Radiologic Technology Program: How to be Ready for the Degree

You’ve begun preparing for a healthcare support career, and you now find yourself heading toward a two-year radiologic technology program. Congratulations! You like what a radiologic technologist does, so you know the Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will take you where you want to go in life. It’s natural to begin thinking about how to be successful in the pursuit of a radiologic technology (rad tech) degree.

How to Succeed in Your Radiologic Technology Program

1. Pay Attention to Application Details

Because you’re entering the world of healthcare, there’s much to do, and there are few shortcuts. Your radiologic technology program will provide an application packet with everything you need to do, and a student handbook to guide you along the way.

Make sure you follow all instructions and timelines precisely. A missed deadline or wrong information can prevent you from starting the degree program when you want. Some “must haves” for entering a radiologic technology program include:

• Background check
• Physical exam
• Immunizations
• Submitting a comprehensive health report
• CPR certification.

2. When You’re In, the Hard Work Begins

A simple reminder of radiologic technology program instructors is to be ready for the amount of time needed for classwork and mastering procedures and techniques in the lab.

In fact, think of a radiologic technology program like a mini-medical school. Yes, the program is tough, but the hard work will ensure you meet national and state standards. Your radiologic technology program will get you ready for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologist exam necessary to become certified and registered as a radiographer. Your radiologic technology program should also prepare you to get your state license.

3. Patient Interaction Abilities Give You an Advantage

Patient care interaction skills are essential. You will need the patients to cooperate with you as you physically position them for diagnostic imaging, like x-rays. Your care and concern show up in patient satisfaction reports, and non-technical skills are part employee reviews.

Be prepared for new and varied techniques involving

• How to explain imaging procedures to patients of any age
• Using listening skills to build trust
• Showing compassion and concern during the imaging process
• Ability to problem-solve by yourself and as part of a healthcare team.

4. Student Services: Help is Available

Acceptance into a radiologic technology program is quite an achievement, and the most successful graduates took advantage of their school’s student services and on-campus resources. You don’t want to get behind, so make sure you know how to tap into services like these before you need them.

• How to find or organize a study group
• Discounts on computer/software purchases
• Tutoring and test-taking strategies assistance
• On-site health center and wellness programs
• Library resources
• On-site dining options
• Confidential personal counseling.

Choosing a Radiologic Technology Program: 2 Years to a Career

You know a rad tech career is right for you. You may want to let a friend, neighbor, or relative know about this top-25 healthcare support career too. You could be helping someone you know be who they want to be!

Here’s what you can tell them about the rad tech degree:

1. According to a 2018 career report by U.S. News, radiologic technologists (rad techs) are in the top 25 of health care support roles.
2. Most radiologic technologists want to work directly in patient care, so they choose the two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree plan. The applied aspect of this degree means most of your time in college is spent getting the skills and knowledge that apply directly to meeting job duties.

About the Radiologic Technology Program at Cleveland University-Kansas City

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) offers an accelerated, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology. CUKC is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university in the award-winning Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas.

The CUKC radiologic technology program can be completed in as little as two years. CUKC program graduates meet the educational requirements for certification in radiography and take the national exam to become a registered and certified radiologic technologist.

The CUKC Radiologic Technology Program offers:

• Focused, eight-week, evening courses designed for deep understanding
• Experienced radiologic technologists as instructors and program coordinators
• Hands-on training in the University’s on-campus radiologic equipment rooms and demonstration suites
• Classroom knowledge combined with in-the-field experiences throughout the Kansas City area.

Go here to connect with an advisor, and learn more about the vital role of radiologic technologists in this new, free ebook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.