If you’re considering a career in radiologic technology, it’s logical to ask about the personal and professional benefits. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists have a median salary of $57,450 per year. New graduates with a radiologic technology degree earn an average salary from $43,827 to $48,000. In high-need areas of the U.S., new grad salaries can be 20-25% higher.
The second thing many want to be assured of is that going to radiologic technology school can lead them to a rewarding career, both personally and professionally.
Radiologic technologists – often known as radiographers, X-ray technologists, or rad techs – are medical imaging professionals who are vitally important to a physician’s team. Their expertise in operating various imaging technologies assists doctors in diagnosing disease or trauma by providing insight into the human body without invading it.
The importance of radiologic technologists is reflected in the annual US News & World Report survey. Since 2017, the rad tech profession has been in the top-25 healthcare support jobs.
Some careers start out promising but fade away because of new findings or procedures. That’s not true for a radiologic technology career. The field of diagnostic medical imaging continues to expand. The demand for radiologic technologists will increase at least 9% through 2030.
Beyond their regular imaging duties, those with a rad tech degree who serve in a hospital ER or urgent care center might be among the first healthcare team member a patient encounters. For the best possible patient outcomes, employers expect their rad techs to have high-level patient interaction skills.
Another role for rad techs is patient safety. For instance, a rad tech may recognize that a physician has requested an imaging exam that duplicates one already in the patient’s health records.
If working with technology and people fits your way of thinking, it may be time to start exploring radiologic technology schools.
Most rad tech-minded students choose a 2-year program offering the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. The applied science degree is designed to meet employer expectations, as most courses teach rad tech skills and knowledge. Students progress when they demonstrate specific competencies.
Who’s a good candidate for radiologic technology school? Probably you, if you have these personal qualities:
In 2021, radiologic technologists represented more than 212,100 healthcare professionals. Yes, everyone’s aware that rad techs work in hospital imaging units and emergency rooms. However, rad techs also work in a wide variety of healthcare environments.
Here’s a breakout of where those with radiologic technology degrees work:
Hospitals/Hospital systems 60%
Offices of physicians 19%
Outpatient care centers 7%
Medical and diagnostic laboratories 7%
Federal government
(agencies/organizations) 3%
In summary, you’ll likely discover that the rad tech life offers the best of both worlds. One, you’re on a team working toward better healthcare results for patients, young and old. Two, you’re on your way to a career with a competitive salary and a bright future.
You can get more details about earning a rad tech degree in this blog.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro.
CUKC students complete their radiologic technology degree in as little as two years through our year-round program. They earn an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology.
Our degree program delivers the educational requirements necessary to apply for national certification and registration.
Features of the CUKC program include:
There’s a lot to learn and a lot to love about earning a radiologic technology degree, so start gathering the facts now. Click here to connect with an admissions advisor, and then get this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.
