A key player in the healthcare system is a radiologic technologist, more typically referred to as a radiology tech. They use imaging equipment, such as X-ray machines, for diagnostic purposes and treatment. Read on to learn how you can land a career in this industry with our complete guide on becoming a radiology tech.

1. Understand the Role

  1. – Duties: Radiology techs prepare patients for imaging procedures, work withing the imimg department operating radiological equipment and ensuring high-quality images are obtained to allow accurate patient diagnosis. The technologists collaborate with radiologists and other personnel.
  2. – Skills Required: Must pay attention to details, have good communication skills and be tech savvy as well apart of compassionate attitude is necessary

2. Complete Prerequisites to Get Education

  1. High School Diploma or GED: You can’t get started with any further education without this first. Concentrate on scientific and math classes as these are the basic courses required in radiology studies.
  2. Accredited Radiology Programs: Interested persons should attend an accredited radiologic technology program, where it typically requires two years to complete. These courses are available in community colleges, technical schools and at some universities. They might cover subjects such as anatomy, patient positioning, radiation safety and imaging technology.
  3. Associate’s Degree: The primary degree for most radiology techs is an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Radiologic Technology. The program is open to graduates of the Doctorate in Physical Therapy, with courses and clinical aspects.
  4. Bachelor’s Degree: However, some prospective radiology technicians may opt to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Radiologic Technology and also enter more advanced career fields like management or specialized imaging techniques.

3. Get Certified and Licensed

  1. Certification — It is expected that radiology techs in most states are required by law to be certified through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). In order to be certified by the ARRT, which is a requirement in nearly every state and also required by some employers, you must have graduated from an accredited program as well pass one of their certification exams. My employer also asked that I have national certification (ARRT)
  2. State Licensure: Some states also require a license to practice as a radiology tech. Check with your state regulatory board — each one has its own licensing requirements.
  3. Continuing Education: ARRT certification requires radiology techs to acquire 24 continuing education credits every two years and renew their certifications.

4. Build up Your Experience and Find a Niche

  1. Entry-level positions: When you have all certifications and qualifications, work as a radiology tech in hospitals or outpatient centers or diagnostic imaging centers. Developing your skills requires you to gain hands-on experience.
  2. – Area of specialization: You might also wish to specialize in additional areas as you progress e.g. CT, MRI, Mammography or Cardiovascular-interventional radiography To the extent that you specialize, it usually requires some additional training or certification.

5. Advance Your Career

  1. – Advanced Certifications — As you build your experience, look into advanced certifications to earn from the ARRT or other organizations These certifications will absolutely help you strengthen your knowledge and skills which might make them the winner of creating in between-meetings.
  2. – Seek Continued Education: For some radiology techs, pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in radiologic sciences (or healthcare management) can help open up careers paths to administration, education and more advanced clinical practice.
  3. – Keep on top of trends, developments and breakthroughs in the ever-evolving field — new technology; new imaging techniques. Get maintaned regarding the recent innovations by attending workshops, lectures and refresher courses.

6. Job Outlook and Salary

  1. – Job Outlook: Employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The rising demand is fueled by a rapidly aging population and growing use of diagnostic imaging.
  2. – Pay: The median annual wage for radiologic technologists in May 2022 was $63,710. The average salary of a wildlife biologist is around $67,000 per year with experience level that varies in different locations and fields.

How to Become a Radiologic Technologist

  1. Get a High School Diploma or GED but specifically take math, biology, chemistry and physics courses.
  2. Graduate from a Radiology Program: Finish an accredited educational program in radiologic technology, which can be either associate or bachelor’s degree.
  3. Take a Certification Exam: This is required for American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) or an equivalent certification.
  4. Get State Licensed: All states have different requirements so deal with your state.
  5. Get Clinical Experience: Take part in internships or clinical rotations to gain practical experience.
  6. Continue Education (CE): Keep compliant with continuing education and re-certification requirements.

7. Conclusion

Radiology tech is a career with growth and specialization opportunities that offer significant rewards. In this way, you will be entering a pleasant path of healthcare to diagnose and treat patients using one the newest Family Practice Imaging technologies.