Interested in a well-paid healthcare career? Want to be a part of the diagnostic medical imaging workforce? Certified radiologic technologists say they like getting into the job market after two years of school (A.A.S. degree) instead of the traditional four (B.S. degree). Naturally, you like the idea of a career in medical diagnostic imaging because it’s one that’s perfectly aligned with the future of healthcare. Still, what is a “radiologic technologist,” and what is it like to be in a radiologic technology program?
Think of being a radiologic technologist as having the best of both worlds: you’re highly involved with people every day, yet you’re a highly trained professional who’s responsible for operating innovative medical technology.
Other essential success factors are a desire to achieve and a love for interacting with people.
Starting salaries for new radiologic technologists range from $45,000 to $47,000 in the Midwest. Gaining experience and certifications in other areas, such as computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), also tend to increase salary potential.
The national median wage for radiologic technologists working today is $58,520. In the annual occupational survey of U.S. News & World Report, rad techs are in the top 20 of healthcare support jobs. The profession is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030.
Significant foundational courses for a student in rad tech include positioning patients for the imaging results desired by the physician, equipment operation, including stationary and portable X-ray, and C-Arm technology, and imaging analysis.
However, once students master that knowledge, their clinical and patient-care education can begin.
After you’ve exhibited the necessary competencies, students can advance to supervised assignments in clinical settings. Clinical site assignments may occur concurrently with your classroom and lab hours.
As a rad tech, you’re part of the patient’s healthcare team. Rad techs must:
Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university located in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Kansas City Metro. CUKC has been pioneering health sciences education for nearly 100 years.
Rad tech students at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) complete their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology. In our radiologic technology program, focused eight-week evening courses deliver deep understanding.
Our program features:
New classes at CUKC start in the spring and fall of each year. Find out more today by contacting Admissions. You can also download a free eBook about the profession: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.