The most common form of work for a radiologic technologist is radiography. Radiographers produce x-ray films or radiographs. They position patients properly so that the necessary body parts can be imaged and they also must limit the patients' exposure to the radiation. X-rays are produced either on film, the more traditional method, or on a monitor using digital imaging.

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Wendy Ryan, chief technologist for Rochester Radiology Associates says " techs'' also use materials such as barium and non-ionic iodine for showing parts of the body, like soft tissues, which may not appear using conventional imaging.

Advances in equipment have expanded the field to include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) scanning. MRI technologists do not use radiation, but instead, a machine that uses magnets and radiowaves for imaging. CT technologists give "cat scans'' which provide a cross-sectional view of the patient, particularly useful in evaluation of the brain.

Radiation therapists, another type of technologist, use radiation to help treat and monitor cancer patients. Sonographers use ultrasound equipment which forms images from the echo of sound waves passed into a particular part of the body.

There is a clear distinction between a radiologic technologist and a radiologist. Ryan says a radiologic technologist "is just the person who produces the image,'' while a radiologist is a physician who analyzes that image and gives instructions as to a course of action.

According to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, an associate's degree in radiography and radiation technology is preferred to get started in the field. There is also a national board exam for certification through the American Registry of Radiologic Technolgists. Continuing education is also crucial.

Ryan, who has seen numerous technological changes in her 25-year career, says the "speed and quality of imaging today is just amazing.''

Approximately half of all technologists work in hospitals, meaning they may often work nights and weekends or be on-call at all hours. Most others work for private physicians or in clinics.

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook the field is expected to grow through 2006 at a rate of more than 20 percent a year, particularly in physicians' offices, due to the expected growth in outpatient care. A survey from the Hay Group of acute care hospitals taken in January 1997 indicates the median salary for radiologic technologists is about $28,000.