Addressing Misconceptions about Radiologic Technology

X-rays are one of the most valuable tools doctors have for diagnosing and treating patients. In fact, an estimated 3.6 billion diagnostic X-ray examinations are performed worldwide each year. Yet for a technology this common, medical imaging is still surrounded by myths, and those myths can make patients hesitant to get the care they need. The reality is that medical imaging saves lives and often prevents the need for more invasive procedures. It also happens to be the foundation of a healthcare career that’s growing, hands-on, and centered on helping people.

Below, we walk through the most common misconceptions about radiologic technology, what the facts say, and what the field looks like if you’re considering pursuing this career.

Myths vs. Facts at a glance:

Myth 1: X-Rays are Dangerous

A well-trained medical team will never put a patient in unnecessary danger, and imaging is no exception. While very high doses of radiation can be harmful, a diagnostic X-ray delivers only a small fraction of that amount.

Here’s some helpful context: We’re all exposed to low levels of naturally occurring radiation every day, from the sun, the soil, and even the food we eat. This background radiation is the main source of exposure for most people. A single chest X-ray exposes you to about 0.1 mSv, roughly the same amount you’d absorb from the environment over about 10 days.

X-ray safety also keeps evolving. Because doses are now so low, organizations including the American College of Radiology and the Image Gently Alliance have recommended rethinking the routine use of lead aprons during some X-rays, while The National Council on Radiation Protection (NCRP) and FDA continue to review radiation protection practices. Radiologic technologists are trained in these safety principles, and they wear badges that monitor their exposure, so levels stay well within safe limits.

Putting radiation dose in perspective:

Approximate effective doses; actual exposure varies by patient and equipment. Source: RadiologyInfo.org

Myth 2: X-Rays Are Outdated

X-Rays have been part of medicine for more than 100 years. However, the technology behind them looks nothing like it did a century ago. Early X-rays used glass photographic plates, which gave way to film, which has now largely given way to digital imaging practices. Today’s digital systems capture clearer images while using less radiation than older methods, and the field keeps advancing, including new applications of artificial intelligence that help clinicians work with images more efficiently. Far from being outdated, radiologic technology is one of the most continually updated areas of healthcare.

Myth 3: Only Doctors Perform X-Rays

When you picture medical imaging, you might imagine a physician running the machine. In practice, doctors interpret the images, but they’re rarely the ones capturing them. That’s the job of a radiologic technician. These imaging professionals prepare and position patients, explain what to expect, operate the equipment and review each image for quality before sending it to the radiologist to read. They’re a central part of the care team and often the person a patient interacts with most during an exam.

Myth 4: Radiologic Technology Is a Limited Career

Some people assume that taking X-rays is where the job begins and ends. It’s actually a starting point. After becoming a registered technologist, many professionals go on to earn post-primary credentials in areas such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), mammography, bone densitometry (DEXA), and interventional radiography. Each specialty opens new settings and responsibilities, and technologists can keep building their skills throughout their careers. For people who enjoy technology, problem-solving, and working with patients, it’s a field with real room to grow.

What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?

Radiologic technologists, sometimes called radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging exams that help physicians diagnose and treat illness and injury. On a typical day, a technologist’s duties include the following:

• Prepare and position patients for imaging exams
• Follow a physician’s orders on which areas of the body to image
• Operate X-ray, CT or other imaging equipment
• Shield areas that don’t need to be imaged and follow safety protocols
• Review images for quality and send them to a radiologist
• Keep accurate patient records

The work combines technical skills with patient care, strong communication and attention to detail matter just as much as comfort with technology.

Common types of medical imaging:

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist

Most radiologic technologists start their schooling by earning an associate degree in radiologic technology, which combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical experience. Coursework typically covers anatomy, patient care, radiation physics, and image evaluation.

The path at a glance:

After completing a radiologic technology program, sometimes referred to as a rad tech program, graduates are generally eligible to sit for the certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Most states also require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, and employers often prefer to hire certified technologists even where it isn’t required. Requirements and qualifications vary by state, so it’s worth checking the regulations regarding where you plan to work.

At Herzing University, you can earn an associate degree in radiologic technology at select campus locations, where you’ll study the theory and principles of radiation production alongside radiographic techniques and the fundamentals of patient care.

Stop Trusting the Myths and Consider a Career in Radiologic Technology

Radiologic technology brings together technology, patient care and problem-solving, which makes it a strong fit for people who want hands-on healthcare roles with room to grow. If the myths make this career sound intimidating, the facts tell a different story.

If this sounds like a path worth exploring, get in touch with our admissions team to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions About Radiologic Technology

Are X-rays safe?

For diagnostic purposes, X-rays are considered low risk. A single chest X-ray exposes you to about 0.1 mSv of radiation: roughly what you’d absorb naturally from the environment over about 10 days. Radiologic technologists are trained in radiation safety and follow protocols designed to keep exposure as low as possible.

What does a radiologic technologist do?

A radiologic technologist performs diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays. They prepare and position patients, operate the imaging equipment, follow safety procedures, review images for quality, and send them to a radiologist to interpret.

What’s the difference between a radiologic technologist and a radiologist?

A radiologist is a physician who interprets medical images and makes diagnoses. A radiologic technologist is a professional who prepares patients and operates the equipment to capture those images. The two work closely together as part of the care team.

How long does it take to become a radiologic technologist?

Most radiologic technologists earn an associate degree, which combines classroom coursework with hands-on clinical training. Program length can vary, so check the specific program you’re considering for details.

What is the job outlook for radiologic technologists?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic and MRI technologists is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034. This is faster than the average for all occupations, with about 12,900 openings projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Can radiologic technologists specialize?

Yes. After becoming registered, technologists can pursue post-primary credentials in areas such as CT, MRI, mammography, bone densitometry (DEXA) and interventional radiography, often through a combination of additional education and on-the-job training.

What’s the difference between an X-ray, a CT scan, and an MRI?

X-rays and CT scans both use small amounts of ionizing radiation to create images, with CT combining many X-ray images into detailed cross-sections. MRI uses magnetic fields instead of radiation. A technologist may train to work with more than one of these technologies.

Is radiologic technology a good career?

That depends on your goals, but the field offers hands-on healthcare work, opportunities to specialize and steady projected demand. It can be a strong fit for people who enjoy technology and work with patients.

How much do radiologic technologists make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists earn an average salary of $83,840 per year ($40.31 per hour).* Average pay depends primarily on where you work, your level of experience, where you practice, and state of employment.

Does Herzing University offer rad tech programs?

Yes. Herzing offers an associate degree in radiologic technology at select campus locations, combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience. Get in touch to learn more about the program and how to get started.