How to Get a Job as a Radiologic Technologist
Strong science and mathematical skills, stamina, and communication readiness benefit those interested in pursuing a career in radiologic technology. A flexible mindset also behooves those interested in breaking into the field. “You’ve got to be willing to maybe work part-time or work a weekend or evening shift,” says Kudlas. “You’ve got to get in there and move up the chain.” Upward mobility organically happens—at least it did for him. “Get whatever job you can, do the best job you possibly can, and doors are going to open for you,” he says.
What is the Job Like?
Most radiologic technologists work full-time and are sometimes asked to work additional shifts in the evenings or on weekends during emergencies. Kudlas says shifts are very flexible, although some are strictly 9-to-5 jobs at clinics. Night and weekend shifts are available at most hospitals. Regardless of when radiologic technologists work, they all face a similar challenge: remembering that they are primarily there for the patients, not the equipment, he says. “Radiographers have to have a really good balance between what we call ‘high-tech’ and ‘high-touch’” skills, he says. This means understanding the technology they use daily as readily as they do the patients’ needs. Radiographers, Kudlas says, should go out of their way to reassure patients that are wary about pending operations, and make procedures as painless as possible. “We have people come into the field that might be really, really good at the technical side of things, but really fail on the clinical side. What we’re really looking for is the person who is able to excel in both the technology and patient care aspect of what they’re doing.”
