Radiologic Technologist

How To Become A Radiologic Technologist

A radiologic technologist, also known as a radiologic technician, x ray technician, MRI technician or even an ultrasound technician, depending on the type of apparatus you operate, is a career that can have you training to operate imaging equipment, taking x-rays, and even in a more advanced setting, performing CT scans, MRIs, angiographies and ultrasounds.

There are also additional tasks, like maintaining patients' records, processing xray film and preparing the contrast medium drink that patients receiving a fluoroscopy must ingest. If this profession appeals to you, you need to follow the following steps to get the appropriate education and follow the right path to start your career as a radiology technician.

Step 1: Decide your career goals as early as high school. To get into a good diagnostic radiology program you should have a strong background in math, chemistry and biology, as it is an asset to your application appeal, so knowing that you will pursue this career route early on means you can prepare in high school by taking the right courses. You also need a high school diploma or GED to be accepted in a radiology program.

Step 2: Find a good radiology program. There are many different radiology technologist courses offered at vocational schools or colleges, and even online. You need to ensure your course is accredited and evaluated by The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, and that it has a strong reputation for excellence.

You then need to decide which level of education you want to attain and see what your school has to offer. You can opt for a 1 year certificate program, a 2 year associate's degree, or a 4 year bachelor's degree. The certificate is generally designed for people in another medical profession who want to transfer to radiology and who already have some medical experience, or for those who are returning to school to simply specialize in MRIs or CT scans. The bachelor's degree is meant for those who hope to one day go into administration or teaching. The associate's degree is the recommended level for anyone joining the field.

Step 3: Complete your coursework. You must complete training in anatomy and physiology, radiobiology, pathology, radiation physics, caring for patients, principles of imaging and ethics. Following the classroom theory, you will have to pass a clinical internship to learn and demonstrate your skills on the job.

Step 4: Get your radiologic technologist certification for added appeal to employers. Becoming certified is optional in some states and mandatory in others, but by passing the certification exam offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, you are proving your competency in the field, thereby giving you an advantage when looking for a job. Employers prefer to hired certified technicians, so it is an asset to your credentials.

Step 5: Maintain your certification with continuing education. Once you pass the exam, you will need to keep your certification up to date by taking continuing education courses amounting to 24 credits every 2 years, or 30 credits every 3 years if you are an ultrasound technician. This also gives you the option to learn additional specialties or to fine tune and review the education you received.

Becoming a radiologic technologist is something you should decide upon early on, in order to prepare yourself with the necessary requirements, however, it is not impossible to switch careers later in life to pursue a 2 year degree. It is a challenging yet rewarding career option that will experience a lot of growth in demand, and by simply becoming certified and maintaining your status, you can enjoy a long, stable and lucrative career.