Rad Tech Week

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Health Technology
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Week of November 8
Holiday emoji:: ☢️

Rad Tech Week, or National Radiologic Technology Week, runs annually the week of November 8, commemorating Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of the X-ray. It’s a time to honor the essential work of radiologic technologists (RTs) across the country. Show your appreciation for these critical medical imaging and radiation treatment specialists.

Deals
Platforms
Social
Hero
History
Timeline
Businesses
FAQs
Importance
Observe

Expected Rad Tech Week Deals

Rad Tech Week is a prime time for healthcare organizations and medical imaging companies to show appreciation for radiologic technologists. Expect special recognition events, educational webinars, and opportunities for professional development. Many medical supply companies and uniform retailers may offer discounts on scrubs, equipment, or continuing education courses. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November approaches.

Platform Guide for Rad Tech Week

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #RadTechWeek. Share stories of impactful RTs or highlight new imaging technologies.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #RadTechWeek. Post quick facts about X-rays or thank an RT for their dedication.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #RadTechWeek. Share infographics about medical imaging or behind-the-scenes glimpses of a radiology department.

Rad Tech Week Hero

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen was a German mechanical engineer and physicist who, on November 8, 1895, produced and detected electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range known as X-rays or Röntgen rays. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized medicine, enabling non-invasive internal examination of the body and laying the foundation for radiologic technology. His work earned him the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.

History of Rad Tech Week

Radiologic Technology Week was established in 1979 by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. Historically, N.R.T.W. has not always been held in November. The first National Radiologic Technology Week was held from July 22 to 29, 1979, which was over 40 years ago. The date of the commemoration was later changed to the week of November 8. This was to honor the discovery of the X-ray by German physicist Wilhelm Röntgen on November 8, 1895.

Although Röntgen was not the first to detect X-rays, he was the first to publish a study on the subject. He labeled this radiation with the letter ‘X’ to indicate that it was an unknown form of radiation. He created the first X-ray image of a human body using these previously unknown rays and his wife’s hand. X-ray imaging’s medical applications were instantly obvious. People were employing X-rays in clinical settings within weeks of Röntgen’s revelation. Other types of radiology did not appear until much later. Godfrey Hounsfield did not develop computed tomography (C.T. scan) until 1972. In the late 1970s, real-time ultrasound equipment was introduced to the medical world.

A woman couldn’t see the fetus inside her womb before this technology. Raymond Vahan Damadian designed a magnetic resonance imaging scanner (M.R.I) in 1977. All of these inventions have proven critical in the diagnosis of various diseases.

Imaging operations and radiation therapy treatments are performed by radiologic technologists or R.T.s. Radiologists read and interpret medical images, and they collaborate with them. M.R.I., X-ray imaging, mammography, C.T. scans, ultrasound, sonography, PET, and fluoroscopy are all examples of this.

Rad Tech Week timeline

1895

Röntgen Creates the First X-Ray

Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen creates the first X-ray on November 8.

1972

The C.T. Scan is Invented

Godfrey Hounsfield develops computed tomography otherwise known as the C.T. scan.

1977

The M.R.I. is Created

Raymond Vahan Damadian invents the M.R.I., a scanner for magnetic resonance imaging.

1979

The Inaugural Radiologic Technology Week

The first N.R.T.W. is held from July 22 to 29.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Rad Tech Week

Local healthcare providers, clinics, and medical imaging centers can celebrate Rad Tech Week by hosting appreciation events for their radiologic technologists, offering special lunches, or providing professional development opportunities. Medical supply companies can run promotions on relevant equipment or educational materials. Even local restaurants or coffee shops can offer discounts to RTs with valid ID, acknowledging their vital contributions to community health.

Rad Tech Week FAQs

When is Rad Tech Week?

Rad Tech Week 2026 runs from Sunday, November 8, through Saturday, November 14, honoring the discovery of the X-ray.

How many radiologic technologists are there in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 242,000 radiologic technologists employed in the U.S. in 2022, with the field projected to grow.

What is the history behind Rad Tech Week?

Rad Tech Week commemorates Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of the X-ray on November 8, 1895. The week-long observance highlights the advancements in radiologic technology since his initial breakthrough.

What is the role of a radiologic technologist?

Radiologic technologists (RTs) are healthcare professionals who perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. They operate complex equipment to create images that assist physicians in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases.

How to Observe Rad Tech Week

Spread the word
Put up posters and exhibits regarding medical imaging and radiation therapy in your workplace. Employees and customers can be reached by strategically placing the displays.
Hold a fundraiser
Fundraisers are a great way to spread the word about N.R.T.W. while also raising money for a good cause. Consider having a raffle, bake sale, or a potluck. Compile a booklet with staff recipes to provide a twist to a bake sale.
Host a giveaway
Booths can be put up in your workplace, at schools, and in community centers and city halls. Give out free N.R.T.W. products, advertising materials, and informational booklets at the booth.

5 Facts About X-rays That Will Blow Your Mind

Radiation haircuts
Using X-rays to get rid of unwanted hair was a trend in the 1920s.
Helping NASA see better
X-rays were used in several telescopes released into space.
Extreme tailoring
Among the earliest X-ray diagnoses was that of a British doctor finding a needle stuck in the hand of a patient.
Flashing lights
In its infancy, people believed X-rays went through the human body harmlessly.
Finding the perfect fit
In the 1930s to early '50s, X-ray machines were used in U.S. shoe stores to guarantee a good fit.

Why Rad Tech Week is Important

Diagnosing diseases
A technologist's major responsibilities include using medical technology to make scans of patients' bodies. This helps doctors in the diagnosis of illnesses and injuries.
Guiding medical exploration
R.T.s assist medical workers in inserting catheters, implants, or other devices into the body, treating tumors, and clearing blood clots and other blockages.
Reducing the need for exploratory surgery
R.T.s can eliminate the need for conducting exploratory surgery. No one wants a doctor rooting around inside their body now, do they?