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HealthcareTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.

Radiologic Technician

Take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.

Annual openings

256

BLS median wage

$87,760

Typical education

Associate's degree

10-year growth

+7%

Career requirements

What does this career require?

The education, credentials, and on-the-job competencies Colorado employers expect for this role.

Typical education

Associate's degree

Credential requirement

No specific credential listed yet

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills — Being respectful of patients and treating them with the proper demeanor as well as being timely and dependable for your team, who is counting on you to be ready to work on time.
  • Working with Tools and Technology — Being comfortable using technology to acquire images (like CT) and maintain patient records that are technology-based.
  • Health & Safety — Is important when dealing with radiation in proper doses.
  • Communication — Explaining procedures in laypersons terms and in a culturally competent way, including a proper explanation when an uncomfortable position is needed to get a good image.
  • Customer Focus — Providing excellent customer service, including keeping things on time or making a patient happier when they are not.
  • Critical and Analytical Thinking — Being able to recognize that the current situation will not create a quality image and knowing the changes needed to create the image, including potentially conferring with a Radiologist.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

  • With kids/peopleOccasionally
  • On a computerOccasionally
  • Outdoors / on-siteOccasionally
  • With your handsOccasionally

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Healthcare Technicians

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination.
  2. Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff.
  3. Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes.
  4. Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories.
  5. Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest.
  6. Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready.

Also includes

Specializations that share this occupation’s labor-market data.

  • Radiologic Technologist