What does a work day of a radiologist involve?

A typical day on the job as a radiology technician consists of working with patients one-on-one to provide sufficient medical care that meets their needs. Many Radiology Technicians work 40 hours a week in a clinic or hospital with patients. Depending on the day they might see up to 50 patients a day depending on the particular exams. They work with the ordering physician's office to obtain clinical history with signs and symptoms. The symptoms lead the technologist in the correct direction to help make an appropriate diagnosis. The Technologist performs exams using highly developed technology on the patient to get diagnostic images. Depending on the exams the technologist might help with guiding a procedure using the technology and skills they have learned.

After performing an exam that can take from 5 minutes to 2 hours the Technologist writes a summary of their findings. It is important that everything is documented in order for radiologist to make a diagnosis and for future reference. Next the Technologist reports their case, including their summary and images to the radiologist to ensure they have enough information before letting the patient go home. Once enough information is obtained the patient is sent home to wait for their results. The radiologist dictates the exam and the results are sent back to the physician's office.

During the entire process of performing the exam the Technologist must provide quality patient care by ensuring they are comfortable. Not only does the Technologist work with the patient, but they much collaborate with their peers and the radiologist. They must have good communication skills and a positive attitude to get them though a typical day on the job.

Through out the day the Technologist with be lifting and shifting patients on their tables. They must be able to life at least 50 pounds. They will be bending and reaching throughout the day so it is important to stretch and exercise to keep the body in good working shape. A technologist will be sitting, but will stand about 80% of the day so proper footwear is important. Many Technologists during their 8 or 10 hour days, depending on their schedule have to constantly think about ergonomics in order to keep their bodies healthy. Radiology Technicians can get very busy with all their daily duties mentioned above so it is important to remember the physical demand their jobs put on them and to take care of that as well as the patient.