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Doctor Analyzing X-Rays

X-RAY TECHNOLOGIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Jennifer!

Hi, I’m Jennifer! I grew up in Lacey, Washington and graduated from Seattle University. I started working as an imaging technologist at a major hospital in Seattle and then moved to Maui and worked at Maui Memorial. After seven years, I transitioned to the Kaiser Wailuku Clinic.

 

I chose a career in the healthcare field because I am fascinated by the human body. In the diagnostic imaging department, we are investigators and artists in creating pictures to help solve medical problems. It is very rewarding when I figure out why someone is sick and help them on the path to recovery. I like my job because I always see new things, meet different people, and have opportunities to grow professionally.

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What do they do?

  • Capture images of patients’ bodies using medical equipment

  • Position protective equipment to protect patients from radiation

  • Assists radiologists and other physicians in performing x-ray guided procedures

  • Administer oral or intravenous contrast (x-ray dye)  to patients for certain radiographic procedures while under the supervision of the radiologist

  • Measure the bone density of patients using specialized bone density x-ray units

  • Ensure x-ray equipment is working properly before the start of the day

  • Assist in scheduling the correct x-ray procedures for patients, physicians, and nurses

What equipment do
they use?

  • Portable and stationary x-ray/fluoroscopy units

  • Bone densitometry units

  • Intravenous and oral x-ray dye

  • Catheters, syringes, and needles

Examining an X-Ray
RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become an X-ray technologist, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Next, pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

STEP 1

Complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. 

Associate's Degree

  •  2-year program 

  • Major in Radiologic Technology 

  • Most programs can be found in community colleges

OR

Bachelor's Degree

  • 4 years 

  • Major in Radiologic Technology 

  • Obtain degree at a University 

  • Allows movement into management positions

General Courses

  • Medical Ethics

  • Radiation Physics and Protection

  • Image Evaluation

  • Anatomy

  • Pathology

  • Patient Care

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

University of Hawaii Associate's Degree

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Kapi’olani Community College

● 2-year Associate’s Degree 

● Major: Radiologic Technology 

STEP 2

Pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

Licensing and Certification

  • Pass a certification exam from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

  • Must obtain a state license to practice

CAREERS
CAREERS

Imaging Technologist Positions

Salary in the State of Hawai’i

  • Entry Level: $63,981

  • Average: $88,442

  • Experienced: $107,598

  • Angiography Technologist 

  • CT Technologist 

  • Mammography Technologists 

  • MRI Technologist 

  • Nuclear Medicine Technologist 

  • Sonographer 

  • Tech support and sales

  • Research and development

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A starting x-ray technologist position allows movement into other higher-paying professions such as CT, MRI, and angiography technologists.

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Source: Hawaii Career Explorer

Work Environments

Analyzing Scans

  • Hospitals

  • Outpatient clinics

  • Physician offices

  • Freestanding imaging centers

  • Temporary traveling tech companies

  • Tech support and sales (imaging companies such as GE, Siemens, and Phillips)

  • Research and development (imaging companies such as GE, Siemens, and Phillips)

Doctor's Clinic
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