Helpful Traits for a Rad Tech

As a radiologic technologist, radiology tech or radiographer, it's your responsibility to conduct diagnostic imaging for patients. Being successful in this role requires technical skills, which involves your knowledge of the medical industry, and soft skills, which allow you to stay organized and create interpersonal relationships. Explore the traits that you can exemplify to prepare for this role. 

Technical Skills

Working with patients and operating heavy equipment require expertise in healthcare. With technical skills, professionals understand the unique responsibilities of their role and industry. Here are examples of abilities that allow radiologic technologists to succeed in their specialties.

Math and Science

Math is a necessary quality for any science-based career. For the radiologic technologist, it's important to understand various scientific principles. To obtain a high-quality radiograph, they must use the proper technical factors to demonstrate anatomy with good contrast and the highest possible detail. This involves understanding body density, anatomy, and imaging systems well.

Additionally, not all patients are alike. Changes are necessary to the various factors responsible for obtaining that great image. The power and number of the X-ray photons used change constantly, and the radiologic technologist aims to understand the factors that may change these calculations. 

Technology

Equipment that radiologic technologists use to capture images of organs may continue to evolve. Professionals who have expertise in technology may be able to adapt to new tools quickly and identify ways to make patients more comfortable throughout examinations. Radiographers also use different imaging equipment depending on their specialties and the type of medical facility where they work. Here are examples of machinery they may use:

• X-ray
• Computed topography
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Sonography

With technical training, work experience, and education in technology, professionals can also increase their knowledge of radiation safety. Technologists know how to protect themselves and their patients from radiation and limit exposure time, and they can inspect the imaging equipment before and after use to ensure it's safe.

Anatomy

Along with math, science, and technology, radiologic technologists use an understanding of anatomy to make sure images are clear and accurate. Knowing the structure of the human body helps radiographers know how to use the equipment and instruct patients how to pose. They can also define goals for what they hope to see on the images. For example, when a patient says they're experiencing pain in their lower back, the technologist understands where to look on the scans and how to identify various body tissues to determine what may be causing the pain.

Organizational Skills

Radiologic technologists often work in a fast-paced environment where they may meet several patients daily, all experiencing different medical conditions. Being organized allows radiographers to maintain their work quality and interpersonal relationships, even as their work environments change. Below are examples of organizational skills that help technologists be proactive and successful in their roles:

Written Communication

Written communication has long been considered one of the most important job skills. For radiologic technologists, writing skills are necessary for medical documentation. Reporting proper patient histories, completed exam times, and examination details can help physicians diagnose potentially life-threatening situations. While it may seem somewhat routine, proper documentation is a highly sought-after job skill for radiologic technologists.

These professionals use written communication to report the most critical details for physicians to know about the patient. Their writing is clear for readers to easily understand, saving time when physicians aim to treat patients urgently. When developing treatment plans or monitoring a patient's recovery, a doctor can refer to the documents that the technologist created to see how the patient's condition has evolved.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail enables radiologic technologists to make sure the equipment is providing quality images. A good-quality image helps properly diagnose a patient's condition. It's essential to correctly position and align body parts, tube angles, and the image receptor. This leads to high-quality films, fewer repeated examinations, and better diagnoses by physicians.

With attention to detail, a radiologic technologist can look at an image and evaluate if it's accurate enough for a physician to identify the patient's condition. The radiographer can also adjust the patient's pose before using the equipment to maximize effectiveness.

Adaptability

The job duties of a radiologic technologist can vary daily, and the technologist can benefit from preparing for changes in their work schedules. When medical emergencies arise, a technologist can go from taking routine scans to capturing potentially life-saving surgical images of a trauma patient. 

Fluctuating stress levels in the work environment are a common occurrence. That's why organizational skills are essential to this role. Adapting to unique circumstances and using critical thinking allow radiologic technologists to prioritize tasks while still paying close attention to the nature of their work and ensuring patient safety.

Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills enable radiologic technologists to create and maintain meaningful connections in the workplace. When interacting with patients and healthcare professionals, technologists can ensure they understand how patients are feeling and what's necessary to capture accurate images. Here are the types of people skills that allow technologists to speak effectively with others at medical facilities:

Related: 8 Impressive Skills To List on Your Resume

Verbal Communication

While written communication is essential for documentation, verbal communication helps radiologic technologists deliver messages in one-on-one interactions. They may encounter patients of different ages or different backgrounds, as well as those who have different concerns about their health. This makes it important for radiographers to adapt their communication style based on the patient they're meeting, which helps the imaging process go more smoothly.

For example, when meeting a young patient receiving an X-ray for the first time, the technologist may speak gently and use simple language when instructing the child to pose for the image. For an elderly patient who expresses discomfort about being in an MRI machine, the technologist may spend extra time explaining the process so the patient knows what to expect.

Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence, the ability to perceive, interpret, and handle emotions, is an in-demand skill that allows radiologic technologists to form trusting relationships with their patients. When patients visit medical facilities, they may be experiencing pain, have questions about their symptoms, or have concerns about their diagnoses. Technologists can perceive patients' conditions and understand when they may need extra support to make them comfortable with medical procedures. With active listening and strong observational skills, radiologic technologists can remain informed about their patients' wellness before and after capturing diagnostic images.

A combination of technical, interpersonal, and organizational skills can make you a qualified candidate for a career as a radiologic technologist. Our associate degree program in Radiologic Technology may help you develop healthcare knowledge and strengthen your ability to maintain effective communication and provide quality patient care.

Meta description: Discover several key radiologic technologist skills, from technical skills to interpersonal skills, that help these professionals provide superior patient care.