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Profession: Radiation Technologies

Radiologic Technologist: Radiographers, also referred to as radiologic technologists and x-ray technicians, work extensively with computers and specialized equipment to create images that allow physicians to diagnose conditions inside the body. Radiographers produce x-ray films (radiographs). They may specialize in computed tomography (CT scan) or mammography.

Ultrasound Technologists, or sonographers, use sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. Physicians use these images to assess the condition of a specific organ or to see the development of a fetus in a pregnant woman.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologists use super-conductive magnets and radio waves to gather information about anatomy or the body’s chemical composition.

Salary Range: $39,840 - $57,940

Salary Notes: Certified radiologic technologists typically earn between $39,840 and $57,940 per year. More education and training can lead to higher salaries and greater opportunities.

Where you can study:
Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA
Capital Community College, Hartford, CT
Central Maine Community College, Auburn, ME
Champlain College Radiography Program, Burlington, VT
College of Saint Joseph, Rutland, VT
Eastern Maine Community College, Bangor, ME
Gateway Community College, New Haven, CT
Holyoke Community College, Holyoke, MA
Kennebec Valley Community College, Fairfield, ME
Massachusetts Bay Community College, Wellesley, MA
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, Boston, MA
Middlesex Community College, Bedford, Bedford, MA
Middlesex Community College, Middletown, Middletown, CT
Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT
NHTI, Concord's Community College, Concord, NH
North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA
Quinnipiac University, Hamden, CT
Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA
Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
Southern Vermont College, Bennington, VT

Where you might work:
Diagnostic Imaging Centers - Hospitals - Industrial Research and Development Facilities - Medical and Dental Laboratories - Outpatient Clinics - Physician Offices -

Job Outlook: The outlook is excellent for radiographers. Demand is expected to increase at a faster than average rate due to a growing and aging population. Radiographers with cross training in nuclear medicine technology or other modalities will have the best job prospects.

Education, Licensing and Certification: High school course work should focus on math and science. Associate and bachelor's degrees are both options for a career in radiologic technology. After earning a degree or certificate from an accredited program, candidates must pass an exam by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists in order to become registered in most states.

Professional Organizations:
American Registry of Radiologic Technologists 651-687-0048 www.arrt.org
American Society of Radiologic Technologists 800-444-2778 www.asrt.org
Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology 312-704-5300 www.jrcert.org