National Radiologic Technology Week runs annually during the week of November 8th to commemorate Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of the X-ray on that same day in 1895. The week recognizes the critical contributions of medical imaging and celebrates radiologic technologists and their profound impact on patient care and healthcare safety.
“At Outpatient Radiology, we’re always happy to honor our amazing radiologic technologists, who provide our community with the best medical imaging and compassionate care. By sharing who they are, what they do, and the extensive training they complete, we aim to help our patients better understand the people behind their scans,” says Clinical Radiology Manager Misty Dibble.
What is a radiologic technologist?
Radiologic technologists (rad techs) are trained, licensed healthcare professionals who perform medical imaging exams, including CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, X-Ray, and DEXA. Rad techs prepare and position patients for imaging, operate imaging equipment and machines, follow safety procedures, and capture quality images for a radiologist to interpret, helping physicians evaluate injuries and diagnose medical conditions.
What do rad techs do?
At Outpatient Radiology, our rad techs’ key responsibilities include patient care, equipment operation, and image evaluation. Exceptional patient care is always our team’s priority. That’s why our techs always explain each procedure, answer questions, and ensure patients are prepared every step of the way. Rad techs also set up, adjust, and maintain complex diagnostic machines and review patient images for quality before sending them to a radiologist.
What is the difference between a rad tech and a radiologist?
Rad techs prepare patients for exams, operate the imaging equipment, and capture the images, while radiologists are board-certified physicians who interpret those images, looking for signs of injury, disease, or other abnormalities. Together, they help referring providers understand what the images show, determine whether further evaluation is needed, and plan appropriate next steps.
What training do rad techs receive?
The path for a rad tech typically includes an associate degree or higher, an approved educational program, and hands-on clinical training. Certification candidates must also meet applicable ethics and examination requirements. Each rad tech must pass national certification exams (such as ARRT) and obtain state licensure where required. Rad techs need knowledge of anatomy, imaging technology, and safety, along with attention to detail and communication skills that help patients feel comfortable and informed.
What makes Outpatient Radiology’s rad techs different?
Our rad techs are highly trained and subspecialized, providing high-quality imaging, compassionate care, and patient safety in accredited facilities. Outpatient Radiology is proud to be accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR), a voluntary step that helps us set and maintain high standards, so our patients know they receive the highest-quality imaging and care. By seeking accreditation, our rad techs are held accountable to deliver patient care and imaging services that exceed expectations.
Every day, these professionals operate complex, state-of-the-art equipment and play indispensable roles in diagnosing diseases in our community. Simply put, rad techs save lives! It’s no exaggeration to say that radiologic technology saves thousands of lives every year, helping physicians make prompt diagnoses through accurate imaging. At Casper Medical Imaging, we are beyond thankful for the 30+ rad techs we’re proud to have on our team!
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