My Future Career Description

Radiologic Technology is a promising career choice to pursue. Radiologic technologists use medical imaging equipment to photograph internal organs, bones, and tissues that can then be used to diagnose and treat a patient. They work together with physicians to analyze the images and determine the diagnosis or illness or to rule out others. They are able to catch early diagnoses of cancers, ulcers, kidney stones, other abnormalities, any foreign object inside the body, or illnesses without surgery and then take immediate action and form treatment plans as necessary.

In two years of schooling, within a program that combines class work and clinical training, a radiologic technologist can enter the workforce with an associate’s degree. They can specialize further if they choose to as well, for example, specializing in computed tomography imaging (CT scan), magnet resonance imaging (MRI), radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, and many more. It’s not only about the technical ability, interpersonal skills are equally as important, such as communication, patience, and empathy. Patients may be uneasy or experiencing physical pain making it important for the technologist to calm their nerves and make them feel comfortable. Each patient experience will present different opportunities to learn and reinforce these needed skills to be successful.

Radiologic technologists have an extremely important role. They are one of the first steps in helping to diagnose a patient. With technology advancing exponentially, especially in medicine, radiologic technologists are in high demand. It’s expected to grow nine percent within the next ten years, which is faster than the average of other occupations. It’s a positive outlook for future radiologic technologists. In addition to having the privilege of helping people, the pay is also a bonus. The average annual salary of a radiologic technologist is $52,520, which can increase with higher degrees or the other areas of specialization. Having the ability to care, treat, and connect with patients along with a challenging, innovative, and a successful career, radiologic technology seems like the perfect career.

References

1. Brooks, A. (2016, May 23). What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do? A Bare-Bones Look at this Healthcare Career. Retrieved from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/blog/what-does-radiologic-technologist-do/
2. McKay, D. R. (2019, August 1). Radiologic Technologist Job Description: Salary, Skills, & More. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancecareers.com/radiologic-technologist-526061
3. Radiologic and MRI Technologists : Occupational Outlook Handbook: (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm#tab-2