Health Careers
Radiologic Technologist
Professional Activities
A radiologic technologist is sometimes called an x-ray technician or radiographic technician. However, the term radiographer or radiologic technologists is preferred. Radiologic technologists support physician diagnoses by taking x-rays using a variety of different equipment and techniques. Typical responsibilities include transporting and preparing patients for x-rays and contrast studies. This may include starting an IV and injecting a radiopaque liquid, under the auspices of a radiologist, before taking a x-ray film. Radiologic technologists support orthopedic surgeries using a C arm x-ray machine in operating rooms. After a x-ray is shot, technologists process and develop the film using different methods from dark rooms to digital copying. Radiologic technologists provide information/education to patients regarding x-ray procedures, deal with physician orders, and correct authorization/paper work for reimbursement.
Radiologic technologists work wherever there is a health care provider who has the equipment and authority to order x-rays. In rural Alaska, most are employed by hospitals or clinics in larger regional centers. Other radiologic technologists work in private offices, dental offices, medical laboratories, and in some private industrial situations.
Educational Requirements
- Graduation from high school.
- Completion of a formal Radiologic Technology training program, preferably an Associate Degree or greater. Frequently students will go on to complete higher degrees.
- Some specialty areas include nuclear medicine technology, mammography, computerized tomography (CT scan), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and radiation therapy. Some of these specialties involve classroom and clinical training while others are learned on the job.
- A national certification examination is offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technology (ARRT).
Academic Programs
The University of Alaska Anchorage offers a two year Associate of Applied Science Degree in Radiologic Technology. Class numbers are limited in size.
Note: Besides the UAA campus, the program is currently distance delivered to a few students in Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, Kenai and Bethel. Students in these additional sites are admitted to UAA and the degree is awarded by UAA, but the coursework is completed in the respective sites.
For more information regarding the Anchorage or distance delivered programs, contact:
Radiologic Technology Program
University of Alaska Anchorage
Medical Imaging Sciences
3211 Providence Drive, AHS 151C
Anchorage , AK 99508
Phone: (907) 786-6929 or (907) 786-4894
Fax: (907) 786-6938
Email:
Web site: http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/ctc/programs/alliedhealth/radt/
The University of Alaska Southeast offers a Certificate in Pre-Radiological Technology Qualifications (CPRTQ) which prepares students to enter professional imaging programs. The CPRTQ contains a three-course sequence for the Limited Radiographer credential.
For more information, contact:
UAS Health Sciences
University of Alaska Southeast
11120 Glacier Highway
Juneau, AK 99801
Contact: Sarah Harvey
Phone: (907) 796-6128
Email:
Web site: http://www.uas.alaska.edu/academics/undergrad/certs/prt.html
Contacts
State Contact:
Alaska Society of Radiologic Technologists
P.O. Box 142751
Anchorage, AK 99514
Web site: http://www.angelfire.com/ak5/aksrt/index.html
National Contacts:
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
15000 Central Ave. SE
Albuquerque, NM 87123-3909
Phone: (505) 298-4500 or
Toll free: (800) 444-2778 press 5
Fax: (505) 298-5063
Email:
Web site: http://www.asrt.org/
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
1255 Northland Drive
St. Paul, MN 55120-1155
Phone: (651) 687-0048
Web site: http://www.arrt.org/index.html
This page was last updated by Janice Troyer on June 09, 2008
