From 2006 to 2016, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects there to be an increase of 15 percent in radiology technician positions because of the demand for imaging tests. A radiology tech uses various types of equipment to help determine the cause of patients' symptoms.

Imaging Technology

Radiology technicians use computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans, ultrasounds and X-rays. Some radiology techs specialize in certain technologies, but most advance from taking X-rays.

Hours

Radiologic technicians often work around 40 hours a week, usually working on some weekends and nights, and they are usually on-call on certain days, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Workplaces and Education

Radiologic technicians often work in hospitals, doctor's offices and diagnostic imaging centers, according to TechnicianSalaries.com. The job requires a bachelor's or associate degree from a technical school, community college or four-year college that is certified by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.

Patient Care

Radiology technician jobs include positioning patients' bodies correctly for testing, putting lead shields on patients to protect them from radiation, moving disabled patients, adjusting the size of images, placing X-ray film under patients and taking it out, and giving injections of radioactive and nonradioactive substances.

Other Dutiees

Radiology technicians often maintain equipment for imaging tests, keep records of patients' test results, develop X-rays and give them to a radiologist and get radioactive solutions ready for certain tests, such as positron emission tomography scans.

Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Radiologic Technicians and Technicians

TechnicianSalaries.com: Radiology Technician Salary

Medical-career-training.com: Career Profile: Radiological Technician

Resource:

HealthProfessions.com: Radiology Technician Schools

Degreesource.com: Radiology Technician Job Description

Careeroverview.com: Radiologic Technologist Information