Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technologists, sometimes referred to as radiographers, operate diagnostic imaging machines to take X-rays, CT scans, capture magnetic resonance images (MRI) or perform mammography exams, as well other specialized procedures. In this position, you typically work under a physician, who decides which imaging procedures should be done. Job duties could include explaining procedures to patients, positioning body parts, enforcing safety protocols, positioning imaging equipment and capturing images. You might also be responsible for keeping patient records and maintaining radiologic machines.

Visit NHTI’s Radiologic Technology Department for information on degree and course offerings.

• Career Paths for This Major
• Skills Developed Through This Major
• Sample Career Titles With This Degree
• Sample Employers
• Ways to Explore and Reality Test Careers
• How to Increase Employability
• Professional Association Links
• Employment and Internship Links

Career Paths for This Major

When you graduate with this major, you will have work options that are varied and that depend upon your specific interests, abilities, work values, and hands on experience in the field. 

Radiologic Technology graduates can go on to specialize in different areas which may require further schooling.  Specialty areas include:

• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Mammography
• Interventional Cardiography
• Nuclear medicine
• Sonography (NHTI offers a Diagnostic Medical Sonography Professional Certificate)

The baccalaureate degree is especially suited to students who ultimately are considering a career in supervision, teaching, research or administration in the field.

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Skills Developed Through This Major

• Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
• Review and evaluate x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
• Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
• Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan.
• Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images.
• Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes.
• Position and immobilize patient on examining table.
• Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports.
• Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
• Process Images and patient data.
• Communicate effectively with patients, staff, and other medical professionals.

Sample Career Titles With This Degree

These titles include positions that you qualify for with this associate’s degree as well as those that require further studies including a bachelor’s degree and beyond.

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Sample Employers

• physicians’ offices
• clinics
• imaging centers
• hospitals
• Educational Institutions
• Equipment manufacturers
• Equipment sales and marketing

Ways to Explore and Reality Test Careers

There are four key ways to explore your favorite career interests…through reading, through speaking with those in the know, through observing and through doing.  Use the link(s) below to begin exploring major related careers through ‘reading’.  Go to the Exploring Career Interests link to get tips on all four key exploration strategies.

Radiologic Technologists

The NHTI Radiologic Technology Department developed a special site as a tool to introduce prospective students to the program.  To check it out, click on this link and then enter…USERNAME: NHTI-Radiology; and PASSWORD: student.  Once there go to ‘Prospective Radiology Students’

Additional sources of information for this major include:

• NHTI Faculty, Academic Advisors, and Radiologic Technology Department resources.
• Professionals who are working in the field
• Professional Associations (see below)

How to Increase Employability

• Become an active student member of college, community, or professional associations, which helps you build leadership skills and promote connecting (networking) with fellow professionals.
• Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through part-time, full-time and summer employment/internship positions related to your targeted field.
• Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.

Professional Association Links

Professionals who do work related to this major belong to these associations.  You can use the links below to do career research and to connect with local association members.  You may also be able to join an association of interest, at a reduced rate, as a student member. 

• American Society of Radiologic Technologists
• Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology
• The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Employment and Internship Links

See below for job posting sites related to this major (including our own home grown NHTI posting site – see first link).

NHTI Job Posting Site
ASRT Job Bank
All Healthcare Jobs.com

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