Some career programs seem like they take forever to complete. Others are in the healthcare field you like, but don’t have a career upside or don’t pay enough. Well, why not learn how to become a radiologic technologist? It’s two years to an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) college degree, has a high growth outlook, and pays more than twice as much as some healthcare support positions.
Here are three of the top reasons to become a radiologic technologist:
Those who’ve chosen the rad tech life love the role they play in one of the most exciting aspects of health care today: medical imaging. To become a radiologic technologist is to become a medical professional who is certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations. Know someone who’s had a CT or MRI? It’s the job of the radiologic technologist to capture the precise images needed for diagnosis and treatment.
Radiologic technologists are helping transform health by using safe, proven, imaging technologies instead of invasive procedures and out-of-date techniques.
Learn how to become a radiologic technologist, and the full variety of daily activities is quite impressive:
One of the most attractive aspects of learning how to become a radiologic technologist is that it combines two distinct abilities – the capacity to interact well with people and understanding how to operate some of the most advanced equipment being used in health care today.
It’s not a surprise that successful rad techs feel as comfortable working on computers and other technology while also being energized by helping others achieve better health.
The first step in how to become a radiologic technologist is to get the highest grades you can in what is called “general education” requirements. General education courses, also known as prerequisites, include classes like communications theory, English composition, Algebra, and anatomy.
Successful completion of the prerequisites helps to form the foundation for professional rad tech coursework to come. Once the prerequisite courses are complete, and you are accepted into the rad tech program, you begin basic and advanced courses in digital imaging, procedures, patient care, and clinical education. In the right rad tech program, you could have your Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in as little as two years.
The imaging field is expanding rapidly. Employers need certified and registered radiologic technologists in hospitals, medical clinics, in group physician practices, mobile imaging facilities, and surgery centers. Once in the workforce, there are opportunities to specialize in areas such as CT (computed tomography), nuclear medicine, mammography, and cardiac-interventional radiography.
Of course, learning how to become a radiologic technologist also means working with other medical professionals in a healthcare facility. So, add to that a career growth of at least 7% through 2031 and a median salary above from $54-$60,000, and the question turns from “why would I become a rad tech?” to “why wouldn’t I?”
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro. CUKC offers an accelerated, two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Radiologic Technology degree. Our advantages include:
When you’re ready to become a radiologic technologist, team up with CUKC. Why wait? Get your free eBook about the radiologic technology profession today!
