UPDATED APRIL 29, 2020
So, it’s time for you to start making career plans. Although you might not be sure exactly what you want to do, you know something in healthcare that’s hands-on would be a good fit for you. Maybe nursing isn’t really what you’re looking for, and that’s fine. There are many other options out there for you. The goal is to find a healthcare career you will enjoy and can begin quickly, and diagnostic imaging may be it. A radiologic technology program that gets you into the workforce in two years has much to offer.
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technology programs take less time than you think, and radiologic technologists are not only paid well but are in high demand. As a radiologic technologist, you can put your talents to work quickly in a health care career that makes a difference every day.
The Big Picture
Radiologic technologist, also known as “radiographers,” or “rad techs,” play a valuable role in the treatment of the patients you interact with each day. You may have seen medical shows on TV where a doctor wants to know more about the health issues a patient is facing, so they send them to X-ray. Although the TV story may be fiction, the activity is based in fact.
The diagnostic images taken by a radiographer can unlock the mystery of a patient’s internal condition and provide life-saving information. These diagnostic images allow doctors to know what kind of treatment is necessary and, if there are multiple injuries, what should be handled first.
A rad tech can detect not only broken bones, but also arthritis, tumors, cystic fibrosis, Crohn’s disease, fluid buildup, collapsed lungs, pneumonia, and much more. Ultimately, doctors determine much of their treatment based on what they learn from the images taken by a rad tech.
Finding Your Place
You know what you’re looking for in a career; it’s just a matter of finding it. And if you’re a compassionate “people person” who enjoys helping others, a radiologic technology program might be the right hands-on career for you. After completing radiography school to become a certified and licensed radiologic technologist, a rad tech begins an appealing career path that includes:
Radiographers are not limited in their employment options. The most common are:
In addition to the points above, the salary is also favorable. According to Salary.com, the average annual wage for a rad tech in 2017 was more than $55,000. U.S. News and World Report has radiologic technologists ranked #15 on its list of “Best Health Care Support Jobs.”
What the Future Holds
The right radiologic technology program leads to skills that will provide career stability for many years to come. Research from the BLS indicates that the number of radiographers needed between now and 2028 will increase by 9%.
More than that, radiography school provides a good foundation for other training. After mastering X-rays, you may wish to expand your skillset with additional certifications for CT scans, to work as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, or a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist.
Whatever you choose, it can all start with an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) two-year radiologic technology program, the most popular route to a rad tech career.
Earn Your Radiologic Technology Degree at CUKC
If you are looking for a school that can help you seize your new career quickly, be sure to do your research. At Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) you can complete the A.A.S. in Radiological Technology degree program in just two years. Located in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kan., CUKC has been educating healthcare professionals since 1922.
CUKC radiologic technology students start their patient care education as early as the second semester. The CUKC program puts an equal emphasis on patient interaction skills and technical competency. Your instructors will have the first-hand experience to get you ready for the workforce immediately after graduation.
Other advantages of becoming a radiologic technologist at CUKC:
For more details, connect with an advisor or get the free ebook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist right now!
