Formal training is offered in radiography, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical sonography (ultrasound). Programs range in length from 1 to 4 years and lead to a certificate, associate’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. In the senior year, students may select a collateral area of study in one of three areas: 1)nuclear medicine technology, 2) radiation therapy, or 3) diagnostic medical sonography. This unique curriculum prepares students to sit for boards exams in both medical radiography and in the chosen special area.

According to a Hay Group Survey of acute care hospitals, the median annual base salary of full-time radiologic technologists was $42,300 in 2001, with an average low of $37,000 and average high of $52,000. Full-time radiation therapy technologists earned a median annual base salary of $47,500, with an average low of $45,000 and average high of $52,000. Ultrasound technologists earned a median annual base salary of $48,000.

Job seekers may face competition for jobs as hospitals merge radiologic and nuclear medicine departments in an effort to cut costs; radiographers with cross training in nuclear medicine technology will have the best prospects.

Sonographers should experience somewhat better job opportunities than other radiologic technologists, as ultrasound becomes an increasingly attractive alternative to radiologic procedures.

Radiation therapy technologists, also known as radiation therapists, prepare cancer patients for treatment and administer prescribed doses of ionizing radiation to specific body parts.

Radiographers produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.

Sonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, direct ionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body; the equipment then collects reflected echoes to form an image.

Most full-time radiologic technologists work about 40 hours a week; they may have evening, weekend, or on-call hours.

Technologists are on their feet for long periods and may lift or turn disabled patients.

Radiation therapists are prone to emotional "burn out" because they treat extremely ill and dying patients on a daily basis.

Team player.

Communication skills.

Must be able to follow orders precisely.

Must be able to accept responsibility.