5 Myths Busted: 2-Year Radiologic Technology Programs

With so many ways to communicate today, there’s no chance of hearing things wrong, right? Well, misinformation is everywhere, and this extends into what you may think you know about radiologic technology programs. What are the facts about radiologic technologists (also called radiographers)? What’s the best way to earn this 2-year college degree?

In this review of things people think they know about 2-year college degrees in hot career areas, like medical imaging, we dig into myths and misunderstanding about radiologic technology programs. After all, you alone decide if becoming a radiologic technologist is for you.

Myth 1: “All radiologic technologists (rad techs) do is operate the equipment.”

Truth: Radiologic technologists are uniquely skilled individuals who are as talented in interacting with patients as they are in setting up, operating, and adjusting some of the most advanced medical imaging systems available to today’s physicians.

In fact, radiologic technologists are key members of a doctor’s healthcare team. To be accurate in their diagnosis and treatment, physicians must have specific views of the human body. It’s the responsibility of the rad tech to know precisely how to position the patient to get the required results.

The curriculum of a radiologic technology program will include

• • Anatomy of the human body
  • Imaging techniques and technologies
  • Medical terminology and translating it for the patient
  • Patient care best practices
  • Radiation safety and protection
  • Patient positioning for children or those with limited physical movement
  • Communicating effectively with all races, religions, and cultures.

Myth 2: “All radiologic technology programs are alike.”

Truth: There can be significant differences in rad tech degree programs. For example, not all rad tech 2-year college degree programs

• • Have instructors with deep field experience. You’ll want to learn from instructors who’ve worked in various settings: emergency rooms, outpatient clinics, hospitals, physician offices.
  • Have a local clinic network for students to get real-world practice. Radiologic technology programs in larger cities – especially those with a strong healthcare presence – will offer wider experience options
  • Have competency-based degree programs. This structure allows qualified students to work in clinical environments when they complete specific skill assessments.

Myth 3: “It’s always better to earn a four-year degree.”

Truth: The emergence of a 2-year college degrees as wise career pathways is well-documented. Plus, the lower cost of a specialized two-year degree does make a lot of sense.

The logic goes like this: when you want to become an expert in a certain field, why go for a longer degree plan that includes non-career-focused classes? Imagine the income and seniority advantages you could have with a two-year head start into a career field.

Myth 4: “You have to be super-smart to get into a radiologic technology program.”

Truth: Yes, it helps if you have a background in the life and health sciences. There’s much to learn and master in a 2-year college degree like rad tech. What’s more important, perhaps, is your desire to learn and willingness to put in the classroom and lab time asked of you.

A modern radiologic technology program will have full-function imaging units and demonstration suites, plus abundant practice time. Help from the school’s array of student services and the teaching ability of instructors can provide the support you need to succeed. (More information about Radiologic Technology coursework is in this blog.)

Myth 5: “A 2-year college degree won’t result in a competitive yearly salary.”

Truth: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with at least an associate degrees will earn more than 25% more than those without a college degree.

Radiologic technologists rank #27 in the 2019 Best Health Care Support Jobs list by U.S. News and World Report. Starting out, rad techs average $45,000 yearly, and often more in areas where they are needed most. The median salary for an experienced radiologic technology program graduate is $59,520 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Rad tech professionals also scored well for work-life balance and job market flexibility. Of course, they also don’t have wardrobe worries – they wear scrubs every day.

The Radiologic Technology Program at Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university in Overland Park, Kansas. Thanks to our Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology, you’ll be ready to enter the workforce in as little as two years.

Imaging center professionals guided the program design, and instructors have real-life experience doing the imaging work they’re teaching. Class time and lab sessions combine with clinical experiences to help prepare you for the certifying exam of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

Other advantages of the 2-year radiologic technology program at CUKC:

• On-campus radiologic technology equipment rooms, plus two demonstration suites
• Early patient care education
• Clinical experiences in our partner clinic network
• Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized instruction.

Get all the facts about the CUKC  radiologic technology program. Talk to an advisor today, or download the free ebook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.