Opportunities Available For The Radiology Technician

A radiology technician can advance to the role of department director or administrator, become chief radiologic technologist or supervisor. Depending on the level of education they get will determine whether they are qualified for these roles. Some technologists will specialize in their field and become directors or instructors in radiologic technology education. Depending on the strengths of the person they can opt to go into sales or become equipment manufacturer instructors. About sixty one percent of all jobs held by the radiology technician are in hospitals, others are held in outpatient care centers, diagnostic imaging centers, diagnostic and medical laboratories and in the offices of physicians.

Employment in this field is projected to grow more quickly than average, those who have more than one specialty in diagnostic imaging such as mammography, CT scanning or MRI will have a better chance of finding the best job. The field is expected to grow by 17 percent a year through the year 2018, it is growing quicker than any other occupations. As the population ages there is an increase in illness and injury which can often require diagnostic imaging for diagnosis. These imaging techniques are also used to show the progress of treatment plans. With the success of technologies used in treating diseases, diagnostic imaging will increase in need to monitor progress.

The amount that these procedures are used is based on insurance reimbursement and cost of the procedure. Early detection of disease will allow for a lower cost in treatment and many insurance companies are in favor of this. Hospitals are the main employer of the radiology technician, but new positions are created all the time at diagnostic centers and in doctors offices. With advances in technology, imaging modalities are less costly and easier to do in a doctors office.

In addition to the growth in the job market in this field, there is a need to replace the technologists who leave. With the knowledge of more than one type of procedure one will have the best opportunity in finding work. Employers need to control costs and by hiring an employee with multiple credentials will save them money.

Demand tends to be regional, some areas have a high demand and others have a saturation of technicians. People in this field are usually willing to relocate for better job opportunity. CT scans are a diagnostic tool that is continuing to be in the forefront of diagnostic imaging. Instead of x-rays it is often the first option due to its accuracy.

MRI's are also a popular option. Technicians who have these credentials are very much in demand. A radiology technician has a lot of options as to where to take their career.