Apr 24, 2018 · Bachelor of Science (B.S.) Degree: Some people choose to get a four-year B.S. college degree, which when offered from an ARRT approved institution, can also meet the radiologic technologist education requirements needed to become a rad tech. Regardless of which option you choose, once you have completed your radiologic technologist education ...
Students are required to complete higher-level science and mathematics courses, learn about body imaging techniques and practice, correct body positions required to safely scan various body parts using a variety of imaging equipment, and more. In general, all radiologic technologist programs include the following core subjects: Anatomy; Biology
Redding, CA: $96,480. Modesto, CA: $95,110. Napa, CA: $91,520. Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA: $91,200. Although the trend for this profession is an expected growth of about 7 percent from 2019 to 2029, competition for radiologic technologist jobs will likely still be stiff, particularly in areas with a low concentration of employment.
Mar 01, 2021 · Step #2. Earn an Undergrad Degree from an ARRT-Approved School. Step #3: Pass the ARRT Exam and Get Certified/Licensed. Step #4. Make Your Resume Shine and Prep for Interviews. Step #5: Consider Becoming Certified in a Specialty Area of Radiology. FAQs About Becoming a Radiology Tech.
A radiology tech career path provides an excellent source of income, especially when you consider that you only need a two-year associate’s degree and a professional certification to be successful.
Entering the healthcare industry with a degree in radiological imaging is a particularly unique professional course. The career of the radiologic technologist, or radiographer, blends medical knowledge, the use of highly technical machines and radiation handling with extremely sensitive interpersonal and professional interactions and skill.
While technologists can operate a wide variety of imaging equipment and perform advanced procedures, a technician is limited to operating x-ray machines and guiding patients through the routine.
Ensuring your patients are comfortable is an essential component of your work . Therefore, radiologic technologists are in a unique position. They get to combine high-tech skills with soft people skills and in the process they have an opportunity to help people in a significant manner.
The BLS reports that the average pay in 2019 for radiologic technologists was over $62,000, representing about $31 per hour. That is excellent compensation for a career that does not require a bachelor’s degree.
As a radiologic technologist, you get to be the person who can change the mood and perception of your patients even though your interaction is limited. You have to work closely with people, positioning them in the right places and protecting them from excess radiation exposure. Ensuring your patients are comfortable is an essential component ...
Similar to many professional jobs, you will have to undertake continuing education to retain your ARRT certification. You need to complete 24 credit hours over a biennium reporting period, regardless of the type and number of ARRT certifications you possess.
While some technologists may seek out an accredited radiologic technologist program at a two-year school, others will earn a bachelor’s degree. Each career path is unique, with rad-tech hopefuls coming from many different medical backgrounds.
After working in this capacity, radiologic technologists may want to pursue specialty certification with the ARRT in areas such as mammography, bone densitometry, or cardiac-interventional radiography. Specializations include radiography, nuclear medicine technology, radiation therapy, MRI, and sonography.
To maximize potential employability and establish expertise, most radiologic technologists choose to pursue certification with the ARRT. This process involves submitting proof of an acceptable academic record, filling out and submitting an ethics pre-application, and passing an exam that “assesses the knowledge and cognitive skills underlying the intelligent performance of the tasks typically required of staff technologists practicing at entry-level within the discipline.”
Step 4: Maintain ARRT certification (every two years): Technologists must renew their certifications every two years, which first requires compliance with all ARRT regulations, adherence to the ARRT standards of ethics, and completion of the required number of continuing education hours. Renewing technologists must either earn 24 credit hours each year to stay current with their certification or be awarded further certifications from the ARRT in other specialties.
According to O*NET (2021), which sources its data from the US Department of Labor, 63 percent of radiologic technologists have an associate’s degree while 24 percent hold a bachelor’s degree. Interestingly, only 6 percent of technologists have a graduate degree. Compared to other professions that require just two years of school, radiologic technologists can make a good living. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows the median hourly wage in the US is$29.59, which equates to an annual salary of $64,840 ( BLS May 2020).
Radiologic technologists —also known as rad techs— provide an important service in the healthcare industry. With skills that are learned in either a two-year or four-year program, they work closely with radiologists to take images of patients and determine the suitability of those images for diagnostic purposes.
As of June 2021, all applicants for ARRT certification in Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or Sonography must have graduated from a school that is accredited by a body recognized by the ARRT. A complete list of those accrediting agencies is available from ARRT.
While their main job involves collecting images of patients to help physicians and nurses make treatment decisions, they also possess a thorough knowledge of imaging procedures that they use to position both patients and equipment to get clear, correct images. When not working directly with patients, rad techs may adjust and recalibrate equipment, meet with physicians to ensure the images they captured meet their needs, and keep a sanitized space.
In fact, the BLS indicates that median wages reached about $30 per hour or $61,900 per year as of May 2020. Those just starting their careers may earn less, but rad techs in the top 10% of earners make close to six figures annually.
The exam consists of 220 questions, and you’ll need to get 131 correct to pass. You can take the exam up to three times.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that rad tech jobs will grow by 9 percent between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of nearly 22,000 new positions. With the baby boomer population – one of the largest in recent generations – growing older, more radiologic technologists are needed to conduct diagnostic tests for issues like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and other illnesses. In addition, about 20,800 existing jobs will re-open each year due to career changes and retirement.
Include a reference from your program/internship that will speak to your skills as a rad tech.
Factors like education and experience levels, where you live, and where you work affect pay. Rad techs who take part in continuing education training often command higher salaries than their counterparts.
If you take the associate degree route, plan to spend two years completing all program requirements on a full-time basis. If you enroll part-time, it will likely take three years. Those completing a bachelor’s degree should plan to spend four to six years, depending on whether they enroll on a full-time or part-time basis. You’ll also need to factor in how long you plan to study before taking the ARRT examination.
Medical Radiologic Technology. Radiologic Technology. Mammography Technician. An associate’s degree is the most common educational path for radiologic technologists. There are postsecondary education programs in radiography and MRI that lead to graduate certificates, associate’s degrees, or bachelor’s degrees.
Radiologic Technologists take x-rays and CAT scans or administer nonradioactive materials into patient's bloodstream for diagnostic or research purposes. Includes radiologic technologists and technicians who specialize in other scanning modalities.
Careers in this difficulty category will usually need 1 or 2 years of on-the-job training and informal training with experienced workers.
Do you need any license or certification. Requirements vary by state. Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified in some states; requirements vary by state. To become licensed, technologists must graduate from an accredited program and must pass a certification exam from the state or from the American Registry ...
A. It’s an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology that can be completed in two years. The “applied” part of the degree is a signal to employers that you’ve received all the skills, knowledge, and clinical experiences to immediately enter the workforce as a radiologic technologist.
A. A radiologic technologist is a medical professional who is certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays. Physicians use the images to assist in the diagnosis of a disease or trauma. Imaging is increasingly replacing the need for exploratory surgeries or other invasive procedures.
Accredited radiologic technology programs prepare students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AR RT) Radiography Examination to become a registered and certified radiologic technologist.
The A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology degree program at CUKC requires a total of 75 credit hours.
If you’re motivated to gain full knowledge of the human body, its systems , and its processes, you’re the teachable kind of person a solid radiologic technology program wants. (Read more about Radiologic Technology coursework in this blog.)
The median salary is above $58,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics; the representative starting salary for radiologic technology program graduates is $45,000 per year.
Because accurate imaging is critical for the physician to make a diagnosis, it’s necessary to get patients comfortable with the equipment, help them understand the imaging goal, and gain their cooperation for the best-possible imaging results. Q.
To become a Radiologic Technologist requires only two years of education followed by proper certification in most states. at FNU, we understand the importance of a college education and want to help students get the education needed to learn about the profession they’re aspiring work in.
As a Radiologic Technologist, you are required to operate powerful medical equipment. There are certain responsibilities that come with being trusted to manage the upkeep and maintenance of this type of machinery. Additionally, there are other important factors a Radiologic Technologist must understand and practice.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as a Radiologic Technologist, you have the opportunity to earn anywhere from $67,700 to $72,320 depending on what industry within the healthcare sector you work in.
When applying for jobs , you will need a reference. While new graduates typically use their professors, it might give you a competitive edge to list a professional licensed Radiologic Technologist as a referral.
The National Certifying Examination. As aforementioned, many states require Radiologic Technologist applicants to have more than a college degree. Graduates must pass the National Certifying Exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologist Technologist (ARRT)
ARRT requires you to keep up with your education with 24 units of continuing education every biennium. A biennium starts on the first day of the month of your birthday and ends on the same day two years later.
Formal education is the first step on your path to a career as a radiologic technologist.
Most radiologic technologists go into the field with an Associates degree and make a median annual salary of $60,320. That’s two years less schooling for the same paycheck as some healthcare practitioners with bachelor’s degrees.
The ARRT exam requires you to demonstrate competency in: Assessing and understanding a diagnosis. Communicating with colleagues and patients. Completing the physical movements needed to help patients. Ability to make decisions, collect information, and interpret data.
However, states also write their own requirements for radiologic technologists. You may find that you need to take other exams to meet your state licensure requirements.
Most states (over 75 percent) created licensing laws for radiologic technology. You’ll need a state license before you may practice in any healthcare facility.
During your degree, you may have the option to complete a radiologic specialization. However, it is not required.
This option is beneficial if you are transitioning fields in healthcare and have experience in radiology technology.
Associate's degrees are the most common ways to become a radiologic technologist. They typically include classroom education and clinical training.
Some colleges offer radiologic technologist degree programs. Their coursework is heavy in biology, chemistry, anatomy, pathology, and radiobiology.
You must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists to become a radiologic technologist.
Radiologic technologists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years in order to maintain their certification in most states.
If you are interested in becoming a Radiologic or MRI Technologist, you will need to earn an associate degree.
In contrast, the MRI Technologist specializes in Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRIs.
In fact, the top employer of Radiologic and MRI Technicians is within the hospital setting, followed by medical and diagnostic labs, physician’s offices, and outpatient care centers.
Besides being adequately trained, you will need to be a good communicator, detail-oriented, have excellent organizational skills, and be in excellent physical condition.
However, you must be safe at all times as you wear protective lead aprons, shields, and gloves while working with radiation. Also, employees wear badges that monitor their radiation exposure over the life of their careers.
MRIs do not use radiation but provide a more in-depth and detailed look into the soft tissues like the brain and other inner organs. The results of both types of imagery are used to diagnose a patient’s health issue.
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need to have a license or be certified to perform your duties, especially in the field of radiologic technology. And… even if the state does not require it, most prospective employers will expect you to be certified in your area of expertise.