What is a Radiology Technician?
A radiology technician is a healthcare professional who performs medical exams using X-rays to create images of the parts of a patient’s body.
What is the role of Radiology Technicians?
Radiology technicians help patients prepare for X-rays, operate the equipment, and ensure their safety.
Preparing patients:
They review the patient’s chart, take the patient’s history, and read the doctor’s note before starting the procedure. They make sure that the patients are comfortable and explain the procedure.
Operating equipment:
They prepare the equipment they will be using for the procedure. They make sure to take high-quality images and use machines such as low-dose X-ray systems, CT machines, and other radiological equipment.
Ensuring safety:
Both patients and the radiologist techs are at substantial risk of exposure. They make sure to protect themselves and the patients from the risks.
Where do Radiology Technicians work?
Radiological technologists can be found in different healthcare environments, such as
- Hospitals
- Walk-in clinics
- Nursing homes
- Dentistry facilities
- Outpatient care centers and more
Step-by-step guide on how to become a Radiology Technician
Research:
The first step to becoming a radiology technician is to do research on the profession. It is important to have basic knowledge about the career you are choosing. Its roles and duties, what degree you need to become a radiology technician and how you will study for it.
Get High School Diploma or GED
The first step to becoming a radiology technician is getting your high school diploma or GED.
Choosing the right program
The next step to becoming a radiologist technician is to choose the right program. These programs are Associate Degree programs or bachelor’s degree programs.
Associate Degree Program:
The most common way to become a radiology tech is through the Associate Degree Program. This includes both classroom instructions and clinical training. Students take clinicals and apply their skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. The course subjects include imaging techniques, radiation physics, anatomy, radiation protection and patient care. It takes about 2 years to complete this program.
Bachelor’s Degree Program:
The other way to become a radiology tech is through a bachelor’s degree program. The course covers more advanced topics such as research methods, healthcare management, and specialized image modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography. It takes about 4 years to complete this program, which gives more extensive training to the students. It is ideal for those who want to advance their career in this field of radiology.
Getting clinical experience
Students are required to gain clinical experience. This means that they work in real healthcare settings to apply their knowledge and skills. These clinicals and training will allow the students to interact with their patients and develop important skills to become an experienced radiologic technologist.
Pass the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)
To become certified, you must pass the AART exam. AART is the primary certification body for radiologic technologists in the US. Passing this exam will assess the knowledge and skills of the radiologic technologist.
Consider Specialization
After gaining experience, you can also opt for specialization. You can choose to specialize in a specific area of radiology. Some specialized areas to consider are mammography, MRI, CT, etc.
Maintaining Certification and Licensure
To be a radiologist technician, you must maintain your license and certification. Additionally, to renew your license, you need to continue your education.
Steps to apply for how to become a Radiologist Technician
The following are the steps to take to start as a radiologist technician.
- Research program.
- Preparing for the entrance exam.
- Explore financial aid options.
- Submit application.
- Enroll.
What degree do you need to be a Radiologist Technician?
Educational pathways to become a radiologist technician are:
- Associate degree in radiologic technology, which takes about 2 years.
- Bachelor’s degree in radiologic sciences which takes about 4 years.
What are the high-paying Radiology Tech jobs?
- Nuclear medicine technologist ($54,000-$124,000)
- Interventional radiological technologist ($54,000-$119,000)
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographer ($52,000-$104,000)
- Cardiovascular Technologist ($46,000-$103,000)
- MRI technologist (50,000-$94,000)
What are the states with the highest-paying radiologic technologists?
The highest paying states for radiologist technicians are:
- California
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Oregano
- Nevada
Conclusion
Radiology technician is a rewarding career path in the healthcare industry. Here, we have given you a step-by-step guide on how to become a radiology technician. From choosing your degree to paying the highest salaries.
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