How to Be Radiology Equipment Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Radiology equipment technicians are responsible for the installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of a variety of medical imaging equipment. This includes X-ray machines, computed tomography systems, magnetic resonance imaging scanners, and ultrasound machines. By ensuring that all the equipment is functioning correctly, they help ensure that radiologists are able to properly diagnose illnesses and injuries.

As a result, they make a critically important contribution to the healthcare system. they must have a thorough understanding of safety protocols to protect both patients and healthcare workers from radiation exposure. With their knowledge and expertise, radiology equipment technicians help to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Steps How to Become

  1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED. To become a radiology equipment technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Complete Postsecondary Education. Radiology equipment technicians should complete a postsecondary program in radiology technology, which typically takes two to four years. Courses include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, radiation safety and protection, and equipment operation.
  3. Obtain Certification. Certification is not always required to become an entry-level radiology equipment technician, but it can be beneficial for career advancement. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers certification in radiography and other areas.
  4. Get Licensed. Most states require radiology technicians to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, but usually include completing an accredited program, passing the ARRT certification exam, and passing a state-administered exam.
  5. Gain Experience. Radiologic technologists typically start as entry-level technicians and gain experience over time. This can include working with different types of imaging equipment, developing expertise in a specific area of radiologic technology, and learning how to use different software programs.
  6. Consider Specialization. Radiology equipment technicians can specialize in a specific area such as mammography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. Specialization may involve additional education and/or certifications.
To stay ahead and qualified as a Radiology Equipment Technician, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and advances in the field. This can be achieved by taking continuing education courses, attending conferences, and keeping up with industry news and journals. Additionally, having a strong technical background and knowledge in the field of radiology, as well as customer service experience, will be essential in order to be successful in the role. By staying informed, staying up to date on certification requirements and taking advantage of continuing education opportunities, Radiology Equipment Technicians can ensure that they remain ahead and qualified in their profession.

You may want to check Radiology Billing Specialist, Radiology Scheduler, and Radiology Physicist for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Install, maintain, and repair radiology equipment.
  2. Perform tests on equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  3. Calibrate equipment according to manufacturerÂ’s specifications.
  4. Troubleshoot and diagnose any malfunctions in the equipment.
  5. Assist technicians with routine maintenance and repairs of radiology equipment.
  6. Provide technical support and advice to other technicians.
  7. Train staff and users on proper use and safety of radiology equipment.
  8. Ensure that all documentation is up-to-date and accurate.
  9. Make recommendations for upgrades and replacements of radiology equipment.
  10. Monitor inventory of parts and supplies needed for maintenance and repairs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Knowledge of medical imaging equipment and systems
  2. Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose equipment malfunctions
  3. Ability to install and configure new equipment
  4. Knowledge of safety requirements for operating imaging equipment
  5. Ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical personnel
  6. Ability to read and interpret service manuals
  7. Knowledge of medical software applications
  8. Ability to use basic hand tools and test equipment
  9. Knowledge of radiation safety protocols
  10. Excellent customer service skills

Being a Radiology Equipment Technician requires a strong focus on detail and accuracy. Having a thorough understanding of the equipment and its functionality is essential for ensuring proper performance of the machines. having the ability to troubleshoot and diagnose any potential issues is a must.

A Radiology Equipment Technician also needs excellent communication skills in order to effectively communicate with other health care professionals. It is also important for them to have knowledge of safety regulations and safety procedures, as well as an understanding of the physics behind the equipment, in order to ensure the safe operation of the equipment. Furthermore, having strong organizational skills is necessary for keeping track of equipment repairs and maintenance, as well as managing the workflow in a busy radiology department.

all these skills combined enable a Radiology Equipment Technician to successfully maintain and repair the equipment, keeping it functioning optimally and providing the best possible imaging results.

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Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have working with radiology equipment?
  • How do you troubleshoot issues with radiology equipment?
  • What kind of maintenance are you familiar with when it comes to radiology equipment?
  • How do you stay up to date on the latest technologic advances in radiology equipment?
  • What safety protocols do you follow when operating radiology equipment?
  • Describe a situation where you had to repair and calibrate a piece of radiology equipment.
  • What methods do you use to ensure optimal performance from radiology equipment?
  • How do you prioritize and organize your tasks when it comes to working with radiology equipment?
  • What types of customer service have you provided when dealing with users of radiology equipment?
  • How do you handle difficult situations when working with radiology equipment?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. X-ray Generator. Used to create x-ray images. (e. g. GE OEC 9800 Plus)
  2. Digital Radiography System. Used to capture digital x-ray images. (e. g. GE Healthcare Discovery XR656)
  3. C-Arm Imaging System. Used to capture images of soft tissues and organs in motion. (e. g. GE OEC Medical Systems 9600 Plus)
  4. Image Intensifier. Used to get clear and sharp images from x-ray sources. (e. g. GE Healthcare OEC 9800 Plus)
  5. Laser Printer. Used to print x-ray images on film. (e. g. Canon imageCLASS LBP6230dw)
  6. Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). Used to store and transfer digital medical images. (e. g. GE Healthcare Centricity PACS)
  7. Film Processor. Used to develop x-ray films for viewing or printing. (e. g. Konica SRX-101A)
  8. Lead Apron. Used to protect the technician from x-ray radiation. (e. g. Dupont Tyvek Lead Apron)
  9. Radiation Detecting Badge. Used to measure radiation exposure over time. (e. g. Mirion Technologies RDS-100)

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. Association for Medical Imaging Management (AHIMA)
  2. American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
  3. American College of Radiology (ACR)
  4. Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU)
  5. International Society for Medical Imaging and Technology (ISMIT)
  6. Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)
  7. American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
  8. American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM)
  9. American Association of Radiologic Technicians (AART)
  10. International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU)

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Common Important Terms

  1. Radiography. A medical imaging technique that uses radiation to create images of the internal structure of a body.
  2. Ultrasound. A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the internal structure of a body.
  3. X-Ray. A medical imaging technique that uses radiation to create images of the internal structure of a body.
  4. Computed Tomography (CT). A medical imaging technique that uses computer-generated x-ray images to create three-dimensional representations of the internal structure of a body.
  5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). A medical imaging technique that uses a combination of magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structure of a body.
  6. Gamma Camera. A medical imaging device that captures gamma rays produced by radioactive materials, which can be used to diagnose and monitor diseases like cancer.
  7. Image Intensifier. A device used in medical imaging that amplifies X-ray or gamma ray images for better visibility.
  8. Image Processing Software. Software used to manipulate and analyze medical images for diagnosis and other medical purposes.
  9. Calibration. The process of adjusting a medical imaging device to ensure it produces accurate results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Radiology Equipment Technician?

A Radiology Equipment Technician is a professional who is trained to maintain, operate and troubleshoot medical imaging equipment such as X-ray, CT, MRI and Ultrasound machines.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Radiology Equipment Technician?

Generally, Radiology Equipment Technicians must have a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a specialized program in medical imaging technology or radiology. In some cases, employers may require certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

What type of work does a Radiology Equipment Technician do?

A Radiology Equipment Technician is responsible for ensuring that the medical imaging equipment is functioning properly and safely. This includes setting up the equipment, performing routine maintenance and repairs, calibrating imaging systems and troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

How much does a Radiology Equipment Technician make?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a Radiologic Technician in 2018 was $60,070. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,350 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $87,660.

What are the job prospects for Radiology Equipment Technicians?

The job outlook for Radiology Equipment Technicians is expected to grow 8 percent through 2026, faster than the average of all occupations. The increasing demand for diagnostic imaging services will drive the need for highly-skilled technicians to operate and maintain imaging equipment.

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