Radiologic Technologist

What does a Radiologic Technologist (Rad Tech/RT) do?

The Radiological Technologist (Rad Tech) is a healthcare professional who administers X-rays to produce images that allow medical staff to see inside the body. These images are then interpreted by Radiologists (doctors trained to understand the images) for diagnosis and treatment of injury, abnormalities, and disease. The X-ray technologist (also called Rad Tech) prepares patients for their diagnostic exams, positions them, and operates radiologic equipment. Career advancement for the Rad Tech can be done through specialized training in different areas of Radiology such as Computed Tomography (CT), Interventional Radiology (IR), or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Minimum education and experience

Completion of formal training in an approved Radiologic Technology program followed by certification through the American Registry Examination (ARRT) and obtaining New York State licensure.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

In addition to strong clinical skills, the Rad Tech needs to demonstrate compassion, critical thinking, effective communication, attention to detail, and technical savviness. If you possess these skills, you could be successful in this career field.

Days/hours

Schedule will be based on work location. The Rad Tech can be found on all shifts: days, evenings, nights, and weekends. Holidays/call may be required.

Position locations

• Hospital- emergency, inpatient, operating room
• Orthopedic Offices
• Outpatient Imaging facilities
• Urgent Care

Work environment

The Rad Tech can work in a variety of environments. Most involve clinical settings with patient interactions.

Pay range

$26.04 – $33.85 Hourly

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job’s compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Possible career pathways

Examples of pathways within this job family at the University of Rochester:

• General X-ray Tech > Specialize in different modalities (CT, MRI, IR)
• Staff Rad Tech > Lead RT > Supervisor RT

Become a Radiologic Technologist

• Monroe Community College
• Alfred State