Interventional radiology technologists are specialized medical imaging professionals. They work closely with surgeons and other providers to perform image-guided, real-time procedures that are minimally invasive for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
This role bridges the gap between invasive surgery and diagnostic imagery, almost as a hybrid position between an X-ray technician and a surgical technologist. They provide patients with vital care through interventions and treatments, often performing life-saving procedures using highly specialized equipment.
This specialized role is in growing demand nationwide. The need for interventional radiology technologists (sometimes referred to as interventional radiology technicians or IR techs) is expected to increase by five percent before 2034, and this specialty is in the top five specialties facing the greatest growing demand to adequately serve community health needs.
Interventional Radiology Technologist vs. Technician
Interventional radiology technologists are sometimes referred to as technicians. Even though the terms are used interchangeably and there is no functional difference between the two, the general understanding is that the term “technologist” more formally denotes education, professional certifications, and clinical training.
A title that does have a functional difference from an interventional radiology technologist is a diagnostic imaging technician. Although both roles involve medical imaging, only interventional radiology technicians perform procedures to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Diagnostic imaging technicians, on the other hand, capture images used by physicians during diagnosis. This imaging includes scans such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, X-rays, positron emission tomography (PET), and more.
Job Responsibilities of an Interventional Radiology Technologist
Interventional radiology technologist jobs play a critical role in interventional radiology procedures. Their imaging expertise is integral to diagnostic procedures or treatments, and their knowledge regarding the use and care of complex equipment is vital.
A few of the typical job responsibilities of an interventional radiology tech in patient prep, procedures, and post-treatment care include:
Patient Prep
- Reviewing medical history
- Explaining procedures to patients and caregivers
- Positioning and physically prepping patients for imaging access
Procedural Support
- Operating imagine equipment
- Setting up sterile trays, instruments, etc.
- Maintaining sterile environments during the procedure
- Assisting physicians during interventions
Follow-Up Care and Other Responsibilities
- Monitoring radiation safety protocols
- Troubleshooting advanced equipment
- Updating medical records
- Tracking procedural inventory
- Maintaining advanced equipment
Common Procedures
Interventional radiology techs assist with minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that are both vascular and non-vascular.
Vascular Procedures
Vascular procedures involve blood vessels and typically use real-time fluoroscopy. Fluoroscopy is a specialized medical imaging technique that uses X-rays to produce “videos” inside the body. Standard X-rays capture images, but fluoroscopy can capture motion — specifically, using a contrast agent that an interventional radiology tech administers via injection or other methods. Vascular interventional radiographers are involved in:
- Angiography
- Angioplasty and stent placement
- Thrombolysis and thrombectomy
- Embolization
Non-Vascular/Diagnostic Procedures
Non-vascular procedures involve operating equipment to help guide therapeutic tools outside of blood vessels. Special procedures technologists are involved in:
- Image-guided biopsies
- Tumor ablations
- Abscess or fluid drainage
- Spinal augmentations
- Gastrointestinal interventions
Where Does an Interventional Radiology Technologist Work?
Over half of interventional radiology tech jobs are in hospitals, typically at major hospitals with dedicated interventional radiology suites, catheterization labs, or operating rooms equipped for advanced fluoroscopy.
Some interventional radiology technologists work in outpatient clinics or ambulatory care centers. In these facilities, procedures are less complex and minimally invasive. Patients don’t require an overnight stay, and the interventional radiology techs are less involved in patient prep and post-procedure care.
Another facility supported by interventional radiology techs is standalone imaging centers. These are specialized, private clinics that provide outpatient diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
At each of these facilities, interventional radiology techs typically work daytime shifts of 8 or 10 hours and handle mandatory on-call rotations to cover hours outside those regular shifts.
Career Benefits of Interventional Radiology
Becoming an interventional radiology technologist is a rewarding career choice with plenty of benefits. Some of those include:
Competitive Compensation
The annual compensation of interventional radiology technologists varies by location and facility type; however, the average annual base salary is estimated at $95,889, according to ZipRecruiter, with an average hourly rate of $46.11. That salary potential can grow based on travel positions, facility type, high-demand areas, certifications, and more.
High Demand
The demand for interventional radiology techs is increasing faster than the average rate for all occupations. This growth is projected to be about 15,400 openings for radiologic technologists each year, on average, through 2034.
Top-Paying Interventional Radiology Technologist Roles
Specialized roles in interventional radiology often have a higher earning potential than general radiology tech roles. The highest paid specialties among radiologic technologists include:
- Travel interventional radiology techs
- Management roles (such as lead or chief radiology technologist)
- Cardiovascular-interventional technologists
Top-Paying Travel Locations for Techs
Working as a travel interventional radiology tech offers not only unique experiences and competitive training opportunities, but also a higher earning potential. Travel contracts often include bonuses or location-specific stipends that increase overall contract compensation, so make sure to consider all factors when comparing opportunities.
Here are some of the top states to consider for high salaries or ample job opportunities:
- Florida
- Ohio
- California
- New York
- North Carolina
- Alabama
Ready for the Right Interventional Radiology Technologist Position?
Are you interested in finding a position as an interventional radiology technologist? Are you hoping to connect with the right travel contract or local position?
Supplemental Health Care understands how crucial it is for providers to find the right position that aligns with their situation and career goals. Our dedicated team connects providers with trusted hospitals and clinics nationwide, with competitive contracts and full support. Search here for your next interventional radiology role or learn more about becoming an interventional radiology tech. Reach out today to learn more about this promising career!
Top FAQs About Interventional Radiology Tech Jobs
Below are a few of the frequently asked questions about the role of interventional radiology technologists:
What does an interventional radiology technician do?
An interventional radiology technician is more formally referred to as a technologist, and they assist with patient prep, equipment setup, safety protocol management, and assisting radiologists in diagnostic or interventional procedures.
How do you become an interventional radiology technologist?
The three steps to becoming an interventional radiology tech are education (a high school diploma before an associate’s or bachelor’s degree through an accredited radiologic technology program), certification (typically through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, in addition to state licensure and specialty requirements), and work experience (one to two years as a radiologic technologist in the interventional radiology department before specializing).
How much does an interventional radiologist technologist make?
The average annual base salary is estimated at $95,889, according to ZipRecruiter, with an average hourly rate of $46.11. That salary potential can grow based on travel positions, facility type, high-demand areas, certifications, and more.
Where are the best states to work as a travel interventional radiology technologist?
Some of the top states to consider for high salaries or high availability of job opportunities include:
- Florida
- Ohio
- California
- New York
- North Carolina
- Alabama
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