It’s no secret: the right mix of talent, ambition, and personality traits is a good indication of success in any job. So when healthcare is where you’d like to be and learning to become a radiologic technologist is your goal, wouldn’t it be reassuring to know you really do have what it takes for success in this unique healthcare position?
Q. What personal qualities do successful radiologic technologists have?
A. Radiologic technologists (sometimes referred to as “radiographers,” “X-ray technologists,” or “rad techs”) often have the following characteristics:
- Interested in establishing a rapport with people
- Active listener who’s responsive to patient needs
- Takes responsibility, shows initiative
- Ability to show compassion
- Adaptability to constantly changing imaging scenarios
- Attention to detail, organized
- Physical ability to gently and strategically position patients for imaging
- Technical aptitude to use and adjust imaging equipment.
Q. What kind of role do radiologic technologists have in a medical environment?
A. A radiologic technologist is a medical professional certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays. Physicians use images to assist in the diagnosis of a disease or trauma. Imaging is increasingly replacing the need for exploratory surgeries or other invasive procedures.
More than half of all radiologic technologists work in hospitals, while others work in diagnostic clinics, physician group practices, mobile imaging facilities, and surgery centers.
Q. Do I interact with patients?
A. Absolutely. In fact, the ability to create a trusted relationship with people of all ages and backgrounds is a big part of the job. Patients coming in for imaging will have different body sizes, conditions, or limitations, and some may have a disability.
Because accurate imaging is critical for the physician to make a diagnosis, it’s necessary to get patients comfortable with the equipment, help them understand the imaging goal, and geir cooperation for the best-possible imaging results.
Q. Do I need to have a math and science background?
A. Having some previous success in basic science and math courses is a good start. Still, more significant is your drive to succeed and your interest in mastering the skills and knowledge needed to become a radiologic technologist.
If you’re motivated to gain full knowledge of the human body, its systems, and its processes, you’re the teachable kind of person a solid radiologic technology program wants. (Read more about Radiologic Technology coursework in this blog.)
Q. What kind of degree do I earn?
A. It’s an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology that can be completed in two years. The “applied” part of the degree signals to employers that you’ve received all the skills, knowledge, and clinical experiences to immediately enter the workforce as a radiologic technologist.
Accredited radiologic technology programs prepare students for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) Radiography Examination to become registered and certified radiologic technologists.
Q. Does this job have career growth opportunities?
A. Yes. In fact, innovation in imaging is translating into double-digit growth for the profession. After you’ve become a radiologic technologist who is registered and certified, you can earn additional certifications that cover other areas, including:
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Mammography
- Sonography.
The pay range for rad techs also is attractive. A 2022 US News report says those who become radiologic technologists are getting into one of the top 25 healthcare support jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary is above $58,000 per year; the representative starting salary range for radiologic technology program graduates is $45-$48,000 per year.
The CUKC Radiologic Technology Program
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro area. CUKC has been educating and developing leaders who promote health for more than 100 years – first through our College of Chiropractic and later through our College of Health Sciences.
CUKC students can complete all the coursework and clinical experiences for an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree in as little as two years. The A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology degree program at CUKC requires a total of 75 credit hours.
Advantages of the CUKC radiologic technology program:
- Program accreditation by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Focused, eight-week evening courses that deliver a deep understanding
- Hands-on training in on-campus radiologic equipment rooms and demonstration suites
- Real-world experience at imaging centers and clinics in and around Kansas City
- Classes for our radiologic technology program beginning in the spring and fall.
Eager to learn more? Download this free eBook about the profession: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.