How Much Will It Cost
A program in radiologic technology should be as transparent as possible as it clearly lays out its fees. As you consider cost, be sure to include all the other expenses that will be involved in attending. For example, how will you get to school? What will the expenses be related to that travel?
Make sure you incorporate financial questions into your search early on. The best place to start is with a schools financial aid specialists. Be sure to also research both school-sponsored scholarships and external scholarships.
Finally, heres an important caveat as you research programs: Dont simply look for the lowest cost. Remember that the value you gain from attending a given program will depend a lot on how well it prepares you to be a successful professional.
The best programs not only deliver subject matter but also help you develop the hands-on skills that are integral to being a radiologic technologist.
What Does An X
There are certain skills that many x-ray technicians have in order to accomplish their responsibilities. By taking a look through resumes, we were able to narrow down the most common skills for a person in this position. We discovered that a lot of resumes listed detail oriented, interpersonal skills and math skills.
What Is The Difference Between Sonography And Ultrasound
Sonography and ultrasound both refer to the same general field of using sound waves in order to produce diagnostic images. However, within the field, the words do mean slightly different things. Ultrasound refers to the actual technology and equipment used, whereas sonography refers to the practice of using ultrasound. Sonographer and ultrasound technician therefore refer to the same practitioner, a person using ultrasound to create medical images.
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Do I Need To Be Certified To Be An X
Radiologic technologists are required to be licensed or certified in most states. Employers typically require or prefer that medical radiographers be licensed, even if the state does not require it.11
To become licensed, X-ray technologists must pass an exam from their state or obtain a certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
For specific licensure requirements for radiologic technologists, contact your states health board or visit the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
What Exactly Does An X
In a nutshell, a radiologic technician is a professional who is trained to take x-rays of patients bodies, whether its their bones, chest, stomach, or beyond. Youll also prepare patients, and maybe soothe them if they are visibly nervous. X-ray technicians do not read the scans. That is left for the doctor, despite the fact that you may be able to tell what is going on inside the patient by looking at the images. Even if the patient asks, you arent permitted to give a response about the results. Instead, you can kindly tell your charge that the doctor will be taking a look and getting back with him or her.
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How To Switch Your Career To Radiology
To transition into a career in radiology, professionals must earn a degree accredited by ARRT, JRCERT, or ARMRIT. Depending on their educational and professional backgrounds, practicing healthcare workers may be able to switch careers by earning a certification in a specific aspect of radiology.
Information technologists, engineers, and computer professionals can also transition to a career in radiology by completing specialized coursework and gaining practical experience.
Is Radiology A Good Career Choice The Career Outlook
For those with a strong interest in the medical field and a passion for patient care and medical technology, now is a better time than ever to consider pursuing a career in the field of radiology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 200,000 radiology professionals currently work in the US. Due to the aging baby boomer population, most professions in the field of radiology are expected to increase faster than average, with an estimated 24-28% overall rise in the next decade. In addition, the incredibly detailed insights that CAT scans, MRIs and other noninvasive, radiographic technologies offer means that hospitals will continue to rely on them to help diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses.
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Radiographics Career Advancement Options
Completing a radiology technologist program and taking that first job is a big accomplishment. It can mean a long-term career and a steady paycheck. Some technologists, though, decide that its not enough. They want new challenges, greater levels of responsibility, and an income to match. Fortunately, there has been progress in recent years toward development of a radiology career ladder. How far you can progress and what duties you can take on depends on the state or jurisdiction where you practice.
What Is A Radiologic Technologist
A radiologic technologist is a healthcare professional who uses sophisticated equipment and computers to take images of patients bodies to help radiologists diagnose diseases and conditions. Radiologic technologists are part of a larger team of medical professionals who work together to diagnose patients. They are sometimes incorrectly referred to as “radiologic technicians.”
Radiologic Technologist Job Description
So, what does a radiologic technologist do? A radiologic technologist prepares patients for and takes radiographic images of the body that help radiologists diagnose problems and determine the correct course of treatment. Radiologic technologists produce x-ray images to diagnose breaks and fractures in bones, abnormalities in body systems, use low-dose x-ray systems to conduct mammograms, and create cross-sectional images of patients bodies using CT scans and more.
Radiologic Technologist Education Requirements
Generally, youll need to earn at least an associate’s degree in Radiologic Technology, although a bachelors degree could help you stand out among a pool of applicants. After completing an educational program approved by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists , youll be eligible to sit for the certification exam.
The ARRT certification and registration is different from state licensure. You should learn more about the requirements in the state in which you choose to work.
Radiologic Technologist Salary Information
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How To Become A Radiologic Or Mri Technologist
Radiologic technologists and MRI technologists typically need an associates degree. MRI technologists also typically need several years of related work experience. Most states require radiologic technologists to be licensed or certified, but few states require licensure for MRI technologists. Regardless of state requirements, employers typically require or prefer to hire technologists who are certified.
The median annual wage for magnetic resonance imaging technologists was $77,360 in May 2021.
The median annual wage for radiologic technologists and technicians was $61,370 in May 2021.
What Does A Radiology Technologist Do
Radiologic technologists are part of a healthcare team. They provide skills, knowledge, and expertise in imaging and procedures, says Peter Rath, MPA, R.T. , ARRT, a radiology technician on staff at the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, where he evaluates continuing education programs. They might be involved in surgeries, the emergency department, a cardiac catheterization lab, or a standalone orthopedic practice. Depending on where you work, this profession can provide a lot of variety.
If youre dedicated to caring for others, comfortable with technology, and meet the physical requirements to be a radiology technologist, this might be the healthcare career for you.
To start, radiology technologists also are known as X-ray technicians, radiologic technologists, and radiographers. In addition to X-rays, RTs can earn certifications in other imaging procedures, such as MRI, CT scans, sonography, and mammography.
A common misconception is that their job is limited to taking X-ray images when patients suspect they have a broken bone or another internal injury. In reality, the responsibilities of a radiology technologist are much more varied.
X-ray imaging can also help diagnose illnesses, spot tumors, identify blockages, and much more. A radiology technologist may also work with a medical team to provide ongoing imaging, such as during heart surgery.
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Radiography Degree: Career Reality Vs What You Thought
Communications Staff
Some healthcare jobs might sound less interesting because its difficult to imagine all the responsibilities they have and the variety of tasks they do. That is certainly not the case with medical imaging producing X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, etc. Its those with a two-year radiography degree who are performing these exams. Their job title? Radiologic technologists rad techs.
Radiography Degree = Radiologic Technologist
Once you know the inside story of a radiologic technologists career, becoming one will likely interest you. The healthcare role rad techs have is vitally important and provides a high level of personal satisfaction. Its a top-20 healthcare job according to the U.S. News annual rankings.
This high ranking is because imaging is rapidly replacing exploratory surgeries and other invasive procedures. Todays scanning technologies see inside the human body, producing highly detailed pictures that help physicians determine whats wrong and devise highly accurate treatments.
A rad tech can detect broken bones, arthritis, tumors, cystic fibrosis, Crohns disease, fluid buildup, collapsed lungs, pneumonia, and much more. By earning a radiography degree from an American Registry of Radiologic Technologists approved program, you can be one of these imaging professionals.
A radiologic technologist career, in reality, is much different than many may think. Here are three ways the Rad tech reality could fit the career you have in mind.
Radiologic And Mri Technologists: Salary Career Path Job Outlook Education And More
- Education Required
- An associates degree is the most common educational requirement for radiologic and MRI technologists. There also are postsecondary education programs that lead to graduate certificates or bachelors degrees. Education programs typically include both classroom study and clinical work. Coursework includes anatomy, pathology, patient care, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation.
- Job Outlook
- The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 12%
- Licenses/Certifications
- Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in most states. Few states license MRI technologists. Requirements vary by state.
- Median pay: How much do Radiologic and MRI Technologists make?
- $58,960 Annual Salary
- $28.35 per hour
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create diagnostic images.
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What Degree Do You Need To Be An Ultrasound Technician
An associates degree is the generally accepted minimum to become an ultrasound technician . Because sonography uses ultrasound waves rather than ionizing radiation like other forms of RT, sonographers typically complete a major specifically in sonography. However, there are options to return to school and earn a bachelors degree or certificate in sonography if you already have an associates degree. Check with programs of interest and the licensing board in your state to learn more about your options.
What Is Medical Radiography
Medical radiography is a broad term that refers to any one of several types of studies which require visuals of the inside of the body using special X-ray techniques.1
Radiography is used to diagnose and sometimes to treat patients by recording images of the internal structure of the body. These visuals are used to assess the absence or presence of diseases, foreign objects, and internal damage or anomaly.
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Where Can You Work As A Radiology Professional
Radiology professionals work in most facilities that provide medical care. While many practice in hospitals, some professionals find work in physicians’ offices, diagnostic centers, outpatient care facilities, and research centers.
Job availability largely depends on a worker’s location. For example, large cities may house several hospitals that need many radiology professionals. Alternatively, suburban and rural areas may provide more opportunities at outpatient imaging centers.
Medical Assisting Is A Big Part Of Your X
Another thing youll notice once you start exploring a career as an x-ray technician in California, is that many employers want an x-ray tech who doubles as a medical assistant. Some x-ray tech schools dont provide you with medical assisting training. However, Modern Technology School bases its foundations of professional patient care around medical assisting. As Adam mentions in his interview, youve got to be a good medical assistant in order to be a great x-ray technician. From learning the basics and fundamentals, creating a solid foundation for your future in healthcare, medical assistant training is vital to your future.
At first, some x-ray techs may not like that they have to become a medical assistant as well. But rather than turn a blind eye, consider the opportunities that open-up to you when you have more than one skill. Also, keep in mind that employers are looking for this hybrid employee. Furthermore, wouldnt you love to stay on the clock, and have the opportunity to earn a better living? On the flip-side, many medical assistants are turning to an x-ray tech career. And it makes sense because they can take advantage of an X-Ray Only program like one at Modern Technology School.
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Getting Licensed And Certified
Some states require licensing for radiologic technologists. To get licensed, techs must graduate from an associate degree program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Techs must also pass a certification exam, either from their state or from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Completion of continuing education courses, every two years, are required to maintain certification.
X Ray Technician Job Description Sample
With this X Ray Technician job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a X Ray Technician role.
Job Summary
We need an X-Ray Technician to join our medical team. You must have an associate degree in radiology or a related field from an accredited program. Experience in radiology or as a medical assistant preferred. You must be able to make our patients feel comfortable and safe and be able to explain each phase of the procedure. It is also very important to keep the imaging room clean and maintain all privacy regulations. A certificate from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists is a plus.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Prepare the exam room for the proper procedure
- Answer patient questions about imaging procedures
- Monitor vital signs during the exam
- Coordinate with physicians to ensure the proper delivery of images
- Input details of the procedure into patient records
Requirements and Qualifications
- Associate degree in radiologic technology or radiology
- Certificate from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists
- Experience in patient care
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What Is A Radiographer
A radiographer, also known as an x-ray technician or radiology technologist, is an Allied Health professional who specializes in the use of x-rays and other diagnostic technologies. Radiographers perform tests as directed by the practitioner and then provide the images to the radiologist to read and interpret.
Most entry-level positions require an associate degree and professional certification. Some positions may also require state licensure. Outside of associate degree programs, there are 2-year hospital certificate programs and 4-year bachelor degree programs that may be available in your state. Academic programs in radiologic technology are comprised of courses in anatomy and physiology, pathology, patient care, medical ethics, radiation physics and protection, and image evaluation. Associate degree programs are a blend of classroom and clinical courses and can often be completed in two years full-time.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median pay for Radiologic Technologists is $61,900. The job outlook for x-ray technologists shows faster growth then average with a predicted growth of 7% by 2029. Career opportunities for radiologic technologists are available in hospitals, imaging centers, private medical offices, sales, research, and the commercial arena.
What Can I Do With A Masters In Radiology
Radiology Practitioner Assistant
Radiology practitioner assistant essentially practices radiology medicine. RPAs perform invasive imaging procedures, as well as the procedures that are usually done by radiologic technologists. Aside from assisting in managerial duties, RPAs also evaluate images and prepare reports for the radiologist.
Median salary: $115,390
Senior Medical Imaging Product Manager
Radiologic technologists that pursue this career path apply their experience in imaging in promoting particular brands, and because they have the technical know-how, they can be more effective in marketing to hospitals and to other prospective clients. Product managers apply their imaging experience in sales, marketing, or consulting with a medically oriented business.
Median salary: $126,460
Head of Clinical Research
Coordinating clinical research studies is the primary function of the clinical research coordinator, which includes assisting ongoing investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials and new studies in the field of radiology. The head of clinical research plays an integrative role in supporting attending physicians, fellows, and clinical scientists in data collection, participant recruitment, statistical analysis, research administrative support, manuscript development, and grant submissions.
Median salary: $127,881
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Why Choose This Career
There are many reasons to enter healthcare as a radiologic technologists or technician. Many are attracted to the fact that their career will be dedicated to helping others in their quest to regain or retain their health. These folks enjoy working with technology, but don’t necessarily want to spend all of their time staring at a computer screen. They will work with mechanical devices including sonogram devices, large MRI machines, and x-ray equipment. Radiologic technologists should also like working with people, even when they are experiencing distress.
On top of all of those reasons, this is a very good career from a pragmatic point of view. Radiologic technologists make good salaries and have terrific job prospects. The healthcare field is one of the fastest growing industries in the nation and it doesn’t show any signs of slowing. Since radiology is an increasingly important part of diagnosing disease and injury, radiologists surely have a bright future.
