You will find three main types of radiologic technologist education programs as you explore your desire to enter this growing allied health care career. Taking the time to understand your options now is a smart choice.
Not all options meet the radiologic technologist education requirements needed to become licensed and certified, and some options could delay your entry to the workforce, costing you time and money.
Before we explore the rad tech education options and requirements, let’s review what rad techs do.
What Rad Techs Do
A radiologic technologist, unlike a technician, is a medical professional who is certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, for physicians to assist in the diagnosis of a disease or trauma. The diagnostic images radiologic technologists capture offer a glimpse inside the body without requiring invasive surgery.
Radiologic technologists must be confident in their imaging skills, and able to relate to patients and put them at ease. In doing so, rad techs provide clear, accurate images that doctors use to save lives.
Now that we have a shared understanding of what rad techs do let’s explore the education requirements to become one.
Education Options and Requirements
When you’re looking at radiologic technology programs, you’ll likely come across certificate programs, 2-year degree programs, and 4-year degree programs.
It’s worth noting that a rad tech program is not one that lends itself well to being completely online. While radiologic technology clearly involves working with technology, it’s very much a people-person job and radiologic technologist education requirements includes hands-on experience.
Here are the three most common rad tech programs you’re likely to encounter.
Regardless of which option you choose, once you have completed your radiologic technologist education requirements and have become certified and licensed, you’ll be part of an in-demand career which has those with experience often earning an annual salary of more than $60,000, according to the 2019 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Because rad techs can enter their career with either a two-year A.A.S. degree or a four-year B.S. degree, many people choose the A.A.S. degree for the opportunity to enter the workforce two years ahead of those in the B.S. degree program.
Admissions and Program Requirements
When exploring your radiologic technology education options, you will want to take time to learn about the admissions requirements to enter the school and program you’ve selected. If you are choosing an A.A.S. or B.S. in Radiologic Technology degree, you will need to complete general education prerequisite coursework before you can apply to the professional radiologic technology program.
It’s a good idea to connect with an admissions advisor from each of the programs you’re exploring. Your admissions advisor can help you navigate the processes with ease, so make sure you connect with an advisor early to save yourself time and energy.
CUKC Radiologic Technologist Education Requirements
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.
Rad tech students at Cleveland University-Kansas City complete their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree in as little as two years.
In the CUKC radiologic technology program, focused eight-week evening courses deliver deep understanding. Students receive hands-on training and gain experience the University’s own radiologic equipment rooms, two demonstration suites, and by clinical experiences at imaging centers in the Kansas City area.
For information about radiologic technologist education requirements at CUKC, connect with an advisor. These program experts can answer your questions and will work with you to evaluate and transfer your prior prerequisite coursework. Ask your advisor about eligibility requirements for guaranteed admission too.
You can also download a free ebook about the profession: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist. Do it today!
