Radiologic Technologist (RT)

Radiologic Technologist (RT)

Work Activities/Work Locations

Radiologic Technologists, sometimes known as Radiographers, X-ray Technologists or Imaging Technologists are responsible for producing images of the human body by operating radiologic equipment. These images are viewed by a Physician, Radiologist, to assist in the diagnosis of disease and injury.
Radiographers learn to perform Primary/routine radiographic examinations. May choose to specialize and earn post-Primary certification in mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Quality Management, bone density, cardiac-interventional radiography, vascular interventional radiography, sonography, vascular sonography, and Radiologist Assistants.
Radiologic Technologists work in hospitals, imaging centers, and physician’s offices or clinics.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Must be able to pay attention to detail, follow instructions, and work as part of a team.
Should be sensitive to patient’s physical and psychological needs.

Education: 4 years

Patient Interaction: High

Physical Activity: High

Salary: $54,044

Job Growth: Low

Related Careers

Radiologic Technologist (RT)

Radiation Therapy (RTT)

Nuclear Medicine Technologist (NMT)

Getting Started

High School Courses

Students should take a college preparatory curriculum.
NTC requires biology, and chemistry. Highly suggested courses would include algebra, physics, anatomy & physiology, and medical terminology.

Education and Training

A high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry into a radiography program.
An Associate Degree from a technical college is the most common way of obtaining certification.
NTC offers an Associate Degree Program (2-year) including 2 summers with 8-week clinical practice sessions. Course work includes anatomy & physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, the principles of imaging, medical terminology, psychology, pathology, sociology, and communication.
UW-Milwaukee offers a major in Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) (4-year) then selecting Radiologic Technology as one of six submajors offered. Students complete the first 2 years on campus before applying for professional clinical training at an on-site clinical setting.
Once certified, to be recertified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist (ARRT), Radiographers must complete 24 hours of continuing education every other year.

Educational Institutions

Blackhawk Technical College
Carroll University
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Columbia-St. Mary’s Hospital
Concordia University
Lakeshore Technical College
Madison Area Technical College
Marian University
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Moraine Park Technical College – Fond du Lac
Mount Mary College
Nicolet Area Technical College
Northcentral Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh
Waukesha County Technical College
Western Technical College

Hospitals with Associated Educational Programs

Affinity Mercy Medical Center, Oshkosh
Agnesian Healthcare, Fond du Lac
Bellin College, Green Bay
Berlin Memorial Hospital
Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee
Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, Milwaukee
St. Joseph, Marshfield
St. Luke’s Medical Center, Milwaukee
Theda Clark Medical Center, Neenah
University of Wisconsin Hospitals, Madison
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare,Brown Deer
Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, Racine

Method of Entry

Formal training in radiography leads to a Certificate, an Associate Degree (2-year), or a Bachelor’s Degree (4-year). Currently an Associate Degree is the most prevalent.
Many States require licensing for practicing Radiologic Technologists. Licensing requirements vary by State. Wisconsin requires certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) provides certification in 3 Primary disciplines of radiologic technology: Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy.
Upon completion of an accredited AND recognized by ARRT program in Radiography, graduates are eligible to apply to take the national examination offered by ARRT to become Certified.
Currently (2015) a Bachelor’s Degree, Associate Degree, OR Certificate in Radiography is required by ARRT for application to take the exam for Certification. On or after 2015 eligibility requirements for application to take the exam for Certification (ARRT) in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, and Radiation Therapy will call for a candidate to have earned an Associate Degree (or more advanced degree) from an appropriately accredited AND recognized by ARRT institution. The Associate Degree can be in any major when combined with a Clinical Program in Radiography; it is satisfying the general education requirements. Prerequisites for admission into specific Clinical Radiography Programs vary.
This career is so sought after that technical colleges have created a Petition Process instead of a waiting list. Check colleges for specifics.
Once certified, only technologists who are currently registered—have renewed within the past year—may designate themselves as ARRT Registered Technologists and use the initials “R.T.” after their names. Some employers and State agencies may require ARRT certification, but not necessarily current registration. See ARRT for requirements.

Professional Organizations

American Board of Radiology
5441 East Williams Circle
Tucson, AZ, 85711-7412
520/790-2900
theabr.org

American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
1401 Rockville Pike, Suite 600
Rockville, MD, 20852-1402
301/738-8401 or 800/541-9754
www.ardms.org

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Dr.
St. Paul, MN, 55120-1155
651/687-0048
www.arrt.org

American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM, 87123-3909
505/298-4500 or 800/444-2778
www.asrt.org

Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaCalle St., Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL, 60604-1411
312/263-0456 or 800/621-7440
www.ncahlc.org/

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850
Chicago, IL, 60606-3182
312/704-5300
www.jrcert.org/

Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
2745 Dallas Pkwy., Suite 350
Plano, TX, 75093-8730
214/473-8057 or 800/229-9506
www.sdms.org/

Career Outlook

Number Employed in 2014 (Wisconsin): 4,340
Number Employed in 2014 (U.S.): 197,000
Expected Employment in 2024 (U.S.): 214,200
Percent Employment Growth (2014-2024): 9%
Expected Annual Openings: 5,440
Median Salary in 2014 (Wisconsin): $54,044

Salary information is located at Career One Stop

Wisconsin AHEC Health Careers Information Center provides the most current salary information available from CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop will have a lapse between when the information is gathered and when it is released.

Radiologic Technologists usually work 40 hours a week.
Sometimes work on nights, weekends, and can take their time “on call”.

ARRT offers post-primary pathways to certification in mammography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Quality Management, bone density, cardiac-interventional radiography, vascular interventional radiography, sonography, vascular sonography, and Radiologist Assistants.
Advancement into management, education, and technical sales support is also available.