What are the duties of a radiation technician?

I’m considering a career as a radiation technician. Can someone explain what the day-to-day tasks are like? I’d love to know about the education requirements too.

Radiation technicians, often referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, specialize in diagnostic imaging examinations. A typical day involves interacting with patients, working with physicians, and handling imaging equipment.

A few tasks they're responsible for:

1. Explaining procedures to patients: You would help patients understand the details of the procedure they are about to undergo.

2. Positioning patients and equipment: This ensures the right area of a patient's body is in focus for an image.

3. Operating equipment: Radiologic technology utilizes intricate machinery. You would need to understand the mechanics and be skilled in operating such equipment.

Additionally, radiation protection is a crucial aspect of this career. You'd be responsible for protecting the patient, yourself, and other colleagues from overexposure to radiation.

In terms of education requirements, you would typically need to complete a degree or certificate program in radiologic technology from an accredited institution. This could take from one to four years depending on the program's length and the level of the degree (i.e., associate's or bachelor's). The program will cover various topics such as anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety, and basic patient care.

Once your education is complete, most states require you to be licensed or certified to practice. The specific prerequisites vary state by state, so check with your state's health department or a related professional licensing agency for more information. Furthermore, many employers prefer or require that their radiologic technicians be certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

There are also opportunities for specialization such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), but these typically require additional education and certification.

As with any career, it helps to continually enhance your skills and stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in technology. For a successful career as a radiation technician, it's also crucial to have good interpersonal skills since you'll be interacting with patients who may be in discomfort or anxious about the procedure. Good problem-solving skills and attention to detail are likewise critical for handling the technical aspects of the job.