Healthcare Careers: Choosing a Radiologic Technology Program

You’ve heard the term radiologic technologist but might not have known enough about it to consider getting a two-year degree in radiologic technology. Why become a radiologic technologist? Lots of reasons, including long-term career growth, a prominent role in the healthcare economy, and a yearly salary that often tops $45,000. (For more on the top 9 reasons to join the “rad tech” workforce, go here.)

What’s it Like to Be a Radiologic Technologist?

Radiologic technologists are medical professionals who are certified to perform diagnostic imaging examinations. It’s a unique role because radiologic technologists must be attentive to the patient’s condition and mindset. They must also have the technical skills to provide the precise body images requested by the patient’s physician.

People who are a good fit for this profession:

• Are good at problem-solving
• Like being part of a medical team
• Readily take responsibility for their actions
• Naturally relate well with to people and can establish a trusting patient-provider relationship
• Are comfortable with equipment set-up and how to make adjustments to achieve desired results
• See the benefit of using imaging technologies instead of exploratory surgeries and invasive procedures.

The 5-point Checklist for Choosing a Radiologic Technology Program

1. It’s a 2-year, A.A.S. degree
An A.A.S. degree is an associate of applied science degree. The “applied science” part of the degree is the difference-maker. The knowledge and skills needed for a long-term career as a radiologic technologist are packed into a two-year format, not four, allowing entry into the workforce as soon as possible.

2. It meets professional and state licensing requirements
The A.A.S. degree in radiologic technology is designed to make you eligible to take the national exam in radiography. Pass that exam, and you become a certified radiologic technologist. In addition, most states have licensing requirements. The A.A.S. degree in radiologic technology will ensure you’re a top candidate for employment in the profession.

3. Instructors have clinical experience
It’s essential your radiologic technologist education comes from faculty who have first-hand experience working at or managing imaging centers. Textbook cases are one thing, but only proven instructors can demonstrate the most effective ways to work through challenging imaging scenarios.

4. There’s an emphasis on patient interaction skills
Employers know “patient care interaction skills” are essential because patient satisfaction reports can significantly influence the compensation received by healthcare facilities.

That means a radiologic technology program is more than learning the equipment. It must include coursework in “soft skills development,” such as:

• • Critical thinking in patient-care situations, such as when a patient is in pain
  • How to clearly explain imaging procedures to patients of different ages
  • Improving the ability to build trust
  • Working effectively as a member of a healthcare team.

5. Clinical experience happens early
Employers will be expecting lots of “hands-on” clinical experience with actual patients – everything from handling trauma injuries to investigating swallowed objects. Early interaction with patients under guided instructions enhances learning. Once specific competencies are demonstrated, many programs offer clinical experiences as early as the second semester.

Become a Radiologic Technologist at CUKC

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas.

Radiologic technologist students at CUKC earn their two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree in a two-year format. The program’s eight-week courses deliver deep understanding.

Students receive hands-on training and gain experience in the University’s own radiologic equipment rooms, two demonstration suites, and clinical experience in partner clinics in the Kansas City region and its surrounding communities.

CUKC welcomes new classes of students into the radiologic technology program in spring and fall.

Request information today about CUKC’s two-year radiologic technology degree program, or download the new, free eBook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.