Now that you’re focused on a radiologic technology degree program, you naturally want to know everything there is to know about how to become a radiologic technologist – a rad tech. It’s also important to know about the end goal of your rad tech education: doing well on the national certification test from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Where is Your Radiologic Technology Program Taking You?
Sure, you’re excited about how the medical imaging field is growing rapidly, and you know that rad techs are valued members of a health care team. Invasive procedures and surgery options carry a lot of risks, so physicians prefer today’s imaging options when they need insight into conditions and a more accurate diagnosis.
Learning how to become a radiologic technologist also offers a very positive career outlook. Radiologic technologist’s jobs are expected to grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary is $55,554 per year and salary potential increases with experience in the field and additional certifications.
What to Know About the ARRT Certification Exam
The radiologic technology program you’re in must be fully focused on preparing you for the national certification test required to become a certified and registered radiologic technologist.
Becoming ARRT certified announces your qualification for rad tech jobs anywhere in the U.S. and prepares you for state licensure. More than 75 percent of U.S. states require certification and a state license before you can work as a radiologic technologist.
How to Be Ready for the AART Exam
1. Do Your Best in All Classes and Labs
You have a history of success in math and science classes, so you might be tempted to gear down your efforts once you’re in a college’s radiologic technology program. Don’t do it – the better A.A.S. in radiologic technology degree programs have accelerated classes, which means the knowledge for ARRT exam success will come at you really fast.
Always stay current with in-class teachings and don’t miss opportunities to practice newly learned imaging techniques using your school’s on-campus demonstration units and full-function equipment suites.
2. Ask about In-School Test Prep
One of the best ways to master how to become a radiologic technologist is to have good communication with the program director and clinical coordinators.
They are experts in the ARRT Content Specifications and can guide you as you prepare for exam day. The content outline for your discipline includes all of the content areas that will be on your exam.
3. Join a Study Group – or Start One
Even when you’re really good at studying in isolation, there are bits of knowledge or technical nuances other students will observe that you may miss. Check your school for student clubs focused on rad tech issues or start one. Most colleges will help you with the details.
4. Student Memberships in Professional Organizations
You’ll also get a deeper understanding of the profession by looking into student memberships in organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT). You’ll gain insights into job skills, best practices, and learn about new imaging technologies.
5. Check Into Supplemental Resources
There’s no such thing as too much practice, so search the web for all kinds of extra information about how to become a radiologic technologist.
Here’s one example, which lets you take free practice tests that are timed, just like the actual ARRT exam sections. You can pause these practices tests to check on an answer, then continue where you left off.
6. Adopt a Life-Learner Attitude
Realize your education continues in this fast-changing profession after you’ve graduated from a radiologic technology program. You will need to renew your certification and registration every year.
Every other year, and at 10 years, you’ll have more CE activities to report to the ARRT. These can include online classes, self-study readings, and lectures presented by professional societies.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist…And Where
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) created its radiologic technology program with insight from employers who know the range of skills and knowledge necessary to be fully successful in a demanding, continually evolving profession. CUKC is a nonprofit, private, university located in the award-winning Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kan.
The CUKC radiologic technology program is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Radiologic Technologydegree – precisely the type of degree you’d expect from a university that specializes in health care degree programs.
Features of the CUKC radiologic technology degree program include:
Request more information about how to become a radiologic technologist at CUKC, or download the new, free ebook, Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist today!
