Radiology Technician Salary – What you Need To Know
A radiology Technician performs imaging examination such as x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging in doctors’ office, diagnostic labs or hospitals for the physicians working at these facilities. This can be a very rewarding career path for people who are particularly interested in the health care field. In addition to being interested in this field, a radiology technician salary can be one thats very rewarding and beneficial to you the individual.
1. A radiology technician assists patients for radiological exams by giving a detailed explanation of what to expect. They assist with helping patients to get rid of jewelry and items that wll adversely affect the x-ray. They positon their patients so that they can be properly examined.
2. Radiology technicians also keep patient records, and make adjustment to machines and equipment that is being utilized.
3. They also manage the radiology department by overseeing the running of the department, prepare work schedules, check to ensure if equipment are up and running and also oversee the purchasing of new equipment.
4. They are required to follow the direct order and request of the physician present.
5. Must ensure that they protect themselves, their patients and others around from exposure to unnecessary radiation. That is the exposed areas are surrounded by radiation protection devices, such a lead shields or they may try to limit the size of the x-ray beams.
6. Radiology technicians perform a wide range of procedures that may be needed in order to get a correct diagnosis for the patient.
Some technicians may specialize in different areas such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging also known as MRI. This specialization utilizes non-iodizing radio frequency to produce image contrast. There is the Computed tomography specialization commonly refered to as CT. This type of scan uses iodizing radiation. Another specialization could be mammography. This is where scans are done that produces images of the breast.
To become a radiology technician you can start off by ensuring that in high school you take courses such as mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. If you choose to get a formal training in radiology, then after completion you will receive a certificate, an associate or a bachelors degree. Most radiologists have an associate degree, while others may just have a certificate.
There are many accredited schools for radiology technicians and these programs offer classroom and clinical information in patient care procedures, radiation protection, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical ethics, principles of imaging and positioning of patients.
After this then the individual should work towards getting a license. However this is dependent on the state where you reside as each states has different rules regarding obtaining a license. Some states utilize administered exams in order to become certified.
However to become eligible, it is mandatory that technicians must graduate from an ARRT approved program and must pass the exam set out. To become more advanced in the field and more marketable, you can undergo more training and gather more experience and this can pave the way for you to become specialized. In addition to that you can also become supervisors, chief radiologists and even be responsible for running the department. Obtaining a masters degree will ultimately assist you in becoming the director of your particular area.
A technicians salary pays very well and ensures that the individual has an opportunity to live comfortably. However as with all jobs there are factors that exist that will determine the pay that you receive within your chosen field. Some of these factors include the type of schooling that was chosen.
Whether you took courses at an accredited school and whether or not you had received a degree or the certification you received. Another factor to consider is your experience. The amount of experience you have garnered will also be a determining factor in the type of salary that you receive as a technician
You also need to look into your geographic location. Both your geographic location and your physical location will come into play. State salaries will vary based on how the current economy is, and not only that, the work environment, whether you work at a small office, a large hospital or other small facilities, then your salary will be questionable.
Overall the radiology technicians salary beginning from the low end is approximately $30, 000 a year while at the high end you can expect about $90, 000 per annum. Starting out as a technician without much experience you can expect somewhere around $35, 000 per year, but having a bachelors degree and continuous improvement education wise will guarantee an average salary of approximately $63, 000 for the year.
Consider these tips for a radiology technician
1. The direction you choose will play a significant role in the type of salary you will receive as a technician.
2. Programs for a technician are offered at either a school, a university or some hospitals may have classes running that you can join. After which you will receive either a certificate, an associate degree or a bachelors degree.
3. The type of certification you receive will also have a direct impact on the type of salary that you receive once you are through.
4. Generally you can expect to spend somewhere between two to four years depending on where you choose to pursue your courses.
5. There is always room for improvement and the chance to better your self and become more marketable. With improvement, then comes a promotion, and with a promotion comes more pay, and do not forget that with a promotion comes greater responsibilities and more workload.
6. Being responsible means that you as the radiology technician has to be receptive and sensitive to your patients need and care. You have to pay special attention to their complaints, try to ensure that they feel warm and welcome at all times.
7. Being a great techncian means you have to learn to be able to work as part of a team, and garnering experience and knowledge within your field will assist you in knowing how to move about, manage your time wisely and know how to operate your machinery with ease.