It may not be the first healthcare profession that comes to mind. Still, it may be time to find out why being a radiologic technologist in today’s healthcare is personally satisfying and professionally rewarding.
Consider these four fascinating facts:
If you’ve explored the medical imaging profession, you already know it’s a healthcare support field with a bright future and can lead in many different career directions.
In becoming a radiologic technologist, you’re entering a 2021 top-15 health care support job, according to U.S. News and World Report. It’s been in the top-20 rankings since 2018.
A survey by the national American Society of Radiologic Technologists shows more than 50% of those interested in becoming radiologic technologists choose the two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S) in Radiologic Technology.
Every rad tech student will have their reasons for the two-year A.A.S. degree, but it generally comes down to a desire to be proficient in an in-demand set of skills and to get into the workforce as soon as possible.
According to a Center on Education and the Workforce survey, associate degree graduates earn on average around $400,000 more over their career than those with only a high school diploma.
The A.A.S. degree is an integrated two-year degree program that includes the prerequisite and general education courses, professional radiologic technology courses, and labs where students gain competencies they’ll use in the workforce.
Hands-on experiences can begin as early as the third term in many programs. When students demonstrate specific competencies, they can be assigned real-world clinical experiences that increase proficiency in applying what they’ve learned.
Abby L. became a radiologic technologist (radiographer) in 2020.
In reviewing her road to becoming a radiologic technologist, 2020 rad tech grad Abigail L. said she found the career appealing because it offers something new every day.
As a rad tech, she likes the idea of encountering a variety of patient situations, from sickness to trauma, every time she clocks in for work. It’s always challenging, too. She likes the idea of having a wide variety of job responsibilities, including
“It’s kind of like an art, in a way,” Loudon says. “Every patient’s body habitus – their build – and medical condition are different. For the same exam, you may have to position the patient differently.”
To boost your chances of becoming a radiologic technologist, experts offer these tips:
You’ve heard the saying “keep the end in mind,” right? Well, remember the key to becoming a radiologic technologist and finding employment is completing the national competency exam. That goal should be at the center of any rad tech program you explore.
There’s also great value in radiologic technology programs at universities with a health sciences emphasis. Typically, these programs are well funded and have excellent on-campus lab and technology resources.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City metro.
The journey toward becoming a radiologic technologist can happen for you at CUKC. Our A.A.S. degree in Radiologic Technology program was designed with the guidance of imaging center professionals.
Instructors have real-life experience doing the imaging work they are teaching. By achieving specific competencies, you can be involved in patient care as early as the third term.
The CUKC program takes students on the radiography primary pathway to becoming radiologic technologists. Our program places an equal emphasis on patient interaction skills – the soft skills needed today – and technical competency.
Our radiologic technology school also features:
For more details on becoming a radiologic technologist, contact an advisor and get the free eBook, Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist!
