Radiologic Technology

Last Updated May 27, 2008

Radiographers use their knowledge of physics and human anatomy to create permanent medical images used by the physician in making a diagnosis. Radiographers use "high-tech" equipment to produce these images in a variety of settings inside and outside of the hospital.

Duties
Graduates in this field may be required to:

• operate imaging (x-ray) or other equipment used to detect, diagnose or treat disease

• prepare and position patients for examination and treatment

• calculate exposure factors and evaluate radiographs for technical quality

• assume care for physical and psychological needs of patients during examinations and procedures

• practice aseptic techniques as necessary

• develop exposed x-ray film

• assist physician with imaging procedures

• initiate life support measures for patients, if necessary

• may maintain patient records

Working Conditions
Graduates in this field commonly experience:

• work in cooperation with others

• work under little direct supervision

• work inside (hospitals, clinic, physician's office)

• deal with patients of all types in a variety of settings

• work under stress to meet deadlines

• overtime/nights/weekends sometimes required

• come in contact with blood and other body secretions

Physical Demands

• active: much standing, moving about, carrying, walking

• lifting up to 100 lbs.

Characteristics & Temperament
Graduates in this field should have:

• good oral communication skills

• good written communication skills

• ability to work well numbers

• ability to work very well with people of all types

• ability to work well with machines

• ability to "catch on" quickly

• ability to reason and make judgments

• spatial aptitude: ability to comprehend two-dimensional objects and recognize relationships resulting form the movement of objects

• good motor coordination: hand/eye coordination, accurate and swift movements, finger/manual dexterity

• excellent social skills: ability to interact with others and deal with diverse populations 

• self-discipline

Employment Outlook
Employment statistics for 2002-2007 PTC graduates, who found jobs in this field, are as follows:

• salary average: $32,696 per year 

• salary range: $26,000-40,000 per year 

• 100% placement rate

• employment in hospitals and physicians' offices

• employment also possible in sales and research

• employment in cities and towns of all sizes

Employers
Recent graduates have found work at:

• Abbeville Area Medical Center
• B-L Family Practice, P.A.
• Edgefield County Hospital
• Greenville Hospital System
• Greenwood Genetic Center
• Lakelands Orthopedic Clinic
• Laurens County Health Care
• Lexington Medical Center
• McCormick Correctional Institution
• Newberry County Hospital
• Palmetto Richland Memorial Hospital
• Providence Hospital
• Richland Memorial Hospital
• Self Regional Health Care
• St. Francis Health System
• Ware Shoals Center for Family Medicine

Program & Course Information
For information about Piedmont Technical College's programs and courses offered in this area, visit the Radiologic Technology Program's Web page.

Career Tracks is a publication of Piedmont Technical College that reflects the current career statistics for students who have completed programs of the college.  Forward your questions about this site to Andy Omundson at (864) 941-8376 or by e-mail to omundson.a@ptc.edu.