Many people live very active lives in work and play. Sometimes people get hurt from playing sports, doing a job, exercising, and more. When injuries occur they usually go to the doctor or hospital to get scans done; this is where I come into play. Thave always heard from my cousin, who is a Senior in high school, that the medical field is something that interests her. After she said that, I became interested in what types of jobs there might be in this field. When I saw radiologic and MRI technologist | thought this would be the right fit for me.
Radiologic and MRI Technologist is looking at and taking MRI’s, X-rays, or Ct Scans to see what problems patients may have. Most work in hospitals or health care facilities. Radiologic and MRI technologists work full time, weekends, evenings, and holidays (Occupational Outlook Handbook). The work days are usually very busy and or stressful. Technologists are usually on their feet all day and therefore wear comfortable clothing such as hospital style shirts and cushioned shoes. There are many people that come in each day to get an image done.
Technologists work one on one with a patient or work along with another Technologist (Occupational Outlook Handbook). There are many things that they have to be careful about as a radiologic and MRI technologist; for example, technologist have to use protective items such as a lead apron to make sure people are safe around the equipment, or as they’re taking an image. Also make sure that before the person gets their image done, that they don’t have any metal on them (Occupational Outlook Handbook). This job may be challenging, but it’s rewarding in the end. It requires to be flexible, due to working all the time.
Technologist need to be a hard working person who is willing to learn and take challenging classes. For radiologic and MRI technologist there is much education and skills required, but you can start taking some basic classes in high school to help get a start. Some of the classes include Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, Physics and basic math (Occupational Outlook Handbook). For college, you can go to any school that offers radiology schooling. An Associate’s degree costs around $4,000-$30,000 for over two years and a Bachelor’s Degree costs around $15,000-$43,000 a year.
Some college classes that students may take include Pathology, Patient Care, Radiation Physics, and Protection and Image evaluation (Occupational Outlook Handbook). An Associate’s degree is required to start out at this position. Additional licenses may be required but vary by state. There are also many skills required to become a radiologic and MRI technologist. They have to be able to follow orders, be good with imaging equipment, make sure to properly protect the patient, keep records, and most importantly be able to know how to operate the machine and answer any questions patients might have.
Usually they are working with one other worker and the patient (Occupational Outlook Handbook). Dedication and hard work is needed to earn a degree in this field. Various classes are needed to learn the necessary skills to be successful at this job. The college classes may be tough, but the outlook for this job is great. Radiologic and MRI Technologists make about $55,910 a year and $26. 88 an hour. Even though it’s not the highest paying job, the outlook for this job is really good.
The outlook is 21% which is higher than average growth; the number of jobs are increasing (Occupational Outlook Handbook). This is because more people are getting hurt or have problems and need scanning. There are definitely advantages and disadvantages to being a radiologic and MRI technologist. Some of advantages are seeing what’s wrong with the patient and helping them out, getting to see many different people throughout the day, and learning new things about people everyday(Occupational Outlook Handbook).
Some disadvantages are the MRI scanner may not work so they may have to run a bunch of tests on it, some of the patients might be in extreme pain and be really stressed, and patients may be scared and may have to find ways to calm them down. This job will require learning how to operate the various equipment and learning how to work with people. Technologist will need to know how to run the machines, fix any problems with machines, and assist patients who may be nervous or scared. With the number of jobs increasing in this field, you should be able to have a successful career after you get the correct training and skills.
Radiologic and MRI Technologist are important to the medical field because many people need scans and tests, to help doctors diagnose problems. Even though this job can be dangerous at times, helping is what I like to do and this is what | plan to be. In order to do this you must first graduate with at least an Associate’s degree. If you want to specialize in something along with it you can graduate with a Bachelor’s degree. Many people sit at a desk all day, but not me. As an athlete I like to be up and moving!