All CT technologists start as Radiology technologists. While there are many different reasons for individuals to get an x-ray, patients in need of CT scans usually have more serious conditions—falling that could cause bleeding in the brain, trauma from an accident, or cancer follow ups.
Their job is important to allow doctors to identify any serious conditions in their patients.
In taking a CT scan, a CT technologist must first check a patient’s background history and confirm the order request from the doctor.
CT technologists can also start patient IV lines, do lab work, and must understand the technology required to get the ideal image.
A typical CT scan takes around five minutes, and throughout the day, the CT department can do around 130 scans. They must be physically strong to lift patients onto the bed and interact well with other CT technologists.
Not only is communication and teamwork between CT technologists integral, they also work closely with Transporters, Nurses, physicians, and patients. They receive both inpatients as well as outpatients, and since they deal with many trauma patients, they interact heavily with the Emergency Department.
To be a CT Technologist, an associate's degree, bachelor’s degree, or a military certificate in diagnostic imaging is required.
Oregon Institute of Technology