You know the saying, “Some things are too good to be true”? Don’t ask radiologic technologists that question – they love what they do and know they have an essential role in healthcare.
What’s a Radiologic Technologist Do?
Some of the healthcare heroes working behind the scenes are diagnostic imaging professionals – radiologic technologists, often called rad techs. Break an arm, suffer an injury in a car accident, or have severe pain without an apparent cause? Rad techs are the ones performing X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, assisting radiologists in fluoroscopic procedures, and providing C-arm imaging coverage in a hospital’s operating suite.
Even more impressive is how a radiologic technology career requires creativity and individual responsibility. Rad techs assist patients with what to expect and guide them into the specific imaging positions. Thanks to the comprehensive training radiologic technologists have, they can think beyond textbook answers to provide the precise images a doctor needs for a correct medical diagnosis.
It’s a profession that takes people skills and technical competence, and it’s also an active role where you’re challenged every day. In one typical shift, expect to do everything from prepping the equipment to comforting someone in pain or discomfort.
Read what David C. says about his radiologic technology career:
“If you enjoy customer service in a healthcare environment, like the idea of helping people when they are ill and in distress, and you enjoy working with high technology, then this might be for you. It is a pretty well-paying job that’s in high demand.”
Can’t wait to know more about these aspects? Skip down to the “Career Outlook, Salary Expectations” section.
You Can Become a Radiologic Technologist in Two Years
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in radiologic technology is the degree of choice for most rad techs in the diagnostic medical imaging workforce today. It’s a three-part degree in two years: general education and prerequisite classes, completing professional coursework and labs and getting clinical experiences where you practice what you’ve learned.
All in all, it’s a comprehensive, fast-paced education covering
Career Outlook, Salary Expectations
The overall demand for radiologic technologists is expected to increase at least 7% from 2019 through 2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which monitors and updates employment trends.
Why is that? The increasing sophistication of diagnostic imaging is quickly replacing invasive procedures. Plus, as a radiologic technologist certified in radiography, you can expand your career options by adding more imaging certifications.
The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers 15 different certifications, beyond Radiography (R), including:
As you might expect, being “in demand” translates into competitive pay. The salary for newly certified rad techs typically ranges between $45-47,000. Salary.com, which tracks salaries nationwide, reports experienced rad tech pros earn a salary between $51,011 – $55,449.
The CUKC Radiologic Technology Degree
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) — a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university — offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology. This two-year college degree in healthcare uses eight-week courses that allow for deep understanding.
The program’s goal is to prepare students for the national certifying exam as a radiographer. Classroom knowledge combines with hands-on training in the University’s own radiologic equipment rooms and two demonstration suites.
CUKC has a network of partner clinics where rad tech students get clinical experience, and all CUKC instructors have experience working in radiologic technology settings.
Medical diagnostic imaging is a superior career field, and it’s radiologic technologists who are doing this important work. For more information about becoming a radiologic technologist at CUKC, go here and be sure to get this free eBook today: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.
