Radiology Technician Assistant Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More (2023)

Radiology technicians assist radiologists in the interpretation of medical images. They are trained to operate and maintain imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines or CT scanners, while also interpreting radiological images for physicians.

Radiology technicians must be able to work independently under pressure, as they often have to interpret images on their own without any guidance from a physician.

Radiology Technician Assistant Job Duties

Radiology technician assistants have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Preparing patients for procedures by ensuring that the area is clean and sterile before each exam
• Taking medical histories of patients to ensure that they are safe to undergo imaging procedures
• Reading X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasound images, and other types of diagnostic imaging to determine if they are normal or abnormal
• Preparing equipment for use in examinations, such as attaching contrast agents to intravenous lines or setting up computer programs for radiology equipment
• Helping radiologists by preparing patients for examinations and assisting with examinations by moving equipment or holding probes
• Recording patients’ reactions to radiation exposure in order to monitor safety during examinations
• Reading images on a computer screen and interpreting them for the doctor or other medical staff members
• Operating ultrasound equipment to take pictures of internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels in patients’ bodies
• Preparing patients for examinations by draping them with special gowns or sheets and securing them in position with Velcro straps or other fasteners

Radiology Technician Assistant Salary & Outlook

Radiology technician assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location.

• Median Annual Salary: $62,500 ($30.05/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $85,000 ($40.87/hour)

The employment of radiologic technologists and technicians is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.

Radiology technologists and technicians will be needed to help physicians provide healthcare services to an aging population. As people age, they are more likely to have medical conditions that require imaging procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Radiology Technician Assistant Job Requirements

Radiology technician assistants typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Radiology technician assistants are typically required to have an associate’s degree or a post-secondary certificate. These programs are typically offered at community colleges and take about two years to complete. They cover topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, radiology technology and radiology procedures.

Training & Experience: Radiology technician assistant training is typically part of the educational program. Students will learn the basics of the job while completing clinical hours for their degree. They will also receive on-the-job training from their new employer.

Certifications & Licenses: A radiology technician assistant is required to obtain a certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians.

Radiology Technician Assistant Skills

Radiology technician assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of exchanging information through verbal or nonverbal means. As a radiologic technician assistant, you may be required to communicate with patients, other medical professionals and patients’ family members. You may also be required to communicate with patients about the procedure, the equipment and the results of the procedure.

Attention to detail: When working with medical images, it’s important to ensure that the images are correctly labeled and stored in the correct order. This is important to ensure that the right patient receives the correct treatment. Attention to detail is also important when working with patients, as it ensures that the right images are taken and that the patient is positioned correctly for the procedure.

Organization: As a radiologic technologist assistant, you may be responsible for organizing patient files, maintaining a clean work environment and ensuring that the radiologist has the necessary tools and equipment to complete their work. Organizational skills can help you complete your tasks efficiently and free up your time to learn more about the field.

Medical knowledge: Medical knowledge is the ability to understand medical terminology and procedures. This is an important skill for a radiologic technician assistant because it allows you to understand the information you read and hear from your supervising radiologist. Medical knowledge also allows you to answer questions from patients and explain procedures to them.

Technological skills: The ability to use technology and software is an important skill for a radiologic technician assistant. You may be required to operate and maintain medical equipment, input data and images and use software to analyze and interpret medical images.

Radiology Technician Assistant Work Environment

Radiology technician assistants work in hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. They work closely with patients, radiologists, and other health care professionals. Most full-time radiology technician assistants work about 40 hours a week, but some may work evenings, weekends, and holidays. They may also be on call, which means they must be available to work at any time. Radiology technician assistants may be exposed to infectious diseases and hazardous materials. They may also be exposed to radiation from x-ray machines.

Radiology Technician Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how radiologic technician assistants work. Radiologic technician assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Need for More Technicians

The need for more radiology technicians is a trend that is being driven by the increasing demand for diagnostic imaging services. As more and more people are getting scans done, there is a need for more technicians to help with the process.

This trend presents an opportunity for radiology technician assistants who can provide support to technicians and help them get through their workday more efficiently. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, technicians will need to be well-trained in all aspects of the job, from preparing patients for scans to reading results.

More Use of Technology in Healthcare

As technology advances, it is becoming increasingly common for hospitals and clinics to use it in their day-to-day operations. This includes using technology to automate tasks, such as billing and record keeping, and using it to improve patient care, such as with electronic medical records.

Radiology technicians can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in using technology in healthcare settings. This may include learning how to use software to interpret images or how to use tablets to communicate with patients.

Greater Collaboration Between Radiologists and Other Health Professionals

Radiology technicians are increasingly being called upon to collaborate with other health professionals in order to provide better patient care.

For example, radiologists may need to work with nurses and doctors to develop treatment plans for patients. They may also need to work with pharmacists to ensure that patients are receiving the correct medications.

How to Become a Radiology Technician Assistant

A career as a radiologic technician assistant (RTA) can be both rewarding and lucrative. It’s also a great way to get started in the medical field if you don’t have any formal education or training.

To become an RTA, you’ll need to complete an accredited program that covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, patient care, radiation safety, and more. You’ll also need to pass a national certification exam.

Once you’re certified, you can start looking for jobs in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. As an RTA, you’ll work closely with radiologists and other medical professionals to provide patients with the best possible care.

Advancement Prospects

Radiology technician assistants may advance to become radiologic technologists. In order to do so, they must complete an accredited radiography program and earn certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once they have completed these requirements, they will be able to perform all the duties of a radiologic technologist, including performing and interpreting diagnostic imaging examinations.

Radiology Technician Assistant Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We’re looking for a radiology technician assistant who shares our commitment to excellence. The ideal candidate will have completed a radiology technician program and have prior experience working in a hospital or clinical setting. He or she will be responsible for providing support to the radiologist during procedures, as well as preparing patients for exams and providing them with instructions. Additionally, the radiology technician assistant will be responsible for maintaining equipment and stocking supplies.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist radiologists and radiology technicians in the performance of diagnostic imaging procedures
• Prepare patients for exams by taking a medical history, answering questions, and providing instruction on proper positioning
• Operate x-ray equipment, ensuring quality images are produced
• Develop x-ray film as needed
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the radiology department
• Stock supplies and ensure that all necessary equipment is in working order
• Transport patients to and from exam rooms
• Keep accurate records of patient exams
• Assist with scheduling appointments
• Answer phones and provide customer service to patients and families
• Follow radiation safety guidelines
• Adhere to HIPAA regulations

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Completion of an accredited radiology technology program
• Registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
• Current certification in CPR/BLS
• Ability to lift 50 pounds
• Excellent communication, customer service, and time-management skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in radiologic technology
• 2+ years of experience as a radiology technician assistant
• Experience working in a hospital setting
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Proficiency in Spanish