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We are
your medical imaging and
radiation therapy professionals

You may not know us, but health care wouldn't be the same without us. Ours is one of the most important medical professions in history and it’s time for us to be seen.

See Our Video Share Video
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Did you know...

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There are

214.2

Million

x-rays performed annually
in the United States.

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There are

1.1

Million

radiation therapy treatments initiated every year in the United States.

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There will be

~15,400

job openings for radiographers and MR technologists between now and 2032.

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There are more than

450,000

registered medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals in the United States.

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There are

12

Modalities

among medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

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There are

73

Million

computed tomography procedures performed annually.

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There are nearly

23,000

registered radiation therapists in the United States.

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There are

27.4

Million

MR procedures performed annually in the United States.

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The very first x-ray

was performed in

1895.

We are highly educated,
competent and caring

We work in a high tech/high touch medical profession. Our education includes: anatomy, physics, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, radiation safety and patient care. Learn about our 12 practice areas below.

Radiographers

Radiographers

We are probably the most familiar medical imaging professionals to you. We use radiation (x-rays) to produce 2D, black-and-white images of the patient’s anatomy. These images are usually recorded digitally with modern equipment. Radiographs may be used to detect bone fractures, find foreign objects in the body, and demonstrate the relationship between bone and soft tissue. The most common type of radiography examination is chest radiography, which is commonly performed to evaluate the heart or lungs for pathologic conditions such as pneumonia.

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Radiologist Assistants

Radiologist Assistants

Many of us began our careers as radiographers. What’s the difference? We are experienced, registered radiographers who have obtained additional education and certification that qualifies us to serve as radiologist extenders. We work under the supervision of a radiologist to provide advanced patient care, perform imaging examinations and communicate initial observations to the supervising radiologist.

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Mammographers

Mammographers

Regular breast cancer screenings via mammogram for women over 40 are the go-to solution for preventing and diagnosing breast cancer for most women of screening age. As mammographers, we must meet stringent educational and experience standards to perform these crucial procedures used to diagnose early signs of breast cancer.

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Radiation Therapists

Radiation Therapists

As highly skilled medical specialists, we administer targeted doses of radiation to treat cancer or other diseases. Typically, we see patients three to five days a week throughout treatment. All of us receive extensive training in physics, radiation safety and patient care.

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Medical Dosimetrists

Medical Dosimetrists

When oncologists prescribe radiation to treat cancer, we are the ones who design the treatment plan using the prescribed dose from the oncologist. We ensure that the tumor gets the prescribed dose while sparing damage to the healthy organs and tissue.

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Magnetic Resonance (MR) Technologists

Magnetic Resonance (MR) Technologists

If you have had an injury or illness that affects the soft tissues of your body, you may be familiar with MR technologists. We operate MR equipment and work with patients to ensure they are comfortable and safe. The resulting images are highly detailed and can be reconstructed to create a 3D volumetric representation of the anatomy of interest.

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Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists

Computed Tomography (CT) Technologists

As computed tomography technologists we are the ones who operate this high-tech piece of medical equipment. We are responsible for capturing a series of stacked images, like slices of bread, that allow physicians to see deep inside of organs and other internal anatomy. The images can also be assembled to form a 3D volumetric rendering of the internal anatomy.

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Sonographers

Sonographers

As sonographers, we don’t just detect little buns in the oven. We also perform ultrasounds on the pelvis, abdomen, chest, blood vessels and other parts of the body to capture 2D, 3D and even 4D images that doctors can use to make a diagnosis.

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Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

When doctors need to know how organs, tissues or bones are functioning, we often get the call. Nuclear medicine technologists administer trace amounts of radiopharmaceuticals and use a special scanner to capture an image of the body part the doctor needs to examine.

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Cardiac Interventional Technologists

Cardiac Interventional Technologists

Have you or a loved one ever had a minimally invasive procedure done on the heart? You were probably sedated at the time, but a cardiac interventional technologist was there to operate the imaging equipment your doctor used to perform the surgery and/or make a diagnosis.

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Vascular Interventional Technologists

Vascular Interventional Technologists

As vascular interventional technologists, we are specially trained to assist with guiding needles, microwires, catheters, and many other sophisticated devices to transcend and enter the body’s systems without the need for open surgery. We treat patients for vascular disease of the arteries and veins, organ system dysfunction, syndromes and even joint pain. The best part is, we can help diagnose your ailment and treat it in one visit, oftentimes saving someone’s life.

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Bone Densitometry Technologists

Bone Densitometry Technologists

If you or a loved one has osteoporosis, you may have visited a bone densitometry technologist. However, you may see us for other bone-related health concerns as well. We measure bone mineral density via a DXA machine. Doctors use the images we capture to evaluate bone loss and determine fracture risks.

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When are you most likely to see us?

We think the best way to learn is by example. So, here are some common scenarios in which you’ll interact with a medical imaging and radiation therapy professional.

Let’s say your doctor needs a closer look at a bone, joint or soft tissue to make a diagnosis…

A specialized medical imaging professional such as a radiographer, CT technologist or MR technologist will capture the images your doctor requires to make the diagnosis.

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Or your doctor wants to perform an interventional procedure without the need for open surgery…

An interventional technologist will be called upon to help guide sophisticated devices through veins or arteries, and other body systems, to identify diseases or disorders and begin treating them immediately.

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Or perhaps you require a routine mammogram…

In which case a mammographer will be there to produce diagnostic images of breast tissue using special x-ray equipment. The images captured during this procedure are then shared with your doctor.

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And if your doctor determines radiation is required to treat your cancer…

Radiation therapists and medical dosimetrists will be there helping to plan, manage and administer your treatment.

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Maybe you’ve seen us in the news

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News Publication

Former ASRT President Kristi Moore named the 2022 Most Effective Radiologic Sciences Educator.

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News Publication

ASRT Chair of the Board, Daniel L. Gonzales honored by Doña Ana Community College.

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News Publication

Rebecca Hamm awarded the University of Louisiana Monroe Outstanding Faculty Award.

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News Publication

ASRT President Receives North Texas Radiologic Technologist Society Living Legend Award.

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News Publication

ASRT CEO and Executive Director Melissa B. Pergola Awarded Weber State University School of Radiologic Sciences 2022 Award for Leadership in Navigating the Future of Imaging.

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News Publication

Lee Page named 2023 Student to Leadership Development Program Alumni of the Year.

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News Publication

Enid Stirling, recognized for serving 50 years as a radiologic technologist.

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News Publication

Amanda Stanley selected as the Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center Eminent Scholar in Health Care.

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News Publication

James Reaves wins the 2023 ASRT individual Award for Advocacy.

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News Publication

ASRT has announced the recipients of its distinguished author awards.

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News Publication

Jason Lee named 2023-2024 recipient of the ASRT Fellow Scholarship/Grant.

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News Publication

Kori Stewart and Benjamin W. Roberts selected as the 2023 recipients of the ASRT Foundation International Speakers Exchange Award.

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News Publication

ASRT Foundation awards $25,000 research grant to Danielle McDonagh of Mount Sinai Health System.

Making a difference one patient at a time

We see tens of thousands of patients daily and each one is treated with the utmost respect and care. But don’t take our word for it. Check out what real patients are saying about their experiences with medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals.

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Roberta K.

About a Radiographer

Throughout the years, I've entrusted the technologists at NYU Langone/Next Generation Radiology for my regular preventative radiology care. Recently, my visits have become somewhat more frequent, as my mobility has gotten to be more limited, and the process of getting on and off a scanner is more challenging for me. Yet, each time, the radiologic technologist who cares for me is incredibly patient, kind and helpful. Their assistance makes a world of difference. I feel reassured and in good hands in their care. image description
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Stephanie S.

About a Computed Tomography Technologist

I underwent a computed tomography heart scan in the summer of 2023 and it showed a ground glass opacity in the lung tissue around my heart. I must thank the CT technologist who positioned me for the examination. If I was placed even a few millimeters off, the radiologist wouldn’t have seen the opacity. It turned out that I had adenocarcinoma, a type of cancer that starts in glands that line the insides of the organs. The CT technologist’s expertise performing the heart scan was crucial in catching the cancer early. I’m now on the road to recovery! image description
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Ryan K.

I’m eternally grateful to the medical imaging professionals whose work was crucial in identifying that I suffered from superior mesenteric artery syndrome. From the radiographer who completed my barium follow-through study and the computed tomography technologist who performed the scans, to the radiologist who took the time to carefully research my condition and provide the diagnosis, their work was amazing and it saved my life. image description
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Jason Lasseigne

Three weeks ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer that had spread to my brain and bones. Obviously, it's been a long three weeks filled with lots of hospital visits and trips to cancer institutes. Along the way, I have run into quite a few Imaging professionals. They have all been wonderful! Two that stood out were Samantha-Liberto Womack and Brittany Palmer. Both graduated from North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology where my cousin, Heather Koepp, is the program director. Jessica from Lake Imaging was also great. THANKFUL of these professionals! image description
 
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How you
can make
a difference

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Become an ASRT member

Be a part of a vibrant community that prioritizes radiologic technology professions through high-quality education, professional development, and unrelenting state and national advocacy.

Join the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and take advantage of specialized training and professional resources customized for your unique career.

Learn about ASRT membership

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Donate to the ASRT Foundation

The ASRT Foundation exists to create a future where funding opportunities for medical imaging and radiation therapy students and professionals are limitless.

Your donation can make a world of difference in their lives and the lives of patients.

Explore donation options

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Choose a career in the radiologic sciences

A career as a medical imaging and radiation therapy professional is incredibly rewarding.

Learn more about the education, training and requirements for becoming one of us.

Learn about career options

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Share
your story

Hello! Thank you for sharing your story. In order for it to be shared on this site your story must be clearly written, relevant to the medical imaging and/or radiation therapy profession, and free of profanity. You may also include one clear photograph that features you and/or your medical imaging or radiation therapy professional.

We thank you in advance for the time and thoughtfulness of those who submit statements. Please know that depending on the number of submissions and overall editorial discretion, ASRT may not use every submission or reserves the right to use only a portion of, or modify, a submission for brevity.

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We thank you in advance for the time and thoughtfulness of those who submit statements. Please know that depending on the number of submissions and overall editorial discretion, ASRT may not use every submission or reserves the right to use only a portion of, or modify, a submission for brevity.

Thank you!

Thank you for sharing your story with us. Our team will review it shortly to make sure it meets our criteria. We will contact you via the email address you provided if any further questions arise.

Sincerely,
The American Society of Radiologic Technologists

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