Becoming a skilled and qualified medical imaging technician requires dedication and commitment. To become a successful medical imaging technician, one must undergo rigorous training, which often involves completing a two-year associate degree in radiologic technology. certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, or ARRT, is required for most entry-level positions in the field.

Once these steps are completed, the technician must develop a thorough knowledge of anatomy, radiographic techniques, radiation safety, and imaging equipment. Furthermore, medical imaging technicians must be adept at working with patients and communicating effectively with doctors and other medical personnel. With the right training and experience, medical imaging technicians can provide vital support to healthcare teams and help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

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Job Description

Operate and maintain imaging equipment, including CT scan, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound machines
Prepare patients for imaging procedures by taking their medical history, answering questions and explaining the procedure
Position patients for imaging procedures and provide instructions on how to remain still
Monitor patient during imaging procedure and adjust equipment settings as needed
Process and review images and adjust contrast, brightness, and other settings
Prepare images for interpretation by radiologists
Monitor radiation dose and safety protocols
Maintain records of exams and patient information
Provide technical support to medical staff
Troubleshoot equipment issues and perform repairs as needed

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of medical imaging equipment and systems
Familiarity with medical terminology
Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures
Attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Knowledge of HIPAA regulations
Computer proficiency
Knowledge of radiation safety principles

Imaging technicians play a vital role in the medical field, as they are responsible for producing accurate images of the body that can be used to diagnose, monitor, and treat diseases and conditions. To be successful in this profession, one must possess a variety of skills, including technical knowledge of imaging equipment, the ability to operate and maintain sophisticated imaging equipment, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with patients. Technical knowledge is one of the most important skills for imaging technicians, as they must be able to properly operate and adjust imaging equipment to ensure accurate and reliable results.

it is important for imaging technicians to have strong interpersonal skills, as these professionals must often interact with patients and provide them with information about their imaging tests. Finally, effective communication is essential for imaging technicians since they need to be able to explain the imaging procedure to patients and answer any questions they might have. With these skills, imaging technicians can ensure that medical professionals are able to get the most accurate images possible for diagnosis and treatment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in medical imaging technology?
How do you stay up-to-date with new imaging technology?
What processes do you use to troubleshoot imaging problems?
Describe a situation where you had to handle a difficult patient or situation related to medical imaging.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with imaging equipment?
How do you ensure accurate image results?
What steps do you take to ensure the quality of images?
Describe a time when you had to work with a team to complete a project related to medical imaging.
What challenges have you faced while working with imaging technology?
How do you handle stress in the workplace?

Common Tools in Industry

X-Ray Machine. A medical imaging device used to create images of the inside of the body. (eg: used to diagnose bone fractures)
Ultrasound Machine. A medical imaging device used to create images of the inside of the body using high-frequency sound waves. (eg: used to diagnose abdominal issues)
MRI Scanner. A medical imaging device used to create detailed images of the inside of the body using powerful magnetic fields. (eg: used to detect tumors)
CT Scanner. A medical imaging device used to create detailed cross-sectional images of the inside of the body using X-rays. (eg: used to diagnose cancer)
Mammography Machine. A medical imaging device used to create X-ray images of the breasts. (eg: used to detect breast cancer)

Professional Organizations to Know

American College of Radiology
Society of Radiologic Technologists
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
Association for Medical Imaging Management
International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine
Radiological Society of North America
American Association of Physicists in Medicine
International Society for Computed Tomography

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Common Important Terms

Radiology. A medical specialty that uses imaging techniques such as x-ray, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose and treat diseases and conditions.
Ultrasound. A non-invasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to produce images of the internal body structures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). An imaging technique that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the bodys soft tissues and organs.
Computed Tomography (CT). An imaging technique that uses X-rays to produce detailed, three-dimensional images of the bodys internal structures.
Radiography. The use of X-rays to take pictures of the bodys internal structures, such as bones and organs.
Mammography. The use of X-rays to take pictures of the breast tissue in order to detect tumors or other abnormalities.
Angiography. A type of X-ray imaging used to visualize the blood vessels in the body.
Fluoroscopy. A type of X-ray imaging used to view real-time images of the internal structures of the body.
Nuclear Medicine. The use of radioactive materials to diagnose and treat illnesses and diseases.
Densitometry. A type of X-ray imaging used to measure the density of an area of tissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Medical Imaging Technician?

A Medical Imaging Technician is a medical professional who specializes in the operation of medical imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, CT scanners, ultrasound machines and MRI scanners, to produce diagnostic images.

What qualifications are required to become a Medical Imaging Technician?

To become a Medical Imaging Technician, you must complete an accredited program in radiology technology and obtain certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

What type of work environment do Medical Imaging Technicians typically work in?

Medical Imaging Technicians typically work in hospitals, outpatient clinics and diagnostic laboratories.

What type of duties do Medical Imaging Technicians typically perform?

Typical duties for Medical Imaging Technicians include performing imaging procedure, preparing patients for scans, ensuring patient safety, operating imaging equipment, reviewing images for accuracy and quality, and keeping accurate records of images and patient data.