Radiologic Technologist Careers
Radiologic Technologist
Radiologic technologist careers are among one of the highest paying and rewarding professions with a two year degree. With as little as a radiology associates degree and in some cases a radiology certificate, you will be at the forefront of fighting diseases and using state of the art technology. Radiologic Technologists are often referred to as Rad Tech's or RT's for short. Once you get started in the field of radiology, the sky is the limit. The shortage of Radiologist physician's in the country has lead to more demand for positions which assist the Radiologist M.D. and has created opportunities for advancement into positions with more complex imaging modalities and higher salaries.
Getting Started in a Radiologic Technologist Career
Are you right for a career as a Radiologic Technologist? What are the skills and character traits that a Rad Tech should possess? These are questions to consider before making the decision to pursue a radiologic technologist career. Radiology Tech's must be at ease communicating with patients in a variety of situations from the very young to the elderly and terminally sick. You must be caring, compassionate, and patient with the individuals you are imaging. Also, a good Rad Tech will have learned how to master the art of patient positioning and have a strong knowledge of anatomy. Of course, you don't need to have the same level of anatomical knowledge that a physician needs, but you will need to have enough knowledge to effectively isolate and image the anatomical structures that an ordering physician requests. Be assured that you will learn all about anatomy and patient positioning during radiology school and during the course of your radiology technologist career.
"I knew I wanted to pursue a career in radiology because I was interested in being a part of the healing process and I was excited about using technology that could look inside the human body with such accuracy and precision."
- Janet Tomkins (RT)
Radiologic Technologist Advancement & Promotion
The wonderful thing about radiology careers, is that if you want to, you can spend a lifetime learning new imaging modalities, enhancing your skills and education. Many people who have started on the Radiologic Tech career path and have practiced for a while have found that they eventually begin to become more attracted to certain aspects of their job and then pursue additional training in that direction. If you become fascinated with the anatomy of the female reproductive system, you may want to learn more about obstetrics and gynecology. While on the job, you may want to job shadow an MRI Tech or PET scanner; you might become fascinated with 3-D images of the brain and decide to pursue the path of neurosonology. The options are many and the technology continues to enhance the career options of RT's.
Going For the Top Level Positions in Radiology
The latest trend is to work your way up to the coveted Radiologist Assistant (RA) position, which is an advanced Radiologic Technologist who works closely with the Radiologist physician in the diagnosis process. This is a position that often comes with a hefty $100,000 plus salary and requires a masters degree. If that is your goal, you can start right now by pursuing your two year radiology degree, diploma, or certificate and becoming certified through the ARRT. Some choose to work for a year or two as a Rad Tech, then learn some additional imaging procedures such as MRI or Mammography. Then, pursue your bachelor's degree online through one of the radiology distance learning programs featured on this site. Work a few more years getting experience and mastery of your job while winning the support of your supervisors and peers. Then, take that last step of obtaining a master's in radiologic sciences. At this point, you will need to become a certified Radiologist Assistant by passing the RA exam through the ARRT. Now you are in the big league in the field of radiology. This is an example of a career path in radiology that gets you to the highest position possible just shy of being an actual physician with a very attractive compensation package.
Using State of The Art Technology to See Inside the Human Body
Another exciting aspect of a career as a Radiologic Technologist, is that you get to utilize equipment that is at the forefront of technology. Before the recent advances in medical imaging, doctors were literally trying to diagnose illnesses based on a much more limited and uncertain set of criteria. With the advent of crystal clear, three dimensional, and sometimes real -time views of the inside of the body, doctors are able to diagnose with much greater precision than decades past. Every year there are new technologies that emerge such as the V-Scan, which is rumored to prove as important as the stethoscope was to the 21st century. MRI technology itself has only been around for the past few decades and greater magnetic power in the equipment is continually enhancing the clarity of the images. Radiologic Technologist careers are not just about patient interaction and positioning, they're also about becoming proficient at using technology.
Your Options in Radiologic Technologist Careers
The following are the typical imaging jobs and specializations you can purse as a Radiologic Technologist. Once you receive your associates degree in general radiography, it is common to go on to get a certificate or cross-training in one or more of the following sub-specialties under the umbrella of the Radiologic Technologist job family. To learn more, click on the links below:
MRI Technician (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Career
CT - Computed Tomography Career
Radiology Programs:
Concorde
Campus Locations:
MemphisGet your career started with Concorde Career College. Our training programs are short, affordable, and hands-on. We offer training programs in medical assisting, dental assisting, insurance coding, respiratory therapy, surgical technology, vocational/practical nursing, patient care, and more.
Sanford-Brown College
Campus Locations:
ClevelandGet the skills you need in Tech, Business, or Healthcare in as little as 9 months from Sanford-Brown College. Choose from convenient day, evening, and weekend classes. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
Lincoln Technical Institute
Campus Locations:
Saint PetersburgLincoln Technical Institute provides career-focused, hands-on training programs with industry experienced instructors. Get the skills for a rewarding in-demand career.
For more student consumer information, please visit www.lincolnedu.com/lincolnconsumerinfo
Programs offered:
Keiser University Campus
Campus Locations:
TallahasseeKeiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.
Programs offered:
Kaplan College - KHE
Campus Locations:
Las VegasDon't wait another day to take the next step forward in your career. Kaplan College can give you the real-world knowledge and skills you need to succeed in your chosen field.
Fortis Institute
Campus Locations:
CookevilleLooking to prepare for your dream career? Fortis Institute can give you the skills and training you need to succeed in the fast-growing and high-demand healthcare field. * Programs vary by location * Please contact each individual campus for accreditation information * Fortis Institute - Indianapolis advertising code is AC-0163.
Programs offered:
St. Joseph's College of Maine
Campus Locations:
StandishMany adult learners are enrolled in courses worldwide and are active in distance learning courses at Saint Joseph's College and are in enrolled in programs such as business, education, health care administration, general studies, nursing, and theology.
Programs offered:
Anthem College
Campus Locations:
AuroraGet the hands-on training you need to enter the exciting health care or criminal justice fields at Anthem College. Learn from our outstanding professional faculty in a hands-on, real-world environment. We offer financial aid for those who qualify, outstanding student services, placement assistance for graduates, and more.
Carrington College
Campus Locations:
SpokaneCarrington College has helped over 45,000 graduates realize their dream of a career in healthcare. Now it's your turn. Choose from eleven conveniently located campuses.
Programs offered:
Argosy University
Campus Locations:
Saint PaulAt Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.
Programs offered:
California College San Diego
Campus Locations:
San MarcosCalifornia College San Diego (CCSD) offers degree programs in Medical Specialties, Respiratory Therapy, Healthcare Administration, Business Management and Accounting, Computer Technology and Networking, Computer Programming, and Computer Science. Online programs are offered by our affiliated college, Stevens-Henager College, Salt Lake City/Murray.
MedVance Institute
Campus Locations:
Lake WorthAdvance your health care career with MedVance Institute. We offer programs in various areas of the health care field and students can graduate in as little as a year.
"For consumer information: http://www.medvanceedu.info/"
Programs offered:
American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Campus Locations:
West HartfordAdvance your career with American Institute - Diagnostic Medical Sonography. Our program can be completed in as little as 16 months. We offer program specializations in general or cardiac sonography, both of which include vascular ultrasound training.
Programs offered:
Sanford-Brown Institute
Campus Locations:
HyattsvilleGet everything you need for the medical career you want. Sanford-Brown Institute's advanced programs allow you to complete your certificate or degree program in as little as 9 months. Learn more today.
Programs offered:
University of Phoenix
Campus Locations:
Costa MesaAs the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.
Programs offered:
