Radiologic Technologist
Class Specifications – H.20
Radiologic Technologist – 9023
Radiologic Technologist Per Diem – 9025
Senior Radiologic Technologist – 9022
Senior Radiologic Technologist Per Diem – 8990
Principal Radiologic Technologist – 9021
Principal Radiologic Technologist Per Diem – 9026
Principal Radiologic Technologist Lead – 9016
November 1977, Updated October 2026
Series Concept
Radiologic Technologists perform diagnostic imaging procedures using ionizing radiation and produce images using film or digital equipment. Incumbents explain procedures to patients and the cooperation required to obtain the requested images; select appropriate film or other image-recording media; position patients for single- or multiple-view procedures, providing immobilization and radiation protection devices as required. They identify and adjust technical settings based on each patient’s needs; monitor and record patient reactions; operate radiographic and automated image-processing equipment; ensure image quality; and process, store, and transfer images.
Depending on the position, incumbents may perform procedures using fluoroscopic and computer-assisted equipment; administer non-injectable contrast media and assist with monitoring contrast-media injections; and support physicians during procedures. Other duties may include ordering equipment and supplies; documenting procedures and resources used; assessing equipment for repair or replacement; and supervising or training student technologists.
Class Concepts
Radiologic Technologist
Under supervision, incumbents perform the range of typical duties outlined in the Series Concept. This is the journey-level class in the Series where most positions are allocated.
Senior Radiologic Technologist
Incumbents are assigned specialized technical responsibilities in a designated area of diagnostic radiology. May provide technical training to other Radiologic Technologists and students on specialized procedures and equipment.
In a Student Health Service, incumbents perform radiographic procedures for a majority of the time which are more complex and varied than those typically performed at the Radiologic Technologist level and assist in training activities, or are assigned responsibility for all technical and related clerical work in a small Radiology Department. In larger departments, Senior Radiologic Technologists may also be assigned full responsibility for the Department in the absence of the Principal Radiologic Technologist.
Principal Radiologic Technologist
Incumbents perform the most complex radiographic procedures at least 50% of the time or are assigned supervisory responsibility for a secondary work shift. To qualify for this classification in the former role (i.e., performing most complex procedures), these procedures can be identified by the presence of five of the six following characteristics; a physician’s presence is required; complex equipment is used (programmable tables, automatic film changers, injectors, ultrasound, cine cameras, CAT equipment); a surgical procedure is often involved; there is a vascular or spinal injection of contrast media; a series of images is taken in rapid sequence without opportunity for correction/adjustment of equipment; and, there is a severe time limitation on the procedure due to rapid progress and blocking effects of contrast media and in some cases danger or severe stress for the patient.
To qualify for this classification in the latter role (i.e., supervisory), incumbents must be regularly assigned, for the majority of their work time, responsibility for all shift operations when higher-level supervision is unavailable. The shift must include at least three subordinate technologists, in addition to ancillary staff.
In a Student Health Service, incumbents direct and coordinate all technical, budget, and clerical work in the Radiology Department. Principal Radiologic Technologists select, train, make assignments to, evaluate the performance of and recommend personnel actions for both Radiologic Technologists and related medical and clerical personnel; answer difficult questions on procedures and techniques; and may perform the more difficult radiographic procedures.
Radiologic Technologist Lead
Incumbents have expertise in three or more areas and coordinate the clinical operations of a section including workflow, room utilization, throughput and productivity. Develops and distributes daily work schedule and maintains appropriate staffing levels to accommodate scheduled workload. Serves as triage coordinator in hospital setting.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited radiologic technology associate degree program and successful completion of the ARRT certification examination. California Radiology Technologist of Radiography (CRT-R). Additional experience requirements are determined locally and will vary by position level and type.