No one wants to miss out on a promising career opportunity. One of the reasons for not knowing about the explosive growth of imaging technology in healthcare may be the many job titles for those who graduate from “X-ray tech programs” or say they’re getting a radiography degree. That means going to school for two years and becoming a radiologic technologist for most people.
Other names for radiologic technologists include radiographer, rad tech, and X-ray technologist. The jobs area of “radiography degrees” can be confusing. The first thing to realize is that radiologic technologist is not just another name for a radiologic technician. “Technologist” is a much broader category, meaning experience in various imaging technologies and equipment and extensive knowledge of diagnostic imaging principles. They operate the equipment, but they also know how to problem solve when facing challenging imaging scenarios.
A radiologic technologist, unlike a technician, is a widely skilled medical professional who is certified and registered to perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, for physicians to assist with diagnoses of disease or trauma.
Why be interested in an X-ray tech program that results in becoming a radiologic technologist? It’s one of the top-25 healthcare support jobs for 2022, according to the annual jobs report in U.S. News & World Report. The question is, where do you get the straight answers you need about a career that has what you’re looking for? Right here.
Q. Why is this an attractive, long-term profession?
A. It starts with the pace of scientific innovation. Few industries are growing faster than healthcare, and medical imaging is one of the areas that are in big demand. Because of the risks of invasive procedures and surgeries, both physicians and patients are first choosing noninvasive, more precise ways to diagnose medical and health programs.
By getting a radiography degree and becoming a radiologic technologist, you’re on the front lines of where health care is going over the next few decades.
Q. Is it a worthwhile career choice?
A. A radiography degree comes with a good paycheck. The data site Salary.com in 2021 reported that the median salary for all radiologic technologists (X-ray technologists) is between $54,000 and $58,000. Depending on location, starting salaries for “rad techs” are in the $45-$48,000 range. That salary is more than 25% higher than the average for non-specific associate degrees.
Q. What type of two-year associate degree does a “rad tech” get?
A. Whether you think of it as an X-ray tech program or a rad tech program, the two-year degree to have is an associate of applied science degree (A.A.S.) in radiologic technology. Considered the most “hands-on” of all two-year college degrees, the A.A.S. meets requirements for specific skill sets in the workplace. It is designed to make students eligible for industry certifications or professional registrations required by those employers.
Q. How soon can I get started in this career?
A. The focused nature of an A.A.S. in radiologic technology results in you getting the necessary knowledge, skills training, and patient interaction experience in two years.
After graduating with an A.A.S. in radiologic technology, you’ll have a radiography degree that prepares you for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) national certification exam. Employers will expect ARRT certification, which is typically needed for a state-issued license.
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, chiropractic and health sciences university located in Overland Park, Kansas. CUKC offers a two-year Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Radiologic Technology degree.
Attractive features of our radiography degree include:
When you’re ready to become a radiologic technologist in a growing profession, you’re ready to team up with CUKC. Connect with a CUKC advisor today and download this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to Becoming a Radiologic Technologist.
