Educational

Pros & Cons of Being a Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)

As a radiologic technologist aka radiographer, I can proudly say that I love my career! However, just like any other, there are some pros and cons to the field of radiology.

PROS: 

  • Job stability

In the field of medicine, radiographers are in high demand.

When diagnosing any patient, medical imaging is used to confirm pathology, determine the extent of diseases or illnesses, check for improving or worsening conditions, and some cases even treat them.

There’s no guessing in medical diagnosis. The radiologists and other members of the healthcare team need to see it to believe it and confirm it.

  • Career progression

In radiography, there are many specialities to consider and thus, lots of room for job advancement.

Do you know which imaging modality may be right for you?

  • Decent pay  

The entry level salary of a radiologic technologist varies country to country but is well above minimum wage.

Increasing levels of expertise with time and modality specialization will increase the pay you receive.

Radiographers are paid well. Of course I believe that we deserve more 😆

  • Encourages creativity and adaptations 

No two patients are alike. No matter the procedure or pathology, there is a uniqueness to every case.

In the field of radiography, we learn how to adapt to different situations and enhance our creativity in order to get the images that a proper diagnoses deserves.

CONS: 

  • Physically demanding

Are you prepared for all the standing, walking, stretching, and lifting?

You’d be suprised at how physically demanding it can be. Especially in accident and emergency x-ray!

Have great shoes and an even better massage therapist or chirpractor on stand-by.

  • Stressful 

As a radiologic technologist, you also share the responsibility of ensuring that things run smoothly in the imaging department by constantly laising with your healthcare team.

Not to mention running up and down to resuscitation, ward portables, isolation, ICU and much more.

  • Shift hours / long hours 

In a lot of instances, radiographers are scheduled to work morning, evening and night shifts.

Unfortunately there isn’t enough time to get used to a schedule because it always changes.

Unless you’re working in a clinic that only does daylight hours, working shift is unescapable.

  • Taken for granted 

Sadly, there are times where us rad techs are taken for granted and valued lesser than other members of the healthcare team.

Side note: Did you know that Ask the Rad Tech is on YouTube now?

Here’s the video post on this same topic!

All in all, the field of radiography is a great one and can be very fulfilling!