RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS: MISSOURI -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Occupation Description Take X-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Include technologists who specialize in other modalities, such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance. Include workers whose primary duties are to demonstrate portions of the human body on X-ray film or fluoroscopic screen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Career Video View career video with one of the following: Additional videos and more information available on CareerOneStop. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State and National Wages Location Pay Period 2005 10% 25% Median 75% 90% United States Hourly $15.04 $18.39 $22.09 $26.49 $31.36 Yearly $31,300 $38,300 $45,900 $55,100 $65,200 Missouri Hourly $12.98 $16.76 $20.60 $25.25 $31.72 Yearly $27,000 $34,900 $42,800 $52,500 $66,000 Occupation Wages FAQs Median Wage by Occupation Across States Compare Wages by Occupation and Local Area Compare Wages by Metropolitan Areas Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Survey; Missouri Wage Information Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- State and National Trends United States Employment Percent Change Job Openings 1 2004 2014 Radiologic technologists and technicians 182,000 224,200 + 23 % 7,620 Missouri Employment Percent Change Job Openings 1 2004 2014 Radiologic technologists and technicians 4,270 5,130 + 20 % 170 1Job Openings refers to the average annual job openings due to growth and net replacement. Occupation Trends FAQs Employment Trends by Occupation Across States Compare Employment Trends by Occupation Employment Trends by Industry and Occupation Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections; Missouri Employment Projections Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which the most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed. Radiologic Technicians Radiologic Technologists ************************************************** Radiologic Technicians Knowledge: English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. Skills: Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. Abilities: Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technicians. ************************************************** Radiologic Technologists Knowledge: Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. Medicine and Dentistry - Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures. Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes. Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders. English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. Skills: Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times. Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others. Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Abilities: Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technologists. Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tasks and Activities Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which occupation specific tasks, the most important generalized work activities, and detailed work activities are listed. Radiologic Technicians Radiologic Technologists Radiologic Technologists and Technicians ************************************************** Radiologic Technicians Occupation Specific Tasks: Assist with on-the-job training of new employees and students, and provide input to supervisors regarding training performance. Assure that sterile supplies, contrast materials, catheters, and other required equipment are present and in working order, requisitioning materials as necessary. Coordinate work of other technicians or technologists when procedures require more than one person. Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians. Explain procedures to patients to reduce anxieties and obtain cooperation. Maintain a current file of examination protocols. Maintain records of patients examined, examinations performed, views taken, and technical factors used. Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards. Monitor equipment operation and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor. Operate digital picture archiving communications systems. Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside. Perform procedures such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy and examinations of the head, trunk, and extremities under supervision of physician. Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician. Position x-ray equipment and adjust controls to set exposure factors, such as time and distance. Prepare and set up x-ray room for patient. Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals and anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist. Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods. Provide assistance in radiopharmaceutical administration, monitoring patients' vital signs and notifying the radiologist of any relevant changes. Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures. Provide students and other technologists with suggestions of additional views, alternate positioning or improved techniques to ensure the images produced are of the highest quality. Use beam-restrictive devices and patient-shielding techniques to minimize radiation exposure to patient and staff. Generalized Work Activities: Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. Detailed Work Activities: collect clinical data communicate technical information explain testing procedures to patient follow clinical radiation safety procedures follow dental or medical office procedures follow dental or medical x-ray procedures follow infectious materials procedures follow patient observation procedures identify body response variations inventory medical supplies or instruments lift or transport ill or injured patients make presentations on health or medical issues observe patient condition operate radiologic equipment operate ultrasound equipment operate x-ray machines position patient for therapy prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments record medical history or data take vital signs understand technical operating, service or repair manuals use clinical sterilizing technique use darkroom procedures in radiology or medical or dental lab setting use emergency medical procedures use hazardous materials information use interpersonal communication techniques use knowledge of medical terminology use medical diagnostic equipment use quality assurance techniques use sanitation practices in health care settings Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technicians. ************************************************** Radiologic Technologists Occupation Specific Tasks: Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals. Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians and nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures. Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists. Demonstrate new equipment, procedures, and techniques to staff, and provide technical assistance. Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan. Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images. Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes. Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician. Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality. Move ultrasound scanner over patient's body and watch pattern produced on video screen. Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest. Operate or oversee operation of radiologic and magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes. Perform administrative duties such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies and equipment and preparing work schedules. Perform scheduled maintenance and minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment. Position and immobilize patient on examining table. Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination. Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients. Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients. Record, process and maintain patient data and treatment records, and prepare reports. Remove and process film. Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready. Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories. Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff. Generalized Work Activities: Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients. Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests. Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. Detailed Work Activities: administer injections administer radioactive isotopes analyze medical data collect clinical data communicate technical information explain testing procedures to patient follow clinical radiation safety procedures follow dental or medical office procedures follow dental or medical x-ray procedures follow infectious materials procedures follow patient observation procedures identify body response variations inventory medical supplies or instruments lift or transport ill or injured patients make presentations on health or medical issues observe patient condition operate radiologic equipment operate ultrasound equipment operate x-ray machines position patient for therapy prepare patients for tests, therapy, or treatments take vital signs understand technical operating, service or repair manuals use darkroom procedures in radiology or medical or dental lab setting use hazardous materials information use interpersonal communication techniques use knowledge of medical terminology use medical diagnostic equipment use quality assurance techniques use sanitation practices in health care settings Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technologists. ************************************************** Radiologic Technologists and Technicians There is no information about specific tasks and the most important work generalized activities. This may occur because data has not been collected or because this is a composite occupation (e.g., "All Other"). Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tools and Technology Radiologic Technologists and Technicians are grouped into the following occupations for which Tools and Technology information is available. Radiologic Technicians Radiologic Technologists ************************************************** Radiologic Technicians View Detailed Report Tools: Medical computed tomography CT or CAT scanners or tubes - Computed tomography CT scanners, High-speed multislice computed tomography CT scanners, Positron emission tomography/computed tomography PET/CT scanners Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use - Compression bands, Cushions, Patient immobilization devices, Sandbags, Straps Medical x ray darkroom equipment or supplies - Automatic x ray film processors, Portable film processors, Self-contained film processors, Tabletop film processors, X ray film processing machines Medical x ray film archiving system software - Image storage systems, Picture archiving and communication systems PACS, Scan converters Medical x ray intensifying screens - Image intensifiers, X ray image intensifier television systems, X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras Technology: Accounting software - Electronic medical record EMR software (accounting feature) Data base user interface and query software - Electronic medical record EMR software (database management system feature), Structured data entry software Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Practice management software Medical software - Diagnostic image review software, Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software, Film processor tracking and management software, Information management subsystem software, Information systems integration software Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technicians. ************************************************** Radiologic Technologists View Detailed Report Tools: Hypodermic needles - Hypodermic needles, Intramuscular needles, Subcutaneous needles, Venipuncture needles Medical radiological positioning aids for general radiological use - Compression bands, Cushions, Patient immobilizing devices, Sandbags, Straps Medical x ray darkroom equipment or supplies - Automatic x ray film processors, Film processing equipment, Portable film processors, Self-contained film processors, Tabletop film processors Medical x ray film archiving system software - Image storage systems, Picture archiving and communication systems PACS, Scan converters Medical x ray intensifying screens - Intensifying screens, X ray image intensifier television systems, X ray imaging charge-coupled device CCD cameras Technology: Accounting software - Electronic medical record EMR software (accounting feature) Data base user interface and query software - Electronic medical record EMR software (database management system feature), Structured data entry software Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Practice management software Medical software - Diagnostic image review software, Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine DICOM software/modality management software, Film processor tracking and management software, Information management subsystem software, Information systems integration software Source: Occupational Information Network: Radiologic Technologists. Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Education and Training Occupation: Radiologic Technologists and Technicians Most Common Educational/Training Level: Associate degree Related Instructional Programs: Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, Other Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer Distribution of Educational Attainment Occupation Percent of employees aged 25 to 44 in the occupation whose highest level of educational attainment is- High School or Less Some College Bachelor Degree or More Radiologic technologists and technicians 9.1% 68.3% 22.6% Health Technologists and Technicians 23.1% 55% 21.9% Healthcare Practitioner and Technical 11.8% 30.2% 58% Total, All Occupations 40.5% 27.4% 32% Find colleges, training schools and instructional programs for this occupation. Access additional Education Resources in the Career Resource Library. Use the Financial Aid Advisor to help find funds for financing education. WIA Eligible Training Provider List: http://www.greathires.org/mech/ Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Occupational Statistics and Employment Projections (Education/Training Level, Educational Attainment); National Center for Education Statistics (Typical Instructional Programs) Back to Top -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Related Occupation Profiles Occupations with similar skill requirements Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians Dental Assistants Dental Hygienists Medical Equipment Preparers Nuclear Medicine Technologists Prosthodontists Radiation Therapists Respiratory Therapists Surgical Technologists You can search for a different state by going here: http://jobsearch.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=jobsearch&cdn=careers&tm=8&gps=109_346_796_443&f=00&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.acinet.org/acinet/select_occupation.asp%3Fstfips%3D%26next%3Dprint_rpts1