Piedmont Technical College

College Resources

Career Tracks: Radiologic Technology

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 2009-2011 PTC graduates, who found jobs in this field, are as follows:

  • salary average: $34.498.00 per year 

  • salary range: $28,000-46,000 per year 

  • 88% 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: