Your Radiologic Technology Degree Makes for a Great Career

There’s no secret to what makes a great career. You look for an in-demand profession that’s personally and professionally rewarding and fits the way you want to work. Sound too good to be true? It’s not. The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Radiologic Technology degree delivers all those benefits, plus it’s a two-year college degree for faster entry into the diagnostic imaging workforce.

Healthcare + Technology Make an Exceptional Combination

Those who choose to earn a radiologic technology degree will find themselves at the intersection of a rapidly expanding healthcare sector and the increasing reliance on medical diagnostic technology.

Statistics back that up. Employment in healthcare occupations is expected to grow 14% through 2028. That’s about double the average for all other occupations. Meanwhile, diagnostic imaging is fast replacing invasive procedures. It’s safer and results in earlier, more accurate diagnoses of medical conditions.

One imaging consulting group that represents more than 100 board-certified radiologists puts it like this: “Early detection using safe and effective medical imaging has given patients and doctors the opportunity to begin the fight for health earlier than any other time in history.”

Responsibilities Cover “High-tech” and “High-touch” Aspects

Radiologic technologists – rad techs – are the healthcare team’s experts in the safe and effective use of portable and stationary X-ray equipment, C-ARM machines, and other imaging procedures.

A day in the life of a radiologic technologist demands a full range of abilities covering both “high tech” and “high touch” areas. Working with sophisticated equipment is exciting, and they love interacting directly with patients.

Here’s a look at the range of duties you’ll perform:

• Understand and follow instructions from physicians for imaging the desired area of the body
• Before an imaging procedure, explain what the patient will feel and see and answer questions to lower anxiety about imaging – often, an unfamiliar experience.
• Correctly position the patient and adjust the imaging equipment to the specified position.
• Monitor radiation exposure for the safety of the patient and members of the healthcare team
• Ensures correct techniques and procedures are followed
• Review and update patient records
• Maintain radiology supplies inventory
• Maintain a safe and clean working environment.

Rad Techs Find Their Role in Healthcare is Exciting and Rewarding

As you can imagine, every day is a bit different. That’s what radiologic technologists say they like about this career.

Here’s a quote from Anne, a certified radiographer working in a hospital’s trauma department. “You are required to be at many places at once,” she says. “While you’re on the floors working on completing portable exams, you are watching the clock for your surgery case that is to start in 10 minutes. 

Ashley is a radiologic technologist with certifications in radiography (R) and mammography (M). She says this about her profession: “You will always be needed. No robot can replace our job. Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes; therefore, not every patient is positioned the same.”

After the Radiologic Technology Degree, Many Work Settings and Good Pay

Many rad tech students appreciate the employment possibilities after completing the two-year A.A.S. in Radiologic Technology program.

The breakout of work settings looks like this, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• More than 59% of rad techs work for hospitals and hospital systems
• 20% are staff members in physician offices
• 8% work in medical or diagnostic laboratories
• 6% work in outpatient care centers
• 3% have positions within federal and state governments.

A Competitive Salary with This Two-year Degree

A rad tech’s salary will vary according to certifications achieved and the demand for their services in different areas of the U.S.

In the Midwest, for example, a newly graduated rad tech can anticipate a salary between $43,827 and $47,000. A search on Salary.com shows the pay for experienced rad techs can be $59,000 or more.

The Radiologic Technology Degree at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) — a nonprofit, private, healthcare-focused university — offers an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S. degree) in Radiologic Technology. Our two-year degree format uses eight-week courses that promote deep understanding, and its success is reflected in our program’s employment success rate.

The program’s goal is to prepare students for the national certifying exam as a radiographer. Classroom knowledge combines with hands-on training in the University’s on-campus radiologic equipment rooms and two demonstration suites. In addition to technology-focused skills, students receive ongoing instruction in the soft skills employers are expecting.

All CUKC instructors have experience working as radiologic technologists and are excellent at teaching students what they know. CUKC has a network of partner clinics in the Kansas City region where rad tech students who meet specific competencies can apply what they’ve learned.

For more information about the CUKC radiologic technology degree and the profession, get this free eBook today: Your Complete Guide to a Career as a Radiologic Technologist.