A radiologic technologist is a healthcare worker who specializes in imaging tests like x-

ray, MRI, and CT scans, performed primarily in diagnostic capacities. Some radiologic
technologists will specialize in certain disciplines related to specific areas of the body,
like mammography, for example.

Radiologic technologists will have close working relationships with the radiologists who
interpret the images. In order for doctors to be able to do their jobs, the technician has
to be thorough and accurate in their imaging technique.

They’ll also be responsible for keeping patients as comfortable as possible during their
tests, which can sometimes be frightening and stressful for the patient. Radiology is a
full-time job that comes with a fairly high median income. Radiologic technologists can
steadily increase their income over time by developing specialties, and by acquiring
more experience over time.

How to Use Skills Lists

You can use the skills mentioned here to help you in your job search. Use them in your
resume, especially in the descriptions of your work history. You can also use them in
your cover letter to describe prior work experience. Consider mentioning a few of these
traits in order to give examples of how you’ve demonstrated them in prior work.

You can also use these words in your interview as well. Come prepared to discuss
the top skills listed here, and be ready to share examples of how you've exemplified
each. Each job will require different skills and experiences, so make sure you read the
job description carefully and focus on the skills listed by the employer. Here's a list of
the three most important skills employers look for in a radiologic technologist.

Communication Skills
As a radiologic technologist, you’ll be responsible for several layers of communication
with both patients and colleagues. Because there’s not any single or specific type of
person who might need health-related imaging, you’ll be interacting with a broad and
diverse cross-section of the population.
You’ll be required to explain procedures to patients, and because you’ll be encountering
all sorts of diversity, you’ll need to have an agile communication style so that you can
communicate effectively with anyone who crosses your lab or table.

Another critical part of the job is understanding that patients might be anxious or scared.
For some, they could be enduring the most frightening possible prospect. They could be
seeing you on the worst day of their life. It won’t always be so dire, but even under the
best circumstances, medical diagnostic imaging is typically uncomfortable, awkward, or
inconvenient for the patient.

You’ll be on the front line, standing between the patient and the answers they seek.
You’ll have to manage stress (theirs, as well as your own), express compassion, and
remain calm when patients become agitated or upset –– all while doing your job well.

Mechanical Aptitude
In order to calibrate and maintain radiology equipment, a radiologic technologist will
have to be comfortable with their technology and gear. Each machine’s model will be
different, and as a result, learning and re-learning new technology will be part of the job.
A technologist will also have to understand how to adjust radiation exposure time and
intensity.

These factors impact the health of the patient and maximize image quality. Most training
courses will provide guidelines and instructions for how to get to know the equipment,
but it will be up to the technologist to expand their knowledge, and to master the art of
handling their medical imaging equipment.

Medical and Anatomical Skills

Along with learning about the technology and equipment required to be successful, a
radiologic technologist will also learn a good deal about examination methods, human
anatomy, safety around radiation protection, and more about the basics of caring for
patients.
A successful radiologic technologist will be comfortable interacting physically with
patients, will be comfortable with the human body, and will be confident in their ability to
position patients accurately on the table in order to use radiation as safely as possible.

Becoming a radiologic technologist is a smart way to secure a long future of healthy

employment with hospitals and related medical facilities. Employers are likely to seek
out technologists who are socially competent, compassionate, and emotionally
responsible enough to communicate effectively with patients.

They’ll also look for candidates who can balance these interpersonal skills with
mechanical and anatomical know-how, for the perfect balance. Required skills will vary
based on the job for which you're applying, so review the job posting carefully.

Radiologic Technologist Skills List

 Analytical
 Analyzing equipment problems
 Applying radio-opaque contrast media solutions
 Assessing bone density
 Assessing vital signs
 Attention to detail
 Basic life support (BLS)
 Calibrating and maintaining radiology equipment
 Comforting distressed patients
 Compassion for patients
 Computerized tomography
 Consulting with physicians
 Critical thinking
 Customer service
 Cystograms
 Developing radiographic images
 Explaining procedures to patients
 Flexibility
 Fluoroscopy
 High energy
 Hysterosalpingogram procedures
 Identifying and responding to emergency situations
 Interacting effectively with a diverse clientele
 Interpreting clinical information about patients
 Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
 Maintaining patient confidentiality
 Manual dexterity
 Mathematics
 Mechanical aptitude
 Multitasking
 Ongoing learning
 Operating picture archiving and communications system
(PACS)
 Ordering supplies
 Organizational
 Orienting new staff
 Performing magnetic resonance procedures
 Performing venipuncture for contrast injections
 Positioning patients
 Practicing sterile techniques
 Precision
 Prioritizing workflow
 Problem-solving
 Punctuality
 Reliability
 Remaining calm with agitated patients
 Resolving scheduling problems
 Retrograde urethragrams
 Reviewing images for quality
 Spanish
 Stress management
 Strictly following radiology safety protocols
 Taking x-rays of various body parts
 Teamwork
 Timely and accurate documentation of patient contacts
 Time management
 Training student staff
 Transporting patients
 Verbal communication
 Working independently
 Working quickly and accurately
 Writing