How to become a Radiology Technician
Employment opportunities for radiology technicians are expected to increase by 17% between the years 2008 and 2018. A radiology technician earns around $52,000 a year. What this data reveals is that future employment opportunities for radiologist technicians will be available for individuals who desire to start a career within this particular field. Some people might wonder about how to become a radiology technician and the information that is provided here will help them with this process.
Radiology technicians produce X-rays for diagnosing medical problems. They also perform other diagnostic imaging services such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging and mammography. They also are responsible for operating and maintaining equipment related to their field, keeping patient’s records and they must be mindful about regulations pertaining to the safe use of radiation.
Before any person can gain employment as a radiology technician they first must complete a certified training program and they also must possess a license and/or certification in order to practice their trade. Licensing and certification is an important part of this field because of the national and state laws pertaining to the use of radiation. Since radiologist technicians are using radiation to diagnose patients they might have to be certified as proof that they have the knowledge and skill to perform this process. Radiologist technicians also possess a license to prove that they are competent enough to properly handle and dispose of radiation and radioactive substances.
Schooling or some form of formal training is necessary for individuals who want to learn how to become a radiology technician. Training can be completed in many different ways such as attending a technical school that offers this type of program, attending a 2-year or 4-year college level program that offers this type of instruction or from on-the-job training at a hospital or medical facility. Most people who work in this field completed a 2-year training program.
There are over 600 different radiologic technology programs within the United States and many of them are accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. This organization provides accreditation for 213 technical, 397 associate degree and 35 bachelor degree programs. Accreditation is not mandatory but it is does validate that a student is learning current industry standards, practices and methods for radiologic technology. People who plan on entering this field should contact the organization where they will receive their instruction in order to determine if it is an accredited institution.
Many programs that offer certificates upon completion usually last between 21-24 months. Technical schools typically offer certificate programs and they offer students both classroom and clinical instruction. Technical schools typically focus on courses that are directly related to radiology technology.
Associates programs average 24 to 36 months and they require students to take core classes as a part of their workload. These classes are required by all students and some of them might not be related to the type of work that a radiology technician performs. Once students complete this program they will receive an associates degree.
Bachelor programs for radiologic technology are usually taken by individuals that want to advance quickly within this field. Supervisory or administrative positions typically require a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s programs can last 4 or 5 years.
Courses for this type of program consist of anatomy, biology and chemistry. Students will also learn about sonography, MRI and public speaking since communicating with various medical professionals and patients is vital part of this career. The most important instruction that students will receive pertains to the proper use and handling of radiation, equipment and radioactive material. Accredited institutions will train students about the proper procedures and protocols for managing this type of material.
All programs usually offer classroom instruction and practical experience within a clinical setting. Programs that offer both of these types of instructions are usually preferred over training courses that only offers one type of instruction. Practical experience is a necessary component of learning since it allows trainees to put into practice what they are learning in the classrooms.
Some professionals who already work within the medical field can also train to become a radiology technician while on the job. They can receive on-the-job training from qualified radiologists. This type of training doesn’t necessarily involve school and a medical professional can still earn a salary while they learn this new skill. Training that takes place in this manner usually last about a year since many medical professionals already have a basic understanding about medical related knowledge and practices.
Once a training program is completed trainees should be prepared to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (AART) exam. This exam is used for certification and licensing within many states. Certification is given by professional organizations (such as the AART) to prove a person has completed an accredited program. Licensing is granted to individuals in order for them to practice their profession within a given state. Each state has a different set of standards for licensing but many do require certification.
Here is a list of practical steps that person can take in order to become a certified and licensed radiology technician.
• First, if an individual decides on this type of career during high school they should take classes such as anatomy, physiology and math.
• All individuals who are interested within this field should try and arrange a visitation with some people who actually make their living from performing this type of work. Meeting professionals who are already involved within this field will give them first hand knowledge about the tasks and job duties of a radiology technician.
• The next step is to choose an accredited institution to receive instruction. It is strongly recommended that people only select accredited institutions for training. This way they will be able to complete their training and be eligible for certification and licensing if a particular state requires this type of documentation. Medical professionals can usually talk to department heads or supervisors to see if they are able to receive on-the-job training for this particular field.
• Taking the ARRT should be the next step once they’re finished with their training. After receiving certification they should apply for their license.
• Graduates who have completed a program and met licensing requirements should then fill out a resume and obtain references plus necessary documentation before applying for work.
Many radiologist technicians get their careers started with a 2-year degree and then go back to school a few years later in order to advance within their careers. Once they begin their careers they will usually specialize in one area of radiologic technology such as sonography or nuclear medicine. Ultimately, the best way on how to become a radiology technician is to take the right program, study hard and obtain the proper documentation.