You’re finally ready to go beyond hoping to make a career move to taking that big step into a career. So far, something in healthcare professions sounds right because the field is expanding so fast. A great route to get where you want to go is to learn more about a two-year radiologic technologist program. The work of a rad tech is fulfilling, and medical imaging salaries in the U.S. reflect the value of the profession today.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is an independent, private, nonprofit chiropractic and health sciences university. This report – part of our ongoing blog series – summarizes reasons to become a radiologic technologist. Ready for one-on-one information? Get connected to our advising team here.
In reviewing the data about radiologic technologists (diagnostic imaging professionals), there are at least five compelling truths for choosing a radiologic technology program.
1. You’re in the Middle of Healthcare Innovation
The need for diagnostic imaging is seen as an essential, accurate step to diagnosis – a preferred alternative to invasive procedures. This high-level of acceptance in the medical community places radiologic technologists in the middle of healthcare innovation.
A continuing stream of new procedures and methods will offer plenty of challenges throughout an imaging professional’s career, which helps explain high medical imaging salaries.
2. You Get to Use All Your Talents
One thing that many radiologic technologists appreciate is how they can use their logical/technical skills at the same time they are getting to interact with people of all ages, cultures, and nationalities.
Yes, setting up equipment, being on a team with nurses and doctors, and positioning patients to obtain the right scans are part of the job description. So are helping patients to feel comfortable with procedures and establishing their trust to follow your instructions.
Are you naturally patient, compassionate, and tech-savvy? These are the extra skills employers seek from those who’ve earned their degree from a comprehensive radiologic technology program.
3. You Control Your Career Direction
When you decide to go into a radiologic technology program, you’re turning to a profession that can take you in many directions.
After entry certification in radiography (R), your world opens up to additional credentialing options, including
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- Magnetic resonance imaging (MR)
- Computed tomography (CT)
- Mammography (M)
- Sonography (S)
- Cardiac Interventional Radiography (CI).
The overall demand for radiologic technologists is expected to increase at least 6% from 2021 through 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Excellent Educational Plan-to-Salary Ratio
A two-year radiologic technologist degree program prepares you for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).
Those who choose the accelerated Associate of Applied Science degree are interacting with patients as early as the second semester. Plus, rad tech graduates can enter the job market in two years – a wise move to reduce tuition costs.
5. Rad Techs are Attaining Personal Satisfaction
Radiologic technologists rank in the top-25 in the 2022 Best Health Care Support Jobs list by U.S. News and World Report. Being ARRT certified via success on the national exam announces your eligibility for rad tech jobs anywhere in the U.S.
Rad tech professionals also scored well for work-life balance and job market flexibility. Of course, the pay is good and no wardrobe issues – it’s scrubs every day of the week.
The Radiologic Technology Program at CUKC
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private health sciences university. Since 1922, we’ve been on a mission to educate and develop leaders in health promotion. We do this through degrees offered through our College of Chiropractic and College of Health Sciences.
Rad tech students at CUKC earn their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree in a two-year format. Students receive hands-on training and gain experience the University’s own radiologic equipment rooms, two demonstration suites, and by clinical experience in partner clinics in the Kansas City area.
Features of the CUKC radiologic technology degree include:
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT)
- Focused, eight-week courses designed for deep understanding
- Evening course schedule
- Experienced radiologic technologists as instructors and program coordinators
- Classroom knowledge combines with in-the-field clinical experiences throughout Kansas City and surrounding region
- Strong employment rate for our graduates
- Prerequisite courses are available in the fall, spring, and summer terms
- Class starts in spring and fall.
Interested in the advantages of our radiologic technology program for your 2-year college degree? Request information today or download this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.