Leslie
What is a typical day in the life of a radiology technician?
I am going to be going to college in the fall of 2017 to become a radiology technician. #radiology #radiology-students #radiology-tech #radiology-education
4 answers
Deb Ghosh
Deb’s Answer
A radiology technician is a medical professional that conducts diagnostic imaging scans, such as x-rays or MRIs, on a patient’s body. With the help of these images, doctors can have a better idea of what is wrong with a patient. They play a pivotal role in the day-to-day activities of medical facilities. Here is a typical day in the life of this healthcare professional.
Where They Work
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of radiologic technologists work at hospitals. In 2010, the BLS found 61 percent of radiologic technologists worked at private, state, or local hospitals. 21 percent of radiologic technologists worked at the offices of physicians, while 9 percent worked at diagnostic laboratories.
Work Environment
One of the first realities of the job is that radiology techs are mostly on their feet all day. They walk patients to laboratories where they administer the diagnostic testing to the patient while standing. The typical work day, then, is standing and walking. Some heavy lifting could be part of the day, as the equipment may need to be moved around. Also, depending on the health of the patient, many radiologic technologists might need to help or even carry patients to the diagnostic rooms. In addition, because the x ray tech works in a medical setting, the chance of contacting infectious diseases or being exposed harmful doses of radiation and other forms of energy from diagnostic technology is high. Luckily, proper procedures and protective gear, like shielding devices, protect technologists from over-exposure.
Tasks and Duties
On a typical work day, a radiology technician will be given instructions by a physician on what part of the body needs to be scanned on a patient. The technologist then meets with the patient, preps them for the specific diagnostic scanning procedure, and then use and monitor the diagnostic devices being used to analyze the patient. After the procedure is done, the technologist checks the images to make sure they are clear. The technologist then adds the pictures to the patient’s medical file, which is then taken to the patient’s doctor to analyze. A technologist will perform these duties on several patients a day. Any non-patient work time may be spent performing administrative tasks or cleaning and taking care of the diagnostic machines.
Qualities in the Workplace
Being detailed-oriented is very important, as the scans need to exactly scan the right body tissue sample for the doctor. The technologist must have good insight in mechanical and scientific skills so they can properly use the equipment on patients. As previously noted, the physical exertion from standing all day means radiologic technologists should be fit and healthy.
Hours Worked
A full 8-hour day is very common, but more hours may be asked of many radiologic technologists. Emergency situations, like an injury, can require a radiologic technologist to come and analyze a patient. Also, like many medical professionals, several shifts across a 24/7 schedule are available and need to be filled. That means many radiologic technologists work second or third shifts and will also need to work weekends.
Catherine O
Catherine’s Answer
So depends on which one you were asking about. As a technologist it Varys depending on where you work. Outpatient can typically have a normal work schedule in the sense that most operate during the day Monday-Friday and no weekends with most patients able to walk in to the exam or need a little help but not so much heavy lifting. If you are in the hospital you can get people that can walk in or patients where you might have 4-5 people to help “slide” or transfer patients where you need them but that’s if you’re lucky to get that many people to help move a patient. The hospital setting tends to be more physical work because of the possibility of having to image larger patients that can’t move or intubated patients that don’t move on their own at all. Also, the hours at the hospital can vary depending on the location but typically they’ll have the traditional 3 shift set up because hospitals are always open. I know the Night Shift depending on your location and if you’re in the ED or somewhere else can determine the work load too. If you work overnight in the ED you could be busy but again depending on where the hospital is located and if it is a level 1 trauma center or not. Outpatient sites you also might be tasked with doing other things besides just imaging but again it depends on the location. I know that’s a lot but hopefully it’s helpful because it honestly just depends on where you are located, if your in a hospital or outpatient site and what shift/ hours you’re working. As for a technician, I don’t know all that much except if something is wrong with the machines/equipment they get called in to help fix them but I found this somewhat useful link on indeed that may help explain some of the differences. It’s not perfect since I don’t think I’ve ever seen a technician help position a patient but the information is pretty accurate for technologists.
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/radiology-technician-vs-technologist
Rachel Weinheimer
Rachel’s Answer
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
In imaging center or private office, you are in a customer service industry. Takes a lot of patience and explaining, but the pace can be better.
In hospital it's more fast paced. Get the image and go on to the next patient.
Either way you get a chance to utilize your training and help in the care of patients.