According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Position imaging equipment and adjust controls to set exposure time and distance, according to specification of examination. | 99% |
| Position patient on examining table and set up and adjust equipment to obtain optimum view of specific body area as requested by physician. | 98% |
| Monitor patients' conditions and reactions, reporting abnormal signs to physician. | 98% |
| Explain procedures and observe patients to ensure safety and comfort during scan. | 98% |
| Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to comply with government regulations and to ensure safety of patients and staff. | 97% |
| Review and evaluate developed x-rays, video tape, or computer-generated information to determine if images are satisfactory for diagnostic purposes. | 97% |
| Determine patients' x-ray needs by reading requests or instructions from physicians. | 97% |
| Prepare contrast material, radiopharmaceuticals, or anesthetic or antispasmodic drugs under the direction of a radiologist. | 95% |
| Process exposed radiographs using film processors or computer generated methods. | 95% |
| Operate mobile x-ray equipment in operating room, emergency room, or at patient's bedside. | 94% |
| Make exposures necessary for the requested procedures, rejecting and repeating work that does not meet established standards. | 94% |
| Operate or oversee operation of radiologic or magnetic imaging equipment to produce images of the body for diagnostic purposes. | 94% |
| Operate digital picture archiving communications systems. | 93% |
| Perform procedures, such as linear tomography, mammography, sonograms, joint and cyst aspirations, routine contrast studies, routine fluoroscopy, or examinations of the head, trunk, or extremities under supervision of physician. | 92% |
| Record, process, and maintain patient data or treatment records and prepare reports. | 91% |
| Provide assistance to physicians or other technologists in the performance of more complex procedures. | 91% |
| Take thorough and accurate patient medical histories. | 90% |
| Key commands and data into computer to document and specify scan sequences, adjust transmitters and receivers, or photograph certain images. | 89% |
| Operate fluoroscope to aid physician to view and guide wire or catheter through blood vessels to area of interest. | 88% |
| Set up examination rooms, ensuring that all necessary equipment is ready. | 87% |
| Transport patients to or from exam rooms. | 87% |
| Assist with on-the-job training of new employees or students or provide input to supervisors regarding training performance. | 85% |
| Maintain a current file of examination protocols. | 84% |
| Perform general administrative tasks, such as answering phones, scheduling patient appointments, or pulling and filing films. | 83% |
| Complete quality control activities, monitor equipment operation, and report malfunctioning equipment to supervisor. | 82% |
| Assign duties to radiologic staff to maintain patient flows and achieve production goals. | 77% |
| Provide assistance in dressing or changing seriously ill, injured, or disabled patients. | 76% |
