Radiologic technology is a rapidly growing field that offers medical professionals a wide range of career opportunities.

Radiologic technicians, also known as radiographers, use X-rays and other imaging equipment to produce human body images for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Physicians and other healthcare professionals use these images to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases. Individuals must complete an accredited radiologic technology program to become radiologic technicians.

Radiologic Technician Schools Near Me

These programs typically take two years to complete and lead to an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.

Some programs may also offer a certificate in radiologic technology, which can be completed in less time than an associate’s degree program.

  • Entry Requirements for Radiologic Technician College Admission

Becoming a radiologic technician requires completing an accredited radiologic technology program and passing the certification exam. However, before enrolling in a program, there are specific entry requirements that must be met.

These include a high school diploma or GED, prerequisite college-level courses, standardized test scores, background checks, immunizations, medical insurance, and an interview.

A high school diploma or GED is a must for most radiologic technician programs.

Some programs may also require a certain GPA or completion of specific high schools courses, such as biology or chemistry. Some programs may require applicants to have completed specific college-level courses, such as anatomy and psychiatry.

Standardized test scores like the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) or the Health Education Systems, Inc.

HESI exams measure a student’s math, science, and English knowledge and are used to assess the student’s readiness for the program.

It is important to note that program requirements may vary depending on the institution or program, so it is advisable to check with the specific program for their particular needs.

  • Accredited Radiologic Tech Curriculum

Radiologic technician programs are designed to prepare students for careers in medical imaging.

These programs typically include both classroom and clinical instruction. At the school, students learn about anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and radiation safety.

They also learn about the various imaging modalities used in radiologic technology, such as x-ray, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.

Clinical instruction is an essential component of radiologic technician programs.

It provides students with hands-on experience in a real-world setting, allowing them to apply the knowledge they have acquired in the classroom.

Students typically spend time working in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a licensed radiologic technologist.

This allows them to gain experience operating imaging equipment and working with patients.

This program component is crucial in preparing students for their future careers, as they can apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in real-life scenarios.

  • Certification and Licensure

After completing a radiologic technician program, graduates must be certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) to practice in the field.

The ARRT is the primary certifying body for radiologic technologists in the United States, and certification is required in most states.

In addition to certification, many states require radiologic technologists to be licensed.

Requirements for licensure vary by state but typically include passing a criminal background check and passing the ARRT certification exam.

X-Ray Technician Program Duration

Radiologic technician programs are designed to prepare students for careers in the field of medical imaging.

These programs typically last between 18 months and two years, depending on the type of degree or certification being pursued.

Certificate programs, which are the shortest in duration, typically take around 18 months to complete. These programs are designed for students who wish to enter the workforce quickly.

They usually cover the basics of radiologic technology, including patient positioning, radiation safety, and image production.

On the other hand, associate’s degree programs usually take around two years to complete.

These programs are more comprehensive than certificate programs and typically include more advanced coursework in anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology.

Additionally, associate’s degree programs may include a clinical component, providing students with hands-on, real-world experience.

Bachelor’s degree programs in radiologic technology are also available, but these programs are less common than certificate or associate’s degree programs.

These programs typically take around four years to complete and include a more in-depth study of the subject matter, and may also have opportunities for research and specialization.

Rad Tech Career Outlook

The demand for radiologic technologists is expected to grow in the coming years.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.

An aging population and increased use of imaging technology in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions and diseases drive this growth.

Radiologic technicians can work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. Some may also choose to specialize in a specific area of radiologic technology, such as mammography or CT.

X-Ray Technician Career Paths

After completing a radiologic technician program, graduates have a variety of career paths available to them.

One popular option is to work in a hospital setting, where they can work as part of a team to perform imaging procedures and assist radiologists in diagnosing and treating patients.

They may also work in a diagnostic imaging center or a private physician’s office.

Another career path for radiologic technologists is specializing in a specific imaging area, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT).

These technologists typically work in large hospitals or imaging centers and have more specialized equipment and procedures.

Some radiologic technologists choose to work in education, either as a teacher or a researcher.

They may work in universities or colleges to train the next generation of radiologic technologists or conduct research to improve imaging technology and patient care.

Additionally, some radiologic technologists may choose to advance their career by pursuing advanced degrees and certifications, such as a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in radiologic science or a certification in a specialized area of imaging.

In conclusion, radiologic technician programs are an excellent way for individuals interested in the medical field to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become radiologic technologists.

These programs typically include classroom and clinical instruction and lead to an associate’s degree in radiologic technology.

After completing a radiologic technician program and passing the ARRT certification exam, graduates can work in various settings and specialize in a specific area of radiologic technology.

With projected growth in demand for radiologic technologists, this is an excellent field to consider for those looking to enter the medical field.