Need a reason to jump into an in-demand career? How about 433 million reasons? Every year, radiologic technologists conduct more than 433 million X-ray, MRI, CT, and radiation therapy procedures for patients of all ages. So yes, now is an excellent time to become a radiologic technologist. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Radiologic Technology is a two-year college degree.
Your Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
One of the most important advances in college education today is how accelerated two-year associate degrees – specifically the A.A.S. degree – can be as beneficial as a four-year college degree. This is especially true for health science and healthcare support positions. Healthcare jobs in the U.S. are set to grow at 18% through 2026, nearly three times the rate of the rest of the economy.
The coursework for students in an A.A.S. degree program is decidedly hands-on. Students who are laser-focused on entering the workforce quickly appreciate a college degree that concentrates on classes, labs, and practical experiences that precisely provide the knowledge and skills employers expect.
Become a Radiologic Technologist. It’s a Wise Choice
The New England Journal of Medicine named diagnostic medical imaging one of the best medical developments over the past 1,000 years. Advancements in image resolution and quality, says the Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA), are giving doctors an “unprecedented window into the human body.”
The diagnostic images taken by radiologic technologists – often known as rad techs – can unlock the mystery of a patient’s internal condition and provide life-saving information. These astonishingly detailed images allow doctors to determine what treatments are necessary without the dangers of invasive procedures. If there are multiple injuries, the images can reveal which ones the physician should handle first.
To become a radiologic technologist is to become a vital member of the medical team. In addition to preparing imaging equipment for use, the rad tech ensures the patient understands what to expect, confirms the patient is positioned correctly for the precise images needed and monitors radiation safety procedures.
Interestingly, a high degree of geekiness with technology is not required to be a great rad tech. Sure, a technical aptitude is expected, but other essential qualities to become a radiologic technologist include:
Demand for the Associate Degree in Radiologic Technology
Diagnostic medical imaging capabilities are expanding every day, which places rad tech graduates in a position for an interesting, impactful, and long career. Diagnostic medical imaging is a career field in the top 15 of “best health care support jobs,” according to the 2020 U.S. News rankings.
The career outlook for rad techs will increase by 7% from 2019 to 2029, says the August 2020 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Even better, a rad tech’s associate degree education typically results in a salary comparable to many four-year college degrees. According to Salary.com, the pay scale is between $ 49,776 and $59,901 per year with a few years of experience. Starting salaries for certified radiologic technologists are at $45,000 and above.
There’s a high need for radiologic technologists in various work settings, too:
If a place in the expanding healthcare field sounds attractive to you, it could be time to become a radiologic technologist. For nine solid reasons why the two-year A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology degree is worth looking into, read this “9 Reasons” blog.
Become a Radiologic Technologist in Two Years at CUKC
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) — a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university — offers an accelerated Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology.
Our two-year degree program uses eight-week courses in the evenings to prepare students for the national certifying exam from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Our classroom-based education combines with hands-on training in our on-campus radiologic equipment rooms and two demonstration suites. All CUKC instructors have experience working as radiologic technologists, so they know what you need to know to be recruited by employers.
After achieving the needed technical and patient care competencies, CUKC students gain on-the-job experience in our network of partner clinics all around the Kansas City region.
If you are ready to learn how to become a radiologic technologist, get this free eBook today: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.
