The primary purpose of the Radiologic Technology program is to educate students with didactic, laboratory and clinical experience in preparation for the administration of ionizing radiation to humans for diagnostic purposes. They are involved with short-term patient care, positioning the body, setting equipment to deliver the proper amount of radiation, checking film quality, and practicing radiation protection. Radiographers work in both clinical and hospital environments, primarily within the radiology department but also in other areas, such as the emergency room, surgery, nursery or patient rooms within the hospital.
Graduates earn national certification after successfully passing a national certification exam.
Some states, such as Illinois, also may require licensure as a condition of employment. Radiographers must be mentally alert and able to function in stressful situations. They must have excellent psychomotor ability and communication skills, follow directions, work cooperatively with other health care professionals, and have compassion for the sick and injured. Radiographers also must be in good mental and physical health and able to move radiographic equipment and patients. With additional education and training, radiographers can advance into other areas such as management, education and sales.