Radiology helps medical professionals diagnose patients through digital imagery. Radiologic technologists perform the testing physicians order to investigate symptoms and abnormalities. A two- or four-year degree is typically required to work as a radiology technologist, and some of these training programs are based in hospitals. Questions in a radiologic technology position interview should cover organization, attention to detail and compassion.
A radiologic technologist's primary responsibility is to use digital equipment accurately to get a closer look inside the human body. Different types of equipment a technologist might use at work include X-ray or MRI machines. They also use technology such as ultrasound to transmit images for physicians to analyze. In an interview, an employer wants to know a technologist's experience in using this equipment while diagnosing and treating patients. One technical question could be "What experience do you have setting up a patient for a radiology treatment?"
A radiologic technologist's main interaction is with patients. Technicians must have a pleasant and compassionate demeanor so patients feel comfortable. Some patients find testing, such as a closed MRI, invasive or suffocating, so a calm technician helps facilitate the test. Often, patients also feel vulnerable during testing. They may have been recently diagnosed with an illness or found an unusual lump that needs further exploration. A question exploring interactions with patients might be "How do you protect patients' dignity during testing so they don't feel overexposed?"
Completing an X-ray or scan is important, but transmitting the images and report in a timely matter is vital. Technicians must pay attention to deadlines and shuffle urgent matters to the tops of their priority lists. Depending on the setting, the technician may even deal with emergency situations where following up quickly may mean life or death. A good question about follow-up is "How do you deal with emergencies, and what system do you use to make sure all of your paperwork is completed?"
During a radiologic technologist interview, employers may pose a real-life scenario. A potential hospital radiologic technologist might receive a question about the state of patients when they arrive for testing. Patients are not always cleaned up and calmed down when they need imaging completed. An interviewer might give a scenario such as "How would you handle a patient with a fracture who needs an emergency MRI and is currently affected by painkillers?"
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2012
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Radiologic and MRI Technologists Do
- American Society of Radiologic Technologists: Explore Careers in Radiologic Technology
- U.S. News & World Report: Radiologic Technologists
- Health Callings: Interview Questions for Radiologic Techs
- Jochen Sand/Digital Vision/Getty Images