Career:
Radiologic Technologist
Job Description: Take x rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's blood stream for diagnostic purposes. Includes technologists who specialize in other scanning modalities.
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What Radiologic Technologists do:
- Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
- Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
- Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.
- Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
- Coordinate work with clerical personnel or other technologists.
- Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
- Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients.
- 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.
- Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
- Remove and process film.
- Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
- Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician.
- Demonstrate new equipment, procedures, or techniques to staff and provide technical assistance.
- Monitor video display of area being scanned and adjust density or contrast to improve picture quality.
- Prepare and administer oral or injected contrast media to patients.
- Perform scheduled maintenance or minor emergency repairs on radiographic equipment.
- Measure thickness of section to be radiographed, using instruments similar to measuring tapes.
- Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals.
- Collaborate with other medical team members, such as physicians or nurses, to conduct angiography or special vascular procedures.
- Perform administrative duties, such as developing departmental operating budget, coordinating purchases of supplies or equipment, or preparing work schedules.
- Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
What work activities does a Radiologic Technologist do?
| Importance | 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. |
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Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
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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. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles). |
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Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things. |
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Interacting With Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
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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. |
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Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems. |
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects. |
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Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people. |
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Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
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Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
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Communicating with Persons Outside Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
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Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
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Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
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Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity. |
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