Have you been always interested in human anatomy, helping others, and learning new things? Radiology technologist is the job for you. This article will talk about everything you need to know about this amazing job. Where radiology technologists work, how much they get paid, what kind of additional training they need, some of the dangers involved in the field, how you can become a radiology technologist, how you can make a difference in the lives of the people you serve and when you will be able to retire.
It is thrilling and very demanding.
Radiology technicians are medical professionals who specialize in human anatomy imaging. They conduct various Diagnostic Imaging examinations to diagnose, treat, or rule out disease or injury. Some of the Diagnostic Imaging procedures they perform include X-ray examinations, Computed tomography scans, and Magnetic resonance imaging scans. Radiology technicians may also perform techniques like cardiovascular-interventional radiography, sonography, or mammography.
On a typical day depending if they work in a hospital or a private clinic, radiology technologists start the day by looking at their scheduled patients. Each patient was reviewed by a medical professional before coming into the department. Before they start imaging they look at the information given by a medical professional regarding what part of the body the patient body needs imaging. They then make sure all the equipment is working and give cleaning to the room. Radiology technologists then introduce themselves to the patient and double-verify the patient's name and birth date. They then welcome the patient in the room and then position the equipment and the patient for the specific imaging. When the patient is in the proper position the radiology technologist takes the image and reviews it to make sure it's optimal. If the images taken were accurate and clear enough for the physician, the radiology technologist print or develop them through a computer system. After the imaging process is over, the radiology technologist cleans off any equipment that was used during the process. This whole process goes on with every patient they have that day. Every patient is different and every patient need something different so the process may be different for some patients.
Radiology technologists work in a variety of places. Most of the time they work in private or local hospitals. They may also work in private radiology centers, laboratories, doctor's offices, or therapy centers.
To become a radiology technologist you need to first graduate high school. You need to have taken enriched science in secondary 4 and secondary 5 physics and chemistry. Then, you need to apply to the radio diagnosis course in cegep. This course takes 3 years to complete. After finishing the course, you will need to apply to the final exam of the l'OTPQ and pass it to finally start working in the field.
Depending on what province they work in the wage differs. In Montreal, the average wage per hour is $31. Radiology technologists usually work full-time, again depending is they work in public or private hospitals. They make approximately $64 000 a year. The pay can go up to $80 000 and even more if you work outside of Montreal
Throughout their career, radiology technologist will get a lot of additional training. Since the field uses a lot of machines and technology, each time a new machine comes in, all the technologists get training for it. This field always tries to improve the process of imaging by getting better machines and easier equipment for the technologists. They may also get training if the hospital changes some procedures.
The biggest concern for a radiology technician is the constant exposition to radiation and X-rays throughout the years. Overexposure can lead to cancer risk in some workers. Radiology technologists are very safe from radiation and X-rays but over the years, if they don't follow the protocol it can get dangerous. Of course, being healthcare worker emotional trauma and poor mental health is also a danger of the field. It can get very stressful since they receive trauma patients from big accidents for example.
Very good question. The chances are pretty big actually. Since this field uses a lot of technology and machines, it is likely that the workers can get replaced by robots. However, robots will never be able to completely replace humans because patients need physical and emotional connection with the worker, some patients are very concerned and stressed when doing the imaging. Only another human can reassure them and guide them through it.
They usually retire between the age of 60 and 70 years old. Throughout their working years, radiology technologists helped so many people and their skill is taught to other as well. Radiology technologists also help new trainees in their trainee ship, that way their skill is not wasted.
Right now I am in my third year of school. When I first started this program I was sure to finish it in three years but I soon realized that it's not that easy and that I should take my time. I really hope to finish next year. My goal is to finish this program and start working to get experience. I really want to work outside of Montreal and get experience somewhere else where the work conditions are better.
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