UPDATED APRIL 27, 2020
There’s a personal satisfaction when you finally establish a career path that’s right for you. And after researching healthcare careers, you’ve determined that becoming a radiologic technologist (rad tech), is a great way to help others. However, to achieve the success you deserve, you must be well prepared.
You will need the proper education to become a competent rad tech, but if you’re passionate about a career in radiography, you can begin learning before you even start a radiologic technologist school. Try to research radiography as much as possible before you start your formal education because it may help you achieve success in your radiologic technologist program.
There are plenty of resources available to help you better understand the basics of the profession, its impact on healthcare, and why it might be right for you. There’s a good chance that you’ll discover something that will fuel your rad tech fire!
1. Do It By the Book
To focus on your personal goals, you must feed your mind knowledge about the career path you are preparing to take. An internet search reveals numerous books about the profession that will keep you energized about radiologic technologist school. It’s helpful to know the history of a profession to understand it thoroughly. And a good place to start with rad tech is, The Shadowmakers: A History of Radiologic Technology. The book chronicles the stories of pioneers in the radiologic sciences who made a lasting mark through their research and leadership.
You can purchase the book from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), a professional society for the medical imaging and radiation therapy community. Not only will the text enlighten you, but it will also put you a step ahead of your classmates when you begin your radiologic technologist program.
2. Online Communities
Technology has made it easier than ever before to improve your knowledge about careers like rad tech, including the use of online communities. A quick internet search will yield information about all aspects of the profession, and for those seeking something beyond books, there are podcasts available at Stitcher and Podfanatic that offer additional details about the radiologic technology and diagnostic imaging.
Similarly, a search for “radiography” on YouTube yields huge amounts of content that may be of interest to those preparing for radiologic technologist school.
However, one thing to remember is that unless a credentialed instructor from a radiologic technologist program is presenting the content, you can’t be sure that best practices for the profession are being followed. As such, these online presentations and podcasts should be used simply to gain more exposure to the profession and not necessarily as a learning experience. That will come when you begin classes at your radiologic technologist school.
3. Enter a Mentorship
Having a mentor to confide in is also beneficial. If you don’t know someone who is a radiologic technologist, seek one out at your local hospital, imaging center, or perhaps an instructor in a radiologic technologist program. The healthcare community is a welcoming group that is often willing to help those who have an interest in sharing their service to others.
Someone who is already a rad tech can offer you inside knowledge about the profession that no textbook can deliver. Seek their guidance and inquire about why they chose radiography, and why it was right for them. You may find a mentor with whom you share some of the same thoughts and career desires.
4. Professional Societies
As a rad tech student, you can become a member of the ASRT for just $35 per year. You may question why you would join a professional society before graduating from a radiologic technologist school. The reason is that the ASRT can provide a wealth of valuable information while you are earning your degree.
Student membership in ASRT can offer you a host of resources including study tools, digital publications, leadership and advocacy, and financial assistance. Whether help with exam preparation or discounts on items you need for your degree, the ASRT can help. Visit the ASRT website to keep your passion about rad tech burning while you prepare for school, and use it as a resource after you start!
Learn More About Radiologic Technology at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)
As excited as you are to make your career in healthcare a reality, you may still have additional questions, and Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) has the answers. A solid, one-stop reference guide might be just what you need, and a great place to start is with the free eBook, Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist. This comprehensive, guide was prepared especially for those who want to pursue a radiologic technologist program. It will answer many of the lingering questions you may have about the profession.
If you need more insight, the Office of Admissions at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) can make sure that you prepare for this exciting next step in your life. When you join the student body at CUKC, you become part of a team that has chosen to be the difference in healthcare.
As a private, nonprofit, university in Overland Park, Kansas, CUKC has been educating healthcare professionals for nearly 100 years. To learn more, request additional information today or download the free ebook!
