medical imaging technologist.

While duties may vary based on the facility, here are the core roles associated with a medical imaging technologist job:

• maintaining radiography equipment: since you have specialised knowledge in handling diagnostic imaging equipment, keep them in good condition. If a machine needs repairs, you need a maintenance specialist to restore it to proper working condition. Before a procedure, you adjust the settings, monitor the radiation levels emitted, and position the equipment to capture clear images.
• preparing patients for various procedures: aside from performing diagnostic imaging or radiation procedures, you interact with patients and prepare them for the procedures. You address any questions or concerns and explain the entire process. You also compile the medical history and ensure the consent forms are in order. When the imaging starts, giving patients protective clothing and positioning them correctly for high-quality images is vital.
• administering radiation treatments: with your expertise in radiology, you collaborate with an oncologist to determine the radiotherapy procedures a patient requires. You also check the machines during the procedure to monitor the radiation levels.
• assisting in surgery: invasive surgical procedures often require medical imaging devices to give the surgeon a better view. As a medical imaging technologist, you are responsible for operating the imaging machines throughout the procedure.
• maintaining health and safety regulations in radiology units: as a medical imaging technologist, you protect workers and patients from exposure to excessive radiation. That means keeping up with the safety guidelines and ionising radiation regulations is crucial.

As a medical imaging technologist, you work in private clinics and hospitals in the radiology unit. You can work in any community health setting requiring radiology services. Sometimes, you work in trauma units or cancer treatment wards, depending on your responsibilities. A medical imaging technologist also works in surgical teams when the surgeon needs real-time imaging during surgery. The nature of your work means you are exposed to radiation energy throughout the day. Hence, you wear specialised safety gear, such as an apron made of protective materials.

Depending on your employer and industry, your colleagues might include medical imaging technologists, general nurses and paediatricians. You might also be working close to oncologists, doctors, and other specialists that could consist of, but not be limited to, neurologists, surgeons and physiotherapists.

Medical imaging technologists work full-time jobs of about 37 hours a week. However, the work schedule depends on whether you are a diagnostic or therapeutic medical imaging technologist. Most appointments for therapeutic radiology are scheduled within the 8 am to 6 pm workday. That means you don't work night shifts; you only work occasional evenings and weekends.

Diagnostic medical imaging technologists work shifts since emergency rooms, and trauma centres need medical imaging technologists during emergencies. Your shifts can include early mornings and night shifts since they are rotational. Part-time positions are available for medical imaging technologists, especially in private clinics with few clients needing medical imaging. While there is minimal travelling, you may attend conferences and other health industry events.

As a medical imaging technologist, you have numerous opportunities to build your career. For instance, you can specialise in specific imaging equipment requiring training. Another option is to branch into one specialism and develop your expertise. Learning specialised diagnostic or therapeutic procedures boosts your prospects. If you want to progress in your field or take on additional responsibilities, complete the training necessary to become a medical imaging technologist. Some medical imaging technologists study to become oncologists or doctors.

Finding your medical imaging technologist job through Randstad provides essential advantages such as:

• a wide variety of training and development opportunities
• an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
• a range of opportunities in your area
• get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
• temporary and permanent contracts

Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a medical imaging technologist is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent career. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad 

As a medical imaging technologist, you operate x-ray equipment and assist the doctor with diagnoses. However, you do not interpret the x-rays or medical imaging tests. You explain the imaging process to patients, direct them to the correct position for the scan, and ensure safety during imaging procedures.

As a medical imaging technologist, it is crucial to be methodical since the diagnostic tests follow a specific procedure. Accuracy and attentiveness to details are also helpful in avoiding errors during imaging that could lead to wrong diagnoses. It would be best if you were willing to learn new skills since new imaging equipment is invented continually to assist with medical diagnosis.

Working as a medical imaging technologist is an exciting career with promising prospects. The pay is decent depending on the hospital you work for and your level of superiority. You can also perform private and on-call work to boost your income. As a medical imaging technologist, you have multiple opportunities for career growth and specialisation. For instance, some medical imaging technologists focus on sonography and ultrasound, which have exciting career prospects.

As a medical imaging technologist, you earn a salary of $83,500 per year. Your remuneration package depends on your experience and qualifications. When you have additional experience, you are likely to earn higher than entry-level medical imaging technologists.

Applying for a medical imaging technologist job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our medical imaging technologist job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.