Radiology technicians take xrays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Some specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologic technologists and technicians, also referred to as radiographers , produce xray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems.

They prepare patients for radiography exams by explaining the procedure, removing articles through which xrays cannot pass and positioning patients so that the parts of the body can be appropriately radiographed.To prevent unnecessary radiation exposure, these workers surround the exposed area with radiation protection devices, such as lead shields, or limit the size of the xray beam with collimation.

Radiology Technicians position radiographic equipment at the correct angle and height over the appropriate area of a patient's body. Using instruments similar to a measuring tape, they may measure the thickness of the section to be radiographed and set controls on the xray machine to produce radiographs of the appropriate density, detail, and contrast. They place the x ray film under the part of the patient's body to be examined and make the exposure. They then remove the film and develop it.