Everybody wants a little bit of a sure thing in their world, especially when it comes to a career direction. That’s why you might want to picture yourself in a 2-year radiologic technology school, studying the art and science of diagnostic imaging. After all, there must be a reason “radiologic technologists” are in the top-25 of a list of “Best Healthcare Support Jobs,” right?
Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, sonograms, etc.) is the primary way to discover what’s going on inside the human body. Radiologic technologists are fulfilling these essential roles and responsibilities.
As pointed out by a Medical Technology Schools (MTS) career guidebook, “…it’s a job where you can truly make a difference.” It’s a unique healthcare position that has “rad techs” working closely with patients and physicians. It’s a role combining patient care with advanced technology, with the goal of helping medical practitioners diagnose illnesses and implement effective treatment plans.
There’s a lot to learn in radiologic technology school. However, the acronym TASK might be helpful. TASK stands for technology, abilities, skills, and knowledge.
Here is a chart showing some aspects of what each element of “TASK” covers. Do a quick read-through, and It’s easy to see why rad techs love what they do – there’s variety, excitement, responsibility, and personal satisfaction. (Go here to see what rad tech graduate Abby L. says.) Her 2-year degree (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology gave her the career she wanted.
| CATEGORY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Technology | - Diagnostic/procedural coding software - Information retrieval/search - Digital Imaging Communications in Medicine (DICOM) - Medical coding software |
| Abilities | - Review/evaluate diagnostic scans, determining the quality of imaging - Operate/Oversee the operation of radiologic/imaging equipment (Stationary and portable X-ray, fluoroscopy, C-Arm, etc.) - Use radiation safety measures and protection devices to ensure the safety of patients and the healthcare team - Position imaging equipment accurately, adjusting it to meet the specifics of the imaging exam |
| Skills | - Active listening (receiving, understanding, evaluating, and responding to information appropriately) - One-on-one communication - Social perceptiveness (Assessing patient's concerns, etc.) - Writing/Reporting as part of the healthcare team |
| Knowledge | - Next-level Customer/Personal Service expectations - Medical/Healthcare principles, terminology - Computers/Electronics understanding - Anatomy/Physiology |
For those who want to devote their career to taking care of patients, the degree of choice is the 2-year Associate of Applied Technology (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology.
In these highly focused degree programs, students complete about 24 hours of introductory classes that prepare them for success.
These foundational courses include
The remaining credit hours are in classes, labs, and hands-on experiences that focus on practical skills and abilities used by rad techs in various healthcare settings.
A typical radiologic technology school curriculum will teach imaging concepts and procedures, emphasize hands-on skills practice using anatomically correct human body replicas, and have on-site facilities replicating the equipment used by employers.
When students achieve certain competency levels, they are assigned clinical experiences at worksites that are set up for qualified students. Note this: Metropolitan areas with a strong healthcare presence likely offer the most kinds of experiences, from hospital ERs to urgent care clinics to imaging centers. Clinical education may be conducted during traditional daytime or evening hours.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) – a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university — offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology. Using a year-round format and focused 8-week courses, nearly all CUKC “rad tech” students graduate in two years.
Our program’s goal is to prepare students for the national certifying exam as a radiographer. All CUKC instructors have experience working as radiologic technologists. Classroom knowledge combines with hands-on, on-campus training using the University’s human body replicas, practice demonstration suites, and full-function radiologic equipment rooms.
After exhibiting tech- and patient-care competencies, CUKC students receive supervised work assignments in our network of healthcare facilities in the Kansas City region and surrounding communities.
For a fast connection to our radiologic technology school, get connected here. To get details on the profession and what to expect from your radiologic technology school, request this free eBook today: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.
