If you have ever thought about becoming a Diagnostic Imaging technologist, have questions about this job, or simply wanted to learn more about the profession, this article is for you! You will learn everything you ever wanted to know about becoming a radiology technologist. Like where they work, how much they get paid, what kind of additional in-service training they need, how you can become a radiology technologist, some of the dangers involved in the job, and how you can make difference in the lives of the people you serve.
It is very demanding because you have to work with people who can afford, or they are not cooperating in the hospital and your work has to be done quickly, and it has to be perfect, and clean. But it's also very rewarding and interesting because no two days are alike, and you're helping a lot of people. In addition, each patient is different and therefore requires different care. This job offers the opportunity to do different exams every day and see different cases.
Radiology technologists work with X-rays, MRIs, mammography, and many other X-ray machines or computer-assisted tools to produce X-rays or images of the human body. Obviously, the medical imaging technologist does not establish a diagnosis, but performs the most complete and precise examinations in order to allow the radiologist (in most cases) or another medical specialist (for example a surgeon) to analyze the patient's state of health as well as possible with the help of these examinations and thus, establish an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment.
In a typical day for a radiology technologist, the routine can be different every day. Indeed, every day is different because patients never have the same problem. They can use almost all different X-ray machines on the same day for different patients, so in this job there is no routine, they never do two things the same in the day. Also, they work closely with the doctor, so they can see any kind of problem.
They can work in hospitals, in private clinics, in veterinary clinics, in radiology laboratories or even in educational institutions, such as the college. In every work situation, there are some advantages, for example private clinics the schedules are stable, whereas in hospitals you will have varied schedules, but you work overtime, so you have more money etc.
To become a radiology technologist, you must do your science (STE) or your mathematics (SN) in high school. After that, you must apply to a college that offers this teaching program, and you will study for 3 years or 4 years. After your studies you should follow a practical internship in a hospital environment and pass the examination of the order (OTIMROEPMQ) and obtain your license to practice issued by a regulatory body.
The average salary for radiology technologist jobs in Canada is $55,985 per year or $28.71 per hour. If you have just entered the field, you will be considered a beginner, so you will start with a salary of around $53,216 per year, while more experienced workers can earn up to $68,141 per year.
Every year, they must take courses to keep up to date with the latest technological and medical advances. They are required to take these courses because if they do not, they risk losing their right to practice their profession by risking the life of a patient.
Over time, a radiology technologist can experience back pain and shoulder problems, as it is a very physical job that sometimes requires having to move a fairly patient heavy on the imaging table. In addition, they can develop several cancers if they do not protect themselves from x-rays during the examination.
The chances of a radiology technologist being replaced by a robot are non-existent because people who come to the hospital for treatment need human contact to reassure them. They can be stressful at times, so being empathetic is key to this job, and of course robots can't give them that.
I think this question is different for everyone. It all depends on the age you started practicing your profession and your personal physical condition. Many decide to start young to work in hospitals because they can do all the hours available without being exhausted. Then, when they get older, they go to work in private clinics to have a stable schedule. Most people retire between the ages of 58 and 62, but as I said above it depends on each person.
In conclusion, I hope you enjoyed this little career summary about the Diagnostic Imaging. Also, that you were able to learn a little more about this profession, and that this helped answer most of your questions about this profession.
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