Every year, seven out of 10 Americans undergo 300 million medical imaging exams or radiation therapy treatments, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), based in Albuquerque, N.M. The ASRT points out that radiologic technologists are the largest group of allied health professionals in the United States. Even so, the industry is also one of the shortest-staffed in the healthcare arena. As the number of seniors needing medical attention continues to rise and medical imaging technology maintains its amazing growth, it seems certain that excellent career opportunities can be expected to sustain their healthy expansion.

Radiologic technologists are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations and administering radiation therapy treatments. A quality image is vital in determining an injury or illness and radiologic techs are skilled in getting the most accurate information with the least amount of exposure for the patient. The actual diagnosis, however, is the responsibility of the physician. "It's a very interesting field to get into, because it can lead to other areas," says Cathy Parsons, radiology department manager at Roane Medical Center in Harriman, Tenn. "It will never become a boring job because there are so many modalities now."

In most specialties, a radiologic technologist is responsible for answering any questions the patient might have, being sure that any jewelry or clothing is removed that might interfere with the procedure and draping areas of the body not necessary for imaging with a lead shield. Positioning the patient correctly is also vital, as is ensuring that she doesn't move and blur the resultant photograph. Once developed, it is up to the technologist to determine if the images are acceptable or if retakes are necessary before submitting them to a radiologist for diagnosis.

Radiology has become much safer since it was first developed during the early 1900s. Trained technologists can gain an accurate mammography with one-fortieth the amount of radiation that was required only 20 years ago.

Knowledge of the properties and effects of radiation can also be relied upon to treat chronic diseases. Radiation generates highly energized ions when it comes into contact with human tissue. This behavior can shrink and even destroy the nuclei of malignant cancer cells. Medical dosimetrists are responsible for determining the type, amount, area and length of time radiation therapy should be applied, taking care to avoid healthy tissue.

Radiologic therapists use the doses specified to target and treat cancer and other types of diseases. Therapists can treat by implanting radioactive materials inside the body or they can direct X-rays, gamma rays or atomic particles to a precise location that has been determined through radiologic photographs and carefully marked with long-lasting ink. Depending on type, location and size, the short procedure can be scheduled for three to five days over a four- to eight-week period.

Interestingly, 15 states have no requirements for working in certain sections of medical radiology. ASRT is aggressively pursuing basic educational and certification standards for the industry, minimizing patient overexposure and poor image quality. It's no surprise, then, that radiologic professionals in the industry stress that education is vital to a successful career. Radiologic technologists "should get every certification that they can in their field, and they need to be flexible," suggests Sherrie Yoakam, an administrative secretary who handles recruitment for the Memorial Hospital of Union County in Marysville, Ohio. Flexibility means being certified in more than one modality of medical imaging, which Yoakam explains can lead to a sizable jump in salary. "It's really a plus if they can float from one post [to] another."

Most radiologic technologist programs are two-year associate's degrees in which students learn anatomy, patient positioning, exam techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and basic patient care. In addition, bachelor's degree programs are beginning to be developed to keep pace with the latest techniques and technology, especially for radiologic therapists, who can command higher wages.

Another consideration is the huge shortage of radiologic technologists in most hospitals and clinics today. "We're having an awful hard time filling our radiologic technologist positions in ultrasound, CT and MRI. We've established finders' fees [and] sign-on bonuses," says Yoakam. She reports that the finders' fee for their ultrasound technologist position is $3,000 - more than any job opening at her hospital but one.

A salary range of $11 to $20 an hour is average for radiologic technologists in rural areas - more for people holding certificates in more than one modality. The latest figures from the ASRT (1997) show radiographers earning an average of $39,850; radiation therapists, $48,707; nuclear medicine technologists, $43,979; sonographers, $45,703; and mammographers, $35,333. Parsons explains that drawbacks in this area are standard for healthcare: being on call, working second or third shifts and working on weekends.

What's on the horizon for the field? Radiologic technology is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Available positions should continue to increase through 2006. Parsons says that opportunities exist for facility management positions at hospitals and outpatient clinics for radiology department management. As equipment becomes smaller and easier to use, technologists can also consider starting their own portable business in areas with limited access to facilities or with non-mobile patients. Seasoned veterans with a good working knowledge of the latest equipment can also think about going into sales, or research and development, as the radiologic sciences industry continues its exciting technological expansion. - ADAM SYDNEY

Modalities utilized by radiologic technologists

Radiation

Bone Densitometry
X-rays measuring bone mineral density or total bone mineral content to determine osteoporosis or risks of fracture

Cardiovascular-Interventional Technology
Fluoroscopy, an imaging system to view different parts of the body along with monitoring the placement of catheters during various procedures

Computed Tomography
X-rays obtain "slices" of a particular anatomical part, then combine information into a comprehensive image of physiological status

Mammography
X-rays used to diagnose breast cancer and other diseases of the mammary glands Nuclear Medicine and PET Scans

Nuclear Medicine and PET Scans
Introducing radioactive substance into the patient. The resultant radiation is monitored and measured, giving a clear view of functions in the human body

Magnetics

Magnetic Resonance Technology
Atoms are moved via a strong magnetic field. As the atoms return to their original positions, the movement is measured by a computer and produces a detailed anatomical image

Ultrasound

Sonography
A non-invasive study that uses sound waves to construct a real-time image of a patient's internal anatomy