Appendix B: Examples of Health Professions

Radiologic Technologist

The title of radiologic technologist covers a wide range of health care professionals who make use of radiation for diagnostic imaging. Radiographers, who most commonly produce X-rays of the body, are responsible for preparing patients for the procedure and developing the film for analysis by a physician. More experienced radiographers may administer fluoroscopies, which when taken orally, enhance soft-tissue imaging. CT technologists use computerized tomography (specialized X-rays) for cross-sectional patient views. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists, although still radiographers, use magnets and radio waves to create images. Sonographers and radiation therapy technologists comprise two more subsets of radiologic technologists. All radiologic technologists are under the direct supervision of a physician. Hospitals employ the largest number of radiologic technologists, approximately 50 percent. Other sites that employ radiologic technologists include physicians' offices, diagnostic imaging centers, and managed care organizations. Although approximately 80 percent of all radiologic technologists work full-time, part-time workers are needed for some evening, weekend, or on-call hours.

Most employers prefer formally trained radiologic technologists, and programs currently exist for radiography, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical sonography. Radiography programs require a high school diploma for admission and are offered at the certificate, associate's degree, and bachelor's degree levels. In 2000, there were 584 accredited training programs ranging in length from 1 to 4 years at hospitals, vocational-technical institutes, colleges and universities, and the armed forces. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers the ARRT certification for radiographers, the largest group of radiologic technologists. Licensing requirements vary from State to State.

*Median annual earnings of radiologic technologists and technicians were $36,000 in 2000. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $25,310 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $52,050. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of radiologic technologists and technicians in 2000 were:

Medical and dental laboratories ................................................$39,400
Hospitals .....................................................$36,280
Offices and clinics of medical doctors ......................................$34,870

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2000-01 Edition.

Copyrighted by: The National Health Council, October 1998; reproduced with permission by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Further reproduction prohibited without permission of copyright holder, www.nationalhealthcouncil.org