A Day in the Life of a Radiologic Technician

Radiologic technicians are as much a part of the average hospital as metal seats and vending machines. These medical professionals conduct imaging scans such as x-rays in order to give doctors a better understanding of a patient’s body.

This particular job is filled with responsibility, but is ultimately extremely rewarding. If you’ve wondered more about what radiologic technicians do, here’s what an average day looks like.

Work Environment

Most radiologic technicians work in hospitals. According to the BLS, 60%  work in local hospitals, state hospitals, or private hospitals. The remaining technicians work directly with physicians in their offices.

A radiologist is a busy person. If they’re not walking to the laboratory to meet a patient, they’re lifting their equipment around or giving it a clean.

Normal Duties

A radiologist’s main duty is to advise the physician they’re working with what part of a patient’s body needs to be scanned. They’ll then meet with the patient, inform them how the procedure will work, and then use their machinery to analyze the appropriate body part.

Once scans are performed, a technician will have to check the pictures to make sure that they’re clear. The completed scans are added to the patient’s file, which is then returned to the doctor who was treating them.

These tasks take place multiple times each day. In between scans, a technician will usually keep busy by keeping on top of admin work and their diagnostic machines.

Length of the Average Work Day

Most radiological technicians work around 8 hours a day. Depending on how busy the hospital is and how many patients are waiting to be scanned, they may work extra hours if needed. A technician may also be required to come in for emergencies.

Like other medical professionals, a radiological technician may be required to work unpredictable hours. Shifts can be scattered. Because patients come in 24/7 needing scans, all hours of the day need to be accounted for. A radiological technician working in a physician’s office may enjoy more rigid working hours, which is one of the reasons a third of the workforce choose to opt for a job away from the hospital.

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