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?
A. Radiologic technologists (sometimes referred to as “radiographers,” “X-ray technologists,” or “rad techs”) often have the following characteristics:
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.
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.
A. Having some previous success in basic science and math courses is a good t. 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.)
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.
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:
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.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City Metro. CUKC has been pioneering health education for nearly 100 years.
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:
Eager to learn more? Download this free ebook about the profession: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.
