How to Be Radiologic Science Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 18, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Radiologic Science Technicians play an essential role in the healthcare field by operating imaging equipment to help diagnose and treat medical conditions. These professionals must complete an extensive educational program, including a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training, in order to become certified to use the specialized equipment. As a result, they are able to capture images of the body's organs and structures and create detailed reports for physicians to review.

This crucial information aids in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of medical conditions, ranging from broken bones to cancer. Furthermore, Radiologic Science Technicians often work closely with patients, providing comfort and reassurance during the imaging process.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Radiologic science technicians must have a high school diploma or GED in order to be eligible for admission into a radiologic technology program.
Complete a Radiologic Technology Program. Most employers require radiologic science technicians to have an associate's degree in radiologic technology from an accredited institution. These programs typically take two years to complete and include courses in medical terminology, patient care, radiation protection, anatomy and physiology.
Obtain State Licensure. All states require radiologic science technicians to be licensed. To be eligible for licensure, applicants must pass an exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Obtain Certification. Employers may prefer to hire radiologic science technicians who have obtained certification by the ARRT or another professional organization. To be eligible for certification, applicants must have completed an approved radiologic technology program and passed the ARRT exam.
Pursue Continuing Education. Professional organizations such as the ARRT require radiologic science technicians to pursue continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification. Radiologic science technicians can often fulfill this requirement by attending seminars and workshops or completing courses online.

Radiologic Science Technicians must remain up-to-date and efficient in order to provide the best care for patients. To do this, they must stay informed of the latest advancements in the field, attend professional development courses, and keep abreast of changes in equipment and techniques. By staying current, they can ensure that patients receive the highest quality of care and that their knowledge is continually expanding.

staying organized and following proper protocols helps to ensure that procedures are conducted correctly, efficiently, and with minimal risk. By taking advantage of professional development opportunities, staying organized and informed, and following proper protocols, Radiologic Science Technicians can maintain their high level of expertise in the field.

You may want to check Vascular Interventional Radiologist, Musculoskeletal Radiologist, and Nuclear Medicine Radiologist for alternative.

Job Description

Prepare patients for radiological examinations and treatments, such as positioning the patient, covering body parts not being studied with lead shields, and administering contrast materials.
Operate radiographic equipment to produce radiographs (x-ray films) of parts of the body, as requested by physicians.
Take x-ray films and process them in a developing solution to create images for interpretation by a radiologist.
Monitor and adjust radiographic equipment to ensure quality images.
Explain procedures to patients and answer patient questions.
Prepare reports for radiologists and other physicians.
Maintain inventory of supplies and assure the safety of the environment.
Monitor patients' responses to treatments and document in medical records.
Perform routine maintenance on radiologic equipment.
Monitor radiation levels in the environment and take corrective action when necessary.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
Knowledge of medical terminology
Knowledge of medical imaging equipment and processes
Ability to operate medical imaging equipment
Ability to troubleshoot medical imaging equipment
Ability to prepare patients for imaging procedures
Ability to explain procedures to patients
Ability to set up and adjust imaging equipment
Ability to evaluate images for accuracy and quality
Ability to transfer images to digital systems
Ability to keep accurate records of patients imaging histories
Knowledge of radiation safety standards and regulations
Knowledge of radiation protection techniques
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality
Computer skills for data entry and retrieval

Radiologic science technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry. The most important skill for them to have is the ability to effectively operate complex medical imaging equipment. This requires a great deal of technical knowledge, manual dexterity, and patience.

With the use of sophisticated technology, radiologic science technicians can accurately capture images of the human body that can provide diagnostic information for physicians to interpret. they must be able to properly position patients and adjust the imaging equipment to ensure clear images are taken. With their expertise in imaging technology and patient care, radiologic science technicians are an integral part of the healthcare team.

Their skills enable physicians to diagnose and treat a variety of medical conditions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Chief Radiologist, Radiologist Assistant, and Emergency Radiologist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in radiologic science?
How do you stay up to date on the latest trends in radiology?
What interests you most about being a radiologic science technician?
Describe your experience working with radiologic equipment.
What challenges have you faced while working as a radiologic science technician?
How do you ensure accuracy in the information you collect and report?
What makes you the best candidate for this position?
How do you handle difficult situations in a professional manner?
What is your experience with patient care and safety regulations?
What steps have you taken to further your knowledge in radiologic science?

Common Tools in Industry

X-ray machine. Used to create images of the inside of the body (eg: Chest X-ray).
CT Scanner. Used to create detailed images of the inside of the body (eg: CT scan of the brain).
Mammography Machine. Used to create images of the breast (eg: Mammogram).
Ultrasound Machine. Used to create images of organs and other structures in the body (eg: Ultrasound of the heart).
Fluoroscopy Machine. Used to create real-time images of the inside of the body (eg: Angiogram).
Image Processing Software. Used to enhance images and detect abnormalities (eg: PACS software).
Radiation Protection Equipment. Used to protect patients and staff from radiation exposure (eg: Lead apron).
Radiation Monitoring Equipment. Used to monitor and measure radiation levels (eg: Dosimeter).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU)
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
Society for Radiologic Technicians in Nuclear Medicine (SRTNM)
International Society for Radiographers and Radiological Technicians (ISRRT)
Association of Medical Imaging Management (AHRA)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
International Society for Computed Tomography (ISCT)
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SDMS)

We also have Radiology Manager, Chief Radiology Technologist, and X-Ray Radiologic Technologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Radiologic Technologist. A healthcare professional who specializes in radiologic technology, which is the use of imaging techniques such as x-rays, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound to diagnose and treat disease.
Radiation Therapy. The use of high energy radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
Radiopharmaceuticals. Radioactive substances used in medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases.
Fluoroscopy. A type of medical imaging technique using X-rays to produce real-time images of internal structures.
Nuclear Medicine. A branch of medicine that uses radioactive materials to diagnose and treat diseases.
Ultrasound Technology. A type of medical imaging that uses sound waves to create images of internal structures.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A type of medical imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed images of internal structures.
Image Processing. The manipulation of digital images to enhance them or change them for specific purposes.
Film Processing. The manipulation of film images to enhance them or change them for specific purposes.
Digital Radiography. The use of digital cameras to capture medical images.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Radiologic Science Technician?

A Radiologic Science Technician is a healthcare professional who operates imaging equipment such as X-rays and CT scans to help diagnose and treat diseases.

What qualifications do I need to become a Radiologic Science Technician?

To become a Radiologic Science Technician, you will need an associate degree in radiologic science at minimum, though some employers may require a bachelor's degree. You will also need to be certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).