What does a CT Technologist do?
CT technologists perform tests and procedures using computerized tomography (CT) equipment to diagnose medical conditions. They may conduct a basic patient intake or evaluation, and monitor patient status and vital signs throughout the procedure. They explain the procedure, confirm the patient has followed all mandatory preparation protocol, and answer any questions. They ensure tests are performed accurately and safely while maintaining patient comfort. They also perform routine maintenance and inspections to keep equipment in good working order.
CT technologists must have graduated from a radiology school or training program, and must have a valid license as required by their state. Other licenses or certifications may also be required. They typically have a background in healthcare roles. These specialists must be dedicated to protecting patient safety and well-being.
- Open and close shift and count crucial inventory items.
- Assist in keeping the site properly stocked and safe.
- Ensure proper charging of all procedures, coding, and modifiers are correct.
- Provide great customer service and keep work area clean.
- Analyze images and identify issues with the quality of images.
- Position patients and selects anatomic and technical parameters accurately.
- Follow the safety steps required to perform their duties and be in compliance with medical, state and federal safety standards.
- Operate all equipment in an effective, safe and efficient manner.
- Perform procedures by following and verifying referring provider's orders.
- Troubleshoot and notify appropriate personnel to maintain equipment performance.
- Occasional bending, stooping, squatting, twisting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements.
- Receive training and acts as a super user for training other imaging personnel.
- Effectively utilizes all necessary computer systems in compliance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Monitor patient condition continually and reports/responds to changes in status as appropriate.
- View new assignments and job responsibilities as an opportunity for growth.
- Obtain medical history from patients and compares requisitions to physicians' orders to ensure exam accuracy.
- Provide measurements and additional slices for accurate interpretation with direction from the Radiologist.
- Educate patients/families regarding procedure and/or treatment to be performed.
- At an advanced level, may train new employees or lead day to day work activities.
- Bachelor's Degree in applied sciences, radiologic technology or radiological science, or equivalent experience.
- Fluency in applicable programming and software.
- Fluency in HIPAA protocols and regulations.
- A leader and critical thinker with an eye for continuous improvement.
- Can lead with a positive attitude.
- Is a professional at all times.
- Strict attention to detail.
CT Technologist Career Path
Learn how to become a CT Technologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
CT Technologist Insights
Window to the Womb“You get to be a part of really special moments in people’s lives Colleagues are nice Good experience”
TomTom“Good learning possibilities and career openings”
Ingalls Memorial Hospital“Good co workers to work with”
Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry“Little pay compared to work load”
CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System“Salary was not based off multiple modalities”
Saint Patrick's Hospital Medical Center“Great employees to work with”
Northwestern Medicine“Amazing people to work with”
Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology“Great people to work with”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a CT Technologist
- Physician Assistant
- MRI Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiologic Technologist