ChicagoRadTech

Radiologic Technologist Salary, Career and Jobs Outlook


Rad technician uses X-ray, computerized axial tomography (CAT), positron emission tomography (PET) and mammography to produce images of the body that enable physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions. They are also tasked with guiding the patients through the scan process and in reducing patients’ anxieties before the procedure while also ensuring the safety of patients during the process. They instruct patients to remove clothes, jewelries and other items that might interfere with the image. They also position them correctly and protect them from over exposure.



Career


A X-ray tech in Chicago inspects and evaluates computer generated data or developed x-rays to ensure the quality of images is satisfactory for the intended diagnostic purpose. It is also the work of a rad technician to prepare the examination room and ensure all needed apparatus are working effectively.


Salary and Opportunity Trends


Radiographer are in high demand in Illinois area. On the national trend, the job pool is expected to grow steadily over the next few years with Chicago contributing a bigger portion of that growth. Furthermore, a radiographer in the Windy City earns more than the average rad tech income. The average salary for a medical radiation technologist in Illinois is about $31 an hour or $66,180 per year, which means $25 per hour or $63,210 for the U.S. X-ray technician [read full report].


x radiation technician

Education and Personal Skills Needed


There are three career paths to become a rad tech in Chicagoland. You can choose to pursue a two year’s duration associate degree, four years degree course or a certificate program. The certificate is suitable for people with hands on experience and takes less than two years to complete. In order to earn a high salary, you must be experienced in multiple areas of specialty. Most people begin their career by specializing on one area of specialty and later train on other areas.
There are about fifteen schools that you can attend within 25 miles of Chicago to study as a rad technologist. The prerequisites to radiology programs may include previous experience on medical or medical terminology, ethics or office technology course work and formal education among others. The training areas include chemistry, anatomy, radiology theory, patient safety courses and mathematics.
The skills that you need to succeed in this field include good communication skills; focus on details, attentive to the procedure, physically fit and emotional and cultural sensitive.


Conclusion


Working as a radiographer is highly rewarding. The job prospects are also bright and thus, if you are considering a career as a radiology technician you should pursue it. Radiologic technologist work in clinics, private physician offices, mobile imaging service center and imaging centers.