Medical Radiation Technologist
Tasks & duties
Medical radiation technologists may do some or all of the following:
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provide information to patients about what will happen during their examinations
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prepare patients and equipment for examinations
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produce diagnostic images to help with diagnosis of injuries or possible diseases
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carry out quality control and assurance in the radiology department
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complete managerial or administrative tasks that contribute to patient care
Specialisations
Medical radiation technologists become specialists through postgraduate education and/or training on the job. They may specialise in the following areas:
Computed Tomography (CT) Technologist
Computed tomography technologists use CT scanners to take cross-section images of internal parts of the body.
Fluoroscopy Technologist
Fluoroscopy technologists use an x-ray beam and specialised equipment to take live images of the body.
Magnetic Resonance Imager (MRI)
Magnetic resonance imagers use MRI scanners, radio frequency waves, and magnetic fields to diagnose injuries and possible diseases.
Mammographer
Mammographers use mammography units to take images of breasts to check for cancer.
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists use radioactive materials (tracers) and gamma cameras to diagnose and occasionally treat diseases.
Sonographer
Sonographers use ultrasound scanners and sound waves to take images of internal parts of the body.
Skills & knowledge
Medical radiation technologists need to have:
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knowledge of human anatomy, physiology and pathology
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knowledge of positioning and imaging techniques, and how to use x-ray equipment
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knowledge of physics, radiation physics and radiation protection
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excellent communication skills so they can relate well to patients and other staff
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decision-making skills
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technical and computer skills
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organisational skills
Entry requirements
To become a medical radiation technologist you need to complete a degree in medical radiation technology at Unitec, Universal College of Learning (UCOL), or Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (CPIT). The training is divided between the training institute and hospitals, where trainees are supervised by medical professionals.
Secondary education
A tertiary entrance qualification is needed to enter further training. Useful subjects include English, maths, science, computing and information management.
Tertiary education
Postgraduate courses in medical imaging are now offered by Unitec, and courses to support advanced practice (doing tasks previously performed by radiologists) will be introduced in 2009.
Training on the job
Many skills are gained on the job, and medical radiation technologists must complete ongoing professional development to remain registered.
After they are qualified, medical radiation technologists can specialise. This often requires additional postgraduate qualifications.
Registration
Medical radiation technologists must be registered with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board before they can practise.
Useful experience
Useful experience for medical radiation technologists includes:
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any work in the health sector
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teaching
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photography
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technical work
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any jobs involving contact with people
Related courses
Medical Imaging Technology (Radiography) and Radiation Therapy
Radiology
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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