Western Washington Area Health Education Center
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Health
Professionals/
Student Placement
Health Career
Information
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
HOPE
Preceptor & Site Resources
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Volunteer/Retired
Providers Program
K-12 Learning Resources
aka Science
Allied Health
Health Career
Information
HOPE
Health Career Ambassadors
Health Career
Job Descriptions
Scholarship Info
Distance Learning
Statewide Office
of Rural Health
Community Health
Assessment, Planning
& Development
Primary Care
Provider Recruitment
Shop
Health Career Information
Radiologic Technologist
Job description
Radiologic Technologists use X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic scanning equipment to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of various health problems. Radiologic technology includes a diverse group of professionals and specialties:
X-Ray Technicians use radiation to make images of internal organs of the body, which aid Radiologists in diagnosing a patient's illness or injury. Under the supervision of the Radiologist, the technologist positions patients and exposes the affected area of the body to prescribed doses of radiation. Technologists also prepare records of services performed and may develop X-ray film.
Ultrasound Technologists, also called Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, use high frequency waves to make a picture of the human body. The sound waves produce reflected echoes which are made into an image on a video screen. Ultrasound Techs may also be responsible for keeping track of patients records and film images.
CT Technologists operate head or body X-ray scanners which create a computer generated cross-sectional image, commonly called a CAT scan.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists use computerized magnetic scanners to produce an image. Patients are passed through a powerful magnet. Radio signals resulting from this are analyzed by a computer.
Radiation Therapy Technologists are part of a cancer treatment team and use radiation therapy (X-rays and other radioactive substances) to treat mainly cancer patients. The radiation therapy technologist works under the supervision of a radiation oncologist (a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer with radiation) and administers prescribed concentration of X-rays or other forms of ionizing radiation to the diseased area of the body.
Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioisotopes to diagnose and treat disease. They administer specially compounded medications, called radiopharmaceuticals, to patients and monitor the uptake of these drugs by specific organs. Using special cameras and scanners, they make images of the patient's body for a physician to interpret.
Radiologic Techs usually work in hospitals, clinics, dentists' or physicians' offices. Most radiologic technologists work 40-hour weeks. Some may have evening, weekend or on-call hours. Techs are on their feet for long periods of time.
Activities may include
●
follow precisely physicians' instructions and regulations
●
select and set up appropriate equipment
●
explain procedures to patients and get their cooperation
●
gather data
●
conduct tests and calculate test results
●
supervise other personnel who monitor patients' responses
●
evaluate test reliability, patients' performance, and clinical implications
Salaries and benefits*
Entry-level Technologists can expect to earn $1,900 to $2,600 per month depending on the specialty. A registered Radiology Technologist 1 working for a state college or university earns $1,966 to $2,477 per month. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and a Nuclear Medicine Technologist 1 earn $2,421 to $3,082 per month. Statewide, Radiologic Technologists average $2,679 to $3,383 per month, Radiation Therapists average $3,148 per month and Nuclear Medicine Technologists average $3,582 per month. Working for health care facilities in the Pacific Northwest, Registered Radiology Technologists average $2,768 to $3,127 per month, Mammography Technologists average $3,050 to $3,440 per month, and CT Technologists average $3,204 to $3,603 per month. In addition, MRI Technologists average $3,493 to $3,963 per month, Nuclear Medicine Technologists average $3,496 to $3,860 per month, Radiation Therapists average $3,650 to $4,070 per month and Ultrasonographers average $3,600 to $3,905 per month.
Most Radiologic Techs receive full benefits.
Training and requirements
Preparation for this occupation is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, vocational-technical institutes and the Armed Forces. Formal training is offered in radiography, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical sonography. Acceptance into these programs requires a high school diploma. The most common training is the completion of a two-year formal training program in radiological technology. Training programs for Ultrasound Techs range from one to four years depending on the school and the degree.
Most employers require graduation from a formal training program. In Washington, Radiologic Technologist training is available at Bellevue Community College, Tacoma Community College, Wenatchee Valley College, Yakima Valley Community College, Apollo College, Bellingham Technical College, Pima Medical Institute and Seattle University.
Necessary skills
●
compassionate and emotionally mature
●
good eye/hand coordination
●
mechanical aptitude
●
interest in math and physical science
●
ability to work with all types of people and be part of a team
●
ability to calm nervous patients
●
ability to stand/walk for long periods of time
●
work with precise limits or standards
●
make decisions using personal judgment
●
ability to work independently
●
ability to picture forms in space
●
understand the meanings of words and present information clearly
●
use fingers to move small objects and hands to skillfully assemble and repair things
●
knowledge of anatomy and physiology
●
ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies
Licensure/Certification
Radiologic Technicians must be nationally registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or certified with the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board, or certified by the state. Washington State requirements include: completion of an approved two-year training program or alternative training that is equivalent to formal programs; written examination. Registration requirements for X-ray Technicians include documentation of seven hours of AIDS education.
Helpful high school courses
Include math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, physics, computer applications, English, speech, health related courses, and foreign language.
Colleges/Vocational Schools in Washington State
●
Apollo College
10102 E. Knox, Suite 200
Spokane, Wa 99206
(509) 532-8888
●
Bellevue
Community College
3300 Langerholm Circle SE
Bellevue, WA 98009-6484
(425-564-1000
Also programs in Nuclear Medicine and Diagnostic Ultrasound
●
Bellingham Technical College
3028 Lindbergh Ave.
Bellingham, WA 98225-1599
(360) 738-0221
●
Pima Medical Institute
(Seattle Campus)
Seattle Campus
1627 Eastlake Ave. East
Seattle, WA 98102
(800) 477-PIMA
●
Seattle University (Diagnostic Ultrasound only)
900 Broadway & Madison
Seattle, WA 98122-4340
(206) 296-6000
●
Tacoma Community College
6501 S. 19th St.
Tacoma, WA 98466-6139
(253) 566-5000
Also program for Diagnostic Ultrasound certificate
●
Wenatchee Valley College
1300 Fifth St.
Wenatchee, WA 98801
(509) 682-6800
●
Yakima Valley Community College
16th Ave. & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98907-2520
(509) 547-4600
Outlook*
In Washington, this occupation is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Employment is projected to increase 18 percent by 2008.
Professional Associations
●
American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
12500 Fair Lake Circle, Suite 375
Fairfax, VA 22033-3882
(703) 502-1550
(800) 962-7876
http://www.astro.org
●
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3917
(505) 298-4500
(800) 444-2778
http://www.asrt.org
●
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
12770 Coit Rd., Suite 708
Dallas, TX 75251-1319
(972) 239-7367
http://www.sdms.org
* Note: General career descriptions are updated as necessary, however salary expectations and projected outlooks have not been updated since 2000. Go to Workforce Explorer Washington and search your career for the most up-to-date salary and job growth expectations. Washington Healthcare Careers and Workforce College are also good resources for job information.
For additional information, contact your school's career counselor or
WWAHEC
2033 Sixth Avenue, Ste. 310
Seattle, WA 98121
Ph: 206.441.7137
Fax: 206.441.7158
Page updated 9/15/04