Medical Radiation Technologist is a professional who is responsible for obtaining radiologic images, which are used by the physician for diagnosis for their patient. A Medical Radiation Technician works under the supervision of a radiologist. The information gained from these images will also be used to help with developing a treatment plan. They may work in medical labs, public hospitals, private health centres, clinics, and many other types of healthcare facilities.
Medical Radiation Technologist Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming a Medical Radiation Technologist is Bachelor’s Degree in Radiography from a recognised college/university.
Medical Radiation Technologist Required Skills
- Medical Radiation Technologists should be able to identify patient service requirements by establishing a personal rapport with potential and actual patients and other persons in a position to understand service requirements.
- They should also be able to ensure the operation of radiology equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; following manufacturer's instructions; troubleshooting malfunctions; calling for repairs; maintaining equipment inventories; evaluating new equipment and techniques.
- They must also be able to maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies.
- They should be able to prepare the patient for radiological procedure by positioning patient; adjusting immobilization devices; moving equipment into specified position; adjusting equipment controls to set exposure factors.
How to become a Medical Radiation Technologist?
One has to follow below-given steps for becoming a Medical Radiation Technologist-
Step 1
Students after passing their 12th class, they have to go for a Bachelor’s Degree course in Radiography as one of the subjects. At some of the place, they required to have a Certificate in the very subject. There are so many colleges/universities throughout the country offering courses in this subject. And the admission for this course is given on the basis of entrance tests conducted by these reputed institutes.
Diploma/Certificate Courses
- Certificate Course in Radiography Technology
- Diploma in Medical Radiography Technology
Educational Qualification
For these courses, the minimum educational is 10th or 12th class.
Bachelor’s Degree Courses
- B.Sc. (Imaging Technology Radiography)
- B.Sc. (Medical Technology in Radiography)
- B.Sc. (Radiography)
Educational Qualification
They should have been passing their 12th class in science stream with Radiography related subject.
Step 2
After passing their graduation, they can go for a Master’s Degree in the very subjects as it is considered a base in some of the jobs. These posts are mostly research related.
Institutes offering Courses for Medical Radiation Technologist
- Acharya Institutes of Health Sciences, Bangalore
- Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Trivandrum
- Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences (SIHS), Pune
- Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kochi
Medical Radiation Technologist Job Description
They serve an important purpose in a radiology department. The main role is to assist the radiologist with the process of imaging and not that of diagnosis as this is the key role of a physician. Their job also involves taking pictures of the body while utilizing various imaging methods, which includes magnetic resonance imaging, mammography, basic x-ray, and fluoroscopy and computed tomography. They are responsible for ensuring the patient’s safety during the course of the procedure. Most importantly, the ability to produce a high-quality image consistently is crucial as this will help physicians to correctly provide the diagnosis.
Medical Radiation Technologist Career Prospects
Medical Radiation Technologists have lucrative job opportunities in this field. As it is a very demanding profession, candidates seek a career in various specializations under radiology where the remunerations are high. Some of the sought after jobs under this field are mentioned below:
- X-Ray Technician
- Radiologist Assistant
- Ultrasound Technician
- Radiologic Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Medical Radiation Technologist Salary
Medical Radiation Technologists’ salary depends on experience, training and employment location as these types of the job require higher levels of experience and training frequently offer greater levels of salary. Generally, they earn a monthly salary ranging from Rs.15,000 to Rs.20,000. It increases as their job working time and experience increases.
