Why You’ll Want to Be in a 2-Year Radiologic Technology Program 

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?

Yes, You Can Be a Radiologic Technologist

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.

A 2-year Rad Tech Degree Has Competitive Pay

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.

What a 2-year Rad Tech Education Covers

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.

Here’s What You’ll Do

As a rad tech, you’re part of the patient’s healthcare team. Rad techs must:

• Operate various imaging equipment
• Know how to help people feel comfortable with what to expect before, during, and after the imaging session
• Learn patient positioning techniques
• Monitor the safety of patients and the healthcare team during the imaging procedures
• Evaluate the quality of the images obtained and determine if additional views are required.

Expectations for Your Radiologic Technology Program

• An effective radiologic technology program will integrate patient care principles and techniques with the coursework.
• Guided, “hands-on” time is crucial, so expect plentiful access to radiologic equipment rooms that use the same technologies rad techs in the workforce use.
• Students should gain proficiency with imaging equipment in routine exams and trauma scenarios.
• The radiologic technology program has developed an affiliated network of clinical sites to give you appropriate work experience before graduation.

Discover the 2-Year Radiologic Technology Program at CUKC

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:

• On-campus radiologic technology equipment rooms and demonstration suites
• Class sizes are limited to ensure personalized instruction
• Patient care education begins as early as the third term
• Emphasis on learning the soft skills desired by today’s employers
• Instruction in various imaging technologies: stationary and portable X-ray, fluoroscopy, and C-arm equipment.

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.