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Career Profile: Radiologic Technologist

I chose this career because…

I chose to become a radiologic technologist because of opportunities that arose while I was in the Army. After graduating from high school, I entered the New York City College of Technology to major in economics. I completed two years of study, but at the time, did not have much focus. I decided to enlist in the United States Army. During my time in the Army, I was trained as a radiologist. The Army offered a licensing exam that I had to pass in order to practice my career. Once I passed it, I also took and passed the civilian exam, which allowed me to work in the civilian community.

College Education & Certification
• Certificate, Radiology, Academy of Health Science, Fort Sam Houston, Texas
• Bachelor of Science, Economics, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC
• Master of Business Administration, Finance, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC

My typical workday involves…

My typical workday is from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. In our department, we see approximately 60 to 80 patients a day. Most of our work revolves around the use of our computer tomography (CT) scanners. A CT scanner is a tubular-shaped machine that generates multiple X-ray images simultaneously. The images are digitized and processed by the computer to display them as two-dimensional pictures on a monitor. CT scans provide physicians with detailed images of a patient’s internal body that aids them in diagnosis and treatment planning. We have three CT scanners that are busy all day long. Physicians schedule patients through the hospital information system. Then I receive the daily schedule and proceed with my responsibilities.

My duties are to:

• Review the workload and determine what is required for each patient
• Manage the daily operations for the CT section
• Lead and provide direction for a staff of seven technologists and a patient coordinator
• Devise and manage the annual budget in accordance with federal procurement regulations oversee all maintenance and service contracts
• Maintain and analyze patient database to make sound decisions on providing patient care
• Provide the Director of Radiology with monthly statistics on the number of exams performed, patients scanned, and missed appointments
• Consult and assist staff radiologists with their research needs

What I like best/least about my work…

What I like best about my work is the interaction with the patients. Most of the patients that come through my department return for many years. I get to know them and their families. The best part of my job is to see a young patient grow-up, and best of all, recover his or her health.

What I like least about my work and which takes a lot of time is the administrative responsibilities. However, they are necessary to run the department and give service to our patients. The downside of my friendship with the patients is the fact that many of them do not recover. I never look forward to the fact that a patient will not return to radiology. I always hope for the best for all the people that come through.

My career goals are…

My career goals are not completely set now. I love my job, but I may decide to apply for a position as an administrative officer. That would give me a chance to use my training in economics and finance. However, I’m not sure that I want to leave my work with the patients.

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