Is a Radiologic Technologist Education Right for You?

When you’re always thinking about helping those who’re hurting or want to find an answer to a medical problem, you’re the kind of person who could be a healthcare professional. A radiologic technologist education is a good way to get there because a radiologic technologist salary is as impressive as the work they do.

The Rad Tech Degree and Salary Outlook

Radiologic Technologists (rad techs) will be quick to say they don’t choose a medical imaging career for the salary. No, rad techs are first drawn to the career because of three key job aspects:

• They like interacting with people
• They find working with technology fulfilling
• They love contributing their expertise to a healthcare team.

That said, it’s a bonus that going for a radiologic technologist education translates into a higher salary. A radiologic technologist salary averages $55,449, according to Salary.com. In areas where rad techs are needed most – such as Alaska, Hawaii, and Massachusetts, salaries can be as much as 25% more.

Based on job satisfaction, job outlook, salary, and the time needed for the degree, and salary, radiologic technologists were #27 in the  2019 U.S. News and World Report rankings for Best Health Care Support Jobs. The career site owlguru.com gives this occupation an overall “A” rating.

Salary, Respect, Prestige in 2 Years

The value behind the radiologic technologist salary really comes into focus because it’s a two-year college degree, not four. Instead, it’s an accelerated Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program. More than 63% of rad techs choose to earn this degree, according to owlguru.com.

The two-year A.A.S. degree in radiologic technology has coursework and labs set up to deliver all the knowledge and skills a medical imaging professional must have over their lifetime. Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the human body is essential, of course. At the same time, rad techs must have the ability to comfort and educate the patient about imaging procedures and work effectively with radiologists and other physicians.

There is much to discover and know about becoming a rad tech. This “9 Reasons” blog about the rad tech life might also give you the insight you’re looking for.

Radiologic Technologist Education at CUKC

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas. Rad tech students at CUKC earn their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree in a two-year format.

Other features of the CUKC program:

• The program has shorter, eight-week courses to deliver in-depth understanding.
• Students receive hands-on training and gain experience in the University’s own radiologic equipment rooms and two demonstration suites.
• Clinical experiences are arranged in our network of partner clinics throughout the Kansas City metro area and its surrounding communities.
• Two class starts each year: spring and fall.

Students who complete all required prerequisite coursework at CUKC will receive guaranteed admission to the radiologic technology degree program. All other criteria for program and University admission must be satisfactory.

Information about the radiologic technologist salary and career prospects are waiting for you. All you have to do is download this new, free ebook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.