Radiologic Technologist
Career Description
The title of radiologic technologist covers various health care professionals who use radiation for diagnostic imaging. Radiographers, who most commonly produce X-rays of the body, are responsible for preparing patients for the procedure and developing the films for analysis by physicians. More experienced radiographers may administer fluoroscopies, which enhance soft-tissue imaging when taken orally.
C.T. technologists use computerized tomography to view patients cross-sectionally. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologists are also radiographers, but they are skilled in using magnets and radio waves instead of radiation to create images.
Diagnostic medical sonographers and radiation therapy technologists comprise two more subsets of radiologic technologists.
Academic Requirements
Most employers prefer formally trained radiologic technologists, and programs currently exist for radiography, radiation therapy and diagnostic medical sonography. Radiography programs require a high school diploma for admission and may be offered at the certificate, associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree levels. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists offers the ARRT certification for radiographers, the largest group of radiologic technologists.
Schools
CoxHealth School of Radiologic Technology (Springfield)
417/836-5252
Drury University (Springfield)
800/922-2274
Drury University-Ft. Leonard Wood
800/922-2274
Hillyard Technical Center (St. Joseph)
816/671-4170
Mineral Area School of Radiologic Technology (Farmington)
573/756-4581
Missouri Southern State University (Joplin)
417/625-3118
Nichols Career Center (Jefferson City)
573/659-3238
Rolla Technical Center
573/458-0160
Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing & Health Sciences (Cape Girardeau)
573/334-6825
St. John's School of Radiologic Technology (Springfield)
417/820-2982
State Fair Community College (Sedalia)
877/311-7322
University of Missouri-Columbia
573/882-8034
Professional Associations
National
American College of Radiology
American Society of Radiologic Technologists
Radiologic Society of North America
Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography
State
Missouri Society of Radiologic Technologists
Additional Information
Learn More About Diagnostic Imaging ServicesRead Personal Accounts of Current Radiologic Technologists
