When You Love Helping People, Become a Radiologic Technologist 

It isn’t easy to pin down the single-best reason someone chooses to become a radiologic technologist. Is it because they like using high-end technology? Is it how fast the profession is growing – now in the top 25 of healthcare support jobs? Or, is it like radiologic technology degree student Brenda B. says: “I wanted to pursue a new career in the medical field that was people-oriented and patient care focused.”

Ready to Love What You Do?

Some healthcare support professions force students to be tech-minded; others end up putting people in an office setting doing the same routine every day. When you become a radiologic technologist – a rad tech – it’s fast-paced and fulfilling. There’s no worry about finding yourself in a one-dimensional role.

As Brenda happily found out, the world of diagnostic medical imaging offers a job that challenges her active listening, planning, and critical thinking skills every day. Now that she’s about to become a radiologic technologist, Brenda knows she’ll be in charge of imaging procedures and delivering high-level patient care and comfort daily.

What’s that “care and comfort” look like as a rad tech?

• Imagine a patient with traumatic injuries coming into the imaging department. Thanks to an emphasis on patient care techniques throughout her two-year education, Brenda will know how to present a calming presence.

• Imagine a child in severe pain who views imaging equipment as way more scary than helpful. Brenda will know how to recognize fear on a patient’s face and begin establishing a trusting, encouraging relationship before step one of an imaging procedure.

• Imagine a patient whose limited range of motion is interfering with the physician’s imaging instructions from being carried out. Because Brenda’s training includes trauma scenarios, she will know the best way to position the patient with minimal discomfort.

A Comprehensive, 2-year Degree Program

Being skilled in technology and patient care aspects didn’t present an easy path, Brenda says, but she learned to appreciate the comprehensive format of her Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree program. You can check out Brenda’s class schedule here.

“The clinical rotations are rigorous, so you have to allow yourself to be open to coaching, feedback, and constructive criticism,” Brenda says. “All these things helped me to improve and succeed in my skills. I understand the ‘why’ behind every facet of my education now and how the book studies complement the clinical experience.”

Yes, You Have the Talent to Become a Radiologic Technologist

One more thing Brenda would say to those thinking about the rad tech profession is to dive in with full confidence in your ability to succeed, especially when the job fits what you want to do.

Brenda knew she could make a difference in people’s lives as a rad tech, despite having a mostly arts and science background in college. “I knew that meant hard work, and I would reap the benefits,” Brenda says.

So, do you have what it takes to make a move into today’s healthcare environment? The career advising site owlguru.com lists six traits common among radiologic technologists:

• You’re interested in the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and conditions
• You prefer to work one-on-one with people, especially in communication and teaching roles
• You love the feeling that comes with providing a service to others
• You have strong attention to detail
• You are organized and like to take responsibility
• You take pride in being part of a team.

Become a Radiologic Technologist at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university offering an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology. Our degree is an evening-based program that students often complete in as little as two years.

Imaging center professionals helped guide the CUKC program design, and our instructors have real-life experience doing the imaging work they’re teaching. As our students gain competencies, they receive clinical experience in various healthcare facilities.

Here are four more reasons to become a radiologic technologist at CUKC:

• On-site radiologic technology equipment rooms, including two demonstration suites
• Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized instruction
• Patient care concepts are threaded throughout the entire program
• The CUKC program meets the educational requirements for certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Graduates are eligible to apply for certification and registration with the ARRT.

Classes for the A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology begin in the spring and fall. Ready to become a radiologic technologist? Begin by requesting more details here and download this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.