Radiologic technology is a fascinating area of the medical field, and it offers multiple occupational paths and various advancement opportunities. Employment options can include hospitals, clinics, private offices or even a mobile travel position. The field outlook is excellent and employment rates are expected to grow rapidly, about 18% until the year 2018, for the radiology technology field in general. Once you’ve completed your education, there are numerous diagnostic imaging tests you’ll need to pass to become certified to perform within the various levels of radiologic specialties.
Job Responsibilities
Radiologic technicians, the name normally associated with the entry level practitioners in this field, are responsible for preparing patients for radiology procedures by explaining each step of the test and instructing the patient to remove jewelry, clothing or other items that may not allow x-rays to pass through. The radiology technicians will then position the body as required for each imaging procedure and adjust equipment to focus on the specific area of the body as necessary. The technician then uses the proper imaging equipment to capture a clear image, according to the medical order, for the physician to assess. A radiologic technician may also be responsible for updating patient records as well as maintaining the imaging equipment itself.
Radiology Technologists versus Radiology Technicians
Radiologic technologists, technicians who have progressed in the field, are often educated and trained in performing multiple types of imaging tests. Many radiology technologists focus on specific areas of the field or on diagnostic tests. For example, a radiology tech can specialize in radiation therapy, magnetic resonance imaging or computer tomography. Regardless of specialization, radiology tech jobs are subject to certification and licensing by local regulatory agencies.
Training and Education
Formal radiology technician training will most likely first begin with a certificate program or associate’s degree. These programs are available through traditional and online courses, community colleges, technical schools, and in some hospitals. Hospital programs will usually have a condition of employment in order to gain the necessary training. These institutions often require an intensive coursework schedule. Many radiology techs choose to pursue higher level degrees as they progress in the radiology field.
Prerequisites to radiology programs may include previous medical experience, medical terminology, office technology or ethics courses. The foundation of radiology technician education usually includes anatomy, chemistry, biology, radiology theory, math and patient safety courses. Most schools require a portion of the curriculum to be hands-on to give students valuable patient contact experience. Many radiologic technology programs are now also requiring coding or medical office courses, as some jobs will require those skills to be utilized in practice.
Anyone who is interested in becoming a radiology technician or radiologic technologist, but is unable to devote much time to on-campus education, should consider one of the many online education options available. Online radiology tech schools are an excellent way to complete prerequisite courses and health-related programs. There are many online allied health programs that can help someone with limited time to spend attending on-campus courses at traditional educational institutions. As technology progresses, online radiology training is becoming more available and much more accepted by the medical field. Contact your State Board of Health to find out which schools are accepted in your area before committing to any one program. Some states have specific requirements on which schools meet their credentialing criteria.
Career Outlook and Salary Expectations
Radiology technician salaries vary depending on geographical location as well as the employer type. For example, radiology tech jobs in metropolitan areas and medical diagnostic laboratories often pay higher salaries as opposed to radiology tech jobs in rural areas and physician's offices. However, the median salary range for people working radiology technician jobs is usually between $42,000 and $63,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A radiology tech salary may also be increased by a specific facility’s on-call need or overtime shift availability.
There are many options for advancement in the radiology field. Many radiology technicians continue their education to become radiologic technologists. Some continue further in their education and progress in their careers to become radiologists, supervisors or even department administrators. Regardless of your ultimate career goals, there are many online education options available to anyone interested in the medical field.