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Emily Dalton
Professor Taylor Lynn
English 1010
November 21, 2016
Rhetoric and Communication of a Radiologist Technician
The first x-ray (or x- radiation) machine was founded by a man who was trying to create
a vacuum tube but instead, mistakenly made something better for human kind. In 1985, Wilhelm
Conrad Roentgen created the first x-ray machine. His initial x-ray image would be of his wifes
hand complete with her wedding band. She would later say that she has Seen her own death.
(Random History 2014) Modern Radiologists have many more job obligations then Roentgen
did, with advancing technology and expanding specific machinery, the Radiologist is in more
demand than ever. With the many new occupation obligations, more profound careers have
become available. Which includes, the Radiologist technologist. But what is a Radiologist
technologist?
According to the United States Department of Labor, they describe the Radiologist
technician as an individual who performs diagnostic imaging examinations, including x-rays (xRadiation) and MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). MRI technologists operate magnetic
machinery to diagnose images. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S., 2015) To become a Radiologist
technician, one must attend minimal schooling to receive their AAS (Associate of Applied
Science) which entails a two-year degree with possible continued education. Or they may choose
to obtain their AS degree (Associative of Science) which includes a two-year degree in addition
to a General Studies degree and pre-major coursework. (Salt Lake Community College ,

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2016) The degree I have chosen is the AS (Associate of Science) degree so that I may receive

my bachelor degree and continue my education to ultimately become a Radiologist.

The Associate of Science (AS) obviously requires far more credits than the Associative of
Applied Science degree. With the Associative of Applied Science (AAS), one must stay in school
for two years with classes such as: English 1010- Intro to writing, Math 1010- Intermediate
algebra, Math 1050- College Algebra, Biology 2320- Human Anatomy, Biology 2325- Human
Anatomy Lab, and RADS 1010- Intro to Radiologic Technology. These classes seem few, but
they will prove to be challenging.
For the AS (Associate of Science) the classes are more extensive and in depth. If one
chooses to obtain their bachelors degree in Associative of Science, they should have sixty-three
credit hours completed in the classes required for the degree, these classes one must take include
prior acceptance into Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program. Other required classes
include: English 1010- Intro to writing, English 1020- Intermediate writing, Math 1040- Intro to
statistics or Math 1050- College algebra (including prerequisites), three to four credit hours of
American Institutions (AI), Economy 1740- Economic history of U.S., History 1700-American
Civilization, Political Science 1100- US Government and Politics, or I can do both History 2700
and History 2710. Lifelong wellness is also included and one must complete at least three credit
hours there. (Salt Lake Community College 2014) And then, I may transfer to a University to
complete the remainder of my degree.
Classes may not properly prepare you for all the tasks when on the job, many of these
things are on the job training that may only come with experience. There are a number of daily
requirements to uphold and preform, and some of those consist of: being able to explain
procedures to patients in a non- threatening way that they will understand, making sure the

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patient has removed all jewelry and accessories that may interfere with the x-ray, positioning
patients so that desired body part may be x-rayed, protecting patients other body parts that do
not need to be examined, administer a fluoroscopy fluid for the patient to drink to better see
desired body part, conduct a CT (Computed Tomography) scan, conduct a MRI scan, develop
film, and maintain x-ray equipment.(SR Education Group, 2016)
A radiologist technician must also have qualifications prior to working in on the job or
even starting the education process. For the Associate of Applied Science, Salt Lake Community
college recommends that you be first aid and CPR certified in addition to being drug tested and
having your background checked. Salt Lake Community College will inform the student on
outcome of drug test and a Salt Lake Community College vendor will give applicable
background checks.
In addition to these prequalifications for the Associate of Applied science, vaccinations
are also required for attendance and certification. Vaccinations are detrimental to maintain
wellbeing so that the radiologist technician may help his/or her patients better to fully assist them
with their needs. These vaccinations include: the annual influenza vaccination, annual PPD
(tuberculosis skin test), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (TDAP), measles, mumps, rubella (MMR),
varicella (chicken pox), hepatitis A vaccination series and hepatitis B vaccination series. Because
when your health care professional feels good, they are able to take better care of you.
The duties of a Radiologist Technician consist of many basic motor skills,
sensory/observation skills, cognitive, behavioral/emotional competence, and communication.
(slcc.edu) To communicate rhetorically, the radiologist technician must have a sense of empathy
with their patients in order to help the patient. Persuasion is not easily obtained with demands;
however, it is instead done through choice. Being kind and empathetic with your patient may

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more easily receive the result you were initially hoping for. Keeping a calm sense of self and
having a great deal of self-control is detrimental to keeping a professional appearance.
A radiologist technician must also rhetorically write and keep records of patient files.
Being proficient in all computer technology is important to keeping and maintaining notes,
records, pictures, and information to relay back to the Radiologist later on. Accuracy is
significant due to medical conditions possibly being life threatening and focusing on the details
may save somebodys life. Other duties of a radiologist technician also involve being able to
explain efficiently (in a way a patient would understand) how their procedure will go and what to
do to prepare for the procedure. Another responsibility would include being able to discuss
options with the patient and give alternative solutions. Giving instructions on how to conduct an
x-ray and communicate efficiently in oral and written forms and problem solving when the
opportunity presents itself.
The Degree Associate of Science is ultimately my degree of choice and I plan to pursue it
to the fullest. With the growth in this career, I do not ever doubt the job security this profession
has to offer. Communication with my patients will prove to be difficult especially if they have a
complicated diagnosis or do not want to seek treatment; learning to work with these barriers can
help put the patient at ease and ultimately get them the help that they desperately need.
Rhetorically, I will need to learn to write and speak in a way that meets my patients needs and
learn to apply that when assisting individuals in my career.

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Works Cited
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. (2015, December 17). www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologictechnologists. Retrieved from www.bls.gov:
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Radiologic-technologists.htm
Random History. (2014, June 19). www.facts.randomhistory.com. Retrieved from
randomhistory.com: http://facts.randomhistory.com/x-ray-facts.html>
Salt Lake Community College . (2016). www.slcc.edu/radtech/degrees. Retrieved from
www.slcc.edu: http://www.slcc.edu/radtech/degrees.aspx
Salt Lake Community College. (2014, March). www.slcc.edu/radtech/docs/rdt-essentialfunctions. Retrieved from www.slcc.edu: http://www.slcc.edu/radtech/docs/rdt-essentialfunctions-march-2014.pdf
SR Education Group. (2016). www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/radiology-technician.
Retrieved from www.collegeanddegrees.com:
http://www.collegesanddegrees.com/programs/radiology-technician