The primary task of a radiology technician is to obtain x-ray films of the inside structures of the human body. These films are then used by doctors and physicians for the diagnosis of different illnesses and diseases. Radiology technicians are the ones who prepare the patients for radiologic examinations. They walk the patients through the procedures to make the patients feel more comfortable and relaxed. They also assist the patients in removing jewelry and other items that may interrupt the x-ray procedure. It is their duty to protect themselves and the patients from the harmful effects of radiation. They do this by surrounding the area with protection devices such as lead shields. They are highly trained on how to properly position the patients so that they can acquire a clear and precise radiograph. These technicians can work efficiently even without the supervision of doctors and physicians. But they do follow the instructions set by their supervisors and their employer as well.
The salary of a radiology technician varies due to a number of factors. Prior work experience, geographic location, type of employer and educational involvement are things that influence the amount that they receive. According to the information provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average radiology technician salary in Montana is at $63,000 in a year. This means that x-ray technicians and radiographers in this area earn $8,820 higher than their national colleagues. There are a number of avenues that can make their yearly salary even higher. For one, they can pursue further knowledge and skill in the field of radiology. They can get a certification in at least one of the sub-fields and enjoy a higher pay than their workmates. To illustrate further, a radiology tech that has specialized in mammography has an average annual technician pay of $67,000 while someone working as a sonographer can earn as high as $71,000 in a year. A certificate in nuclear medicine can boost up one’s salary to around $68,000 while a specialization in magnetic resonance imaging can make one earn $66,000 each year.
Aside from the level of education, the type of employer that a radiology technician has can also influence his or her pay. The various workplaces that this technician may be employed in are hospitals, medical laboratories, physician’s or doctor’s offices and outpatient care centers. Those who work in hospitals and medical laboratories tend to earn more than the ones who are hired in private offices. Radiology technicians who are employed in medical imaging laboratories usually earn radiology salaries of $56,260 while those who are in the hospital receive $53,790. The ones who are hired in outpatient care centers have an average annual pay of $51,290 while individuals working for private offices earn $50,210. The figures are all based on the wage chart provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They have conducted this survey in the year 2009. A career in this field is something that anyone might want to consider as it is very stable and it pays relatively well. There will be around 37,000 job openings for radiology technicians all over the country in the next 8 years. In the state of Montana alone, the employment rate will increase up to 17 percent. This means that the opportunities are high for those who are aspiring to be x-ray technicians or radiographers.
Radiology jobs are undoubtedly one of the highest paying careers in the medical industry. With only two years of academic completion, anyone is welcome to apply for this position. Of course, there are several levels of advancements that one may take such as becoming a computerized tomography technician or a mammography specialist. Some of the schools and universities in the country offer courses on such specializations. But others only focus on the 2-year associate’s degree. The Montana State University Billings College of Technology is a technical school in Montana that provides degrees in different field of radiology. It was established in the year 1969 and is home to many clubs and organizations. It is currently situated at 3803 Central Avenue in Billings, Montana. For more information, the school’s contact number is 406-247-3000.
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