Be involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients by learning to operate the state-of-the-art imaging equipment that take the X-rays to assist physicians and dentists. The roles are known as radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, and radiology tech schools prepare individuals to be successful in those essential jobs.

The majority of these jobs-about 60 percent-are in hospitals with the remainder in diagnostic imaging centers and physicians' offices, according to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics. You could see kids who have fallen off their skateboards, older women undergoing bone scans, moms-to-be concerned about their pregnancy, females seeking routine mammograms, and men and women facing radiation therapy treatments. These positions represent the third largest category of health care professionals, behind nurses and physicians, according to the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

As a radiology technologist, you will meet with patients to prepare them for their exams, position the patient so the exam can capture a specific height and angle on their body, take the X-ray, and develop it. There's also the ability to specialize in areas such as mammography or as a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) technologist, according to the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics, as well as to conduct with CT scans and ultrasounds. Radiology courses teach individuals how to confront these and other challenges. Physical requirements for the job exist because you may need to assist disabled patients by lifting them or turning them during the exam. You also may need to make special efforts in terms of using gloved devices such as those heavy lead aprons to protect your and your patients' exposure to potentially harmful radiation.

Expose Yourself to a Career as a Radiology Technologist
Colleges and universities, vocational and technical schools as well as hospitals offer radiology tech programs ranging from one to four years for people who hold at least a high school diploma or GED. Look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, which has given the OK to more than 600 radiology tech programs. You could earn an associates or bachelor's degree, or receive a certificate that will get you started or enable you to advance in this field. Radiologic technologists and technicians may be required earn a license, depending on where you live.

For radiologic technologists, the U.S. Bureau for Labor Statistics forecasts 15 percent job growth by 2016, due to the aging population and new technologies bringing down the cost of the equipment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that median annual earnings were $48,170. As with other health care professions, you can expect to work about 40 hours a week, as well as weekends, evenings and possibly days where you will be on call.

Being available for patients in need is part of the satisfaction of the job, as the X-rays produced by radiologic technologists play an essential part in helping identify illnesses and conditions for individuals of all ages.