Become a Radiologic Technologist. Why This is the Career You’re Looking For

If you like working in tech and with people, perhaps it’s time to become a radiologic technologist. Look at the different advanced technologies you can be involved in:

__ X-ray unit in an urgent care center
__ Portable X-ray unit in a patient’s hospital room
__ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
__ Sonography
__ Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
__ C-arm technology to assist physicians in the operating room.

A Crucial Role in Healthcare Support

Radiologic technologists – often called rad techs – are healthcare professionals who perform medical imaging and other noninvasive therapies on patients. It’s a healthcare support occupation requiring a unique combination of skills and knowledge.

Depending on the imaging technology needed for the patient’s condition, rad techs may also be responsible for administering contrast agents, setting up and monitoring equipment for precise results, ensuring the safety and comfort of patients during imaging exams, and sometimes, being consulted by physicians.

Become a Radiologic Technologist With a 2-year A.A.S. Degree

If working in direct patient care is where you want to focus, you’ll do well to choose the 2-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology. Nearly 60% of today’s rad techs began their medical imaging career with an A.A.S. degree.

The applied part of the A.A.S. degree means most of the program emphasizes the practical skills and knowledge necessary to be a registered and certified radiologic technologist. Students achieve certification by passing a national competency exam.

A Career in Medical Imaging Starts At Radiology Technology School

When you decide to become a radiologic technologist, you’ll first have general education courses like communications, basic biology, and health science terminology.

Next, you’ll have courses in radiologic physics, radiographic positioning and techniques, radiation protection, various procedure courses, and patient care and management.

After demonstrating competencies in knowledge and technical skills, you’ll gain hands-on experience through clinical assignments in various healthcare facilities such as urgent care centers or hospitals. These assignments provide experience in imaging environments while under the supervision of licensed radiologic technologists.

Yes, You Have What it Takes for a Career in Medical Imaging

Because radiologic technologists perform such a wide range of duties, preferred personal qualities include:

1. Attention to detail
Radiologic technologists are responsible for delivering accurate and high-quality imaging scans.

2. Compassion
Radiologic technologists work with patients of all ages and backgrounds, many of whom may be experiencing pain, anxiety, or other emotional challenges.

3. Communication skills
Radiologic technologists must communicate effectively with patients, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

4. Technical aptitude
Radiologic technology involves working with complex medical equipment and technologies. Become a radiologic technologist, and you are the imaging expert on the patient’s team.

5. Physical stamina
Radiologic technologists often stand for long periods and sometimes must lift and move patients who may be immobile or in pain.

Many Career Options When You Become a Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists can work in a variety of healthcare settings, such as

• Hospitals
  Hospitals are the largest employers of radiologic technologists, with many opportunities for full-time, part-time, and per diem work.
• Imaging centers
  Imaging centers specialize in diagnostic imaging services, including X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
• Physician offices
  Many physician offices have on-site imaging equipment, such as X-ray or ultrasound machines.
• Mobile imaging services
  Some radiologic technologists work for mobile imaging services that provide imaging services to patients in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other settings.
• Education and research
  Radiologic technologists may also work in academic or research settings, teaching and mentoring students or conducting research on imaging techniques and technologies.

A Bright Outlook for Medical Imaging Careers

The demand for radiologic technologists is expected to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This growth is due to

• An aging population that naturally requires more medical imaging services
• The effectiveness of medical imaging in diagnosing and treating diseases.

Salary.com, which analyzes actual wage data, puts salaries for new rad techs in the Midwest in the $46-$49,000 range. Many rad techs enhance their employability by adding certifications such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or sonography.

Become a Radiologic Technologist at Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, the largest suburban city within the Kansas City metro. For more than 100 years, CUKC has been educating and developing leaders in health promotion.

The design of our two-year A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology program came from imaging center professionals. Our program meets the educational expectations of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Features of the CUKC program:

• CUKC instructors have real-life experience doing imaging work.
• Qualified students can practice patient care as early as the third academic term.
• The CUKC program places equal emphasis on patient interaction skills and technical competency, which helps our graduates meet employer expectations.
• On-campus radiologic technology equipment rooms and demonstration suites.
• Instruction in stationary and portable X-ray equipment and C-arm technology.
• Skills practice in positioning/imaging using anatomically correct human body replicas.
• Real-world clinical experiences in affiliated facilities throughout Kansas City and surrounding areas.

Interested in a medical imaging career? Request information today so you can get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.