A diagnostic radiologic technologist is a medical professional who creates images of body structures or administers treatment for diseases and conditions using radiology techniques. Because he is above a radiologic technician but below a radiologic assistant in responsibility level, education, and experience, members of the health industry consider a diagnostic radiologic technologist to be a middle-level radiology worker.
A diagnostic radiologic technologist’s primary responsibility during the course of a typical day is to operate radiology equipment. He might use an X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine, for example. Employers expect the technologist to be well-versed in all types of radiology equipment. If a problem with the equipment arises, the technologist must notify the rest of the radiology team, assist with troubleshooting, and assist with the purchase of new equipment. Because a diagnostic radiologic technologist uses this equipment so frequently, he must be familiar with it.
The technologist cannot do his job without interacting directly with the patient, so radiology tools are patient tools. Following that, a technologist informs the patient about the procedure, collects medical and personal information, and prepares and positions the patient for the radiology procedure. The technologist is in charge of safely administering the test or radiology dose based on the information gathered.
After the diagnostic radiologic technologist has finished working with the patient, he reports the results to the radiology assistant or the radiologist. Technologists, unlike radiologic assistants who usually specialize in one area of radiology, are unable to make unofficial initial judgments of image quality or provide preliminary interpretations of results. Without permission, the technologist is not allowed to release even basic information about the patient or the patient’s condition to the public.
A minimum of two years of formal training at an accredited facility is required to become a diagnostic radiologic technologist, which usually results in a certificate. In a classroom setting, training can last up to four years and lead to an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. A person with a lower-level radiology certificate or degree must typically work as a technician before progressing to the technologist level; the additional education provided the bachelor’s degree compensates for some of the experience the individual would otherwise gain. If the technologist so desires, he or she can pursue advanced training and work as a radiologic assistant.
For technologists, certification in radiology is required. The American Registry of Radiology Technologists offers a formal examination for technologists who want to become certified.