Radiology Technician Schools: Are They All The Same?
April 5th, 2010
If it’s a career in the field of radiology you are thinking about, then it is best if you receive quality education and training from reputable radiology technician schools. A career as a radiology technician can prove to be valuable, especially nowadays that the demand for it is getting higher. Besides being a radiology technician, completing a program in this field can give you a career as an x-ray technician, a diagnostic medical sonographer, and so much more. As a radiology technician, you will first need to learn your duties and responsibilities. Examples, to name a few, include the operation of CT and MRI scanning apparatus, the assisting of patients in the imaging process, patient record maintenance, work schedule preparation, performance of fluoroscopies, and ensuring that all doctor’s instructions are followed carefully. Safety is also a top priority here, and students are taught how to capture optimum images while minimizing exposure to radiation. Radiology technician schools can help its students work in a decent and very rewarding career. Besides hospitals and medical clinics, radiology technicians can also work in nursing care facilities, mobile health care services and medical laboratories. Students also have the option to specialize in fields such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) or CT (Computerized Tomography). Other notable careers include working as a nuclear medicine technologist, diagnostic imaging specialist and cardiovascular technician. There are also different paths a student can take in entering the field of radiology. Radiology technician schools often offer 3 types of degrees, and these are certificate or diploma programs, associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree. Students can expect a wide range of subjects to be taken up while enrolled in this program; examples are basic medical terminologies, physiology, radiobiology, pathology, medical ethics and patient care procedures. Clinical training is also given besides academic subjects. Once a radiology program has been completed, students can also opt to take a licensure exam for radiology technicians. Having a license or certificate from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists or ARRT means you’ll have better work opportunities as compared to those who don’t have one. There are many good radiology technician schools out there waiting for you - but it will be up to you to make the decision where you want to enrol. This will greatly depend on your financial status, academic achievements, schedule, and other important factors. It will be crucial to your success, so choose well. More information at www.radiologycert.com
How To Be Trained as Radiology Tech
November 28th, 2009
For a start in the radiology field, most individuals will need to have a certain level of education or certification. But once you begin to take a look at the different courses of study that are commonly found today, you will realise that you need to decide upon the type of radiology which you might be considering. This will affect your career, as there are different qualifications needed for specific roles such as being a radiology technologist or even a radiology technician. In order to become a radiologist, it will be necessary for you to spend a significant number of years as a radiology technician. The only other alternative you have, is to spend a large number of years studying, in order to immediately become a radiologist. This seldom proves to be the option of choice, as most people prefer to opt for a one-year certification program, which immediately gives you the avenue to become a radiology technician. If you want to spend more time preparing for your career in radiology, you can also choose to complete a bachelor’s degree in radiology, which is a common choice as well. Upon attaining a certain level of certification or academic qualification, you should feel assured that you will be able to get a job as a radiology technician in a medical institution. Apart from that, you might even be offered jobs in research facilities that use specialized radiology equipment. Once you have gained some experience as a radiology tech, and move on to become a radiologist, you will not only be expected to operate the equipment, but also participate in the final diagnosis and reading of the radiology scans. For the expected salaries of radiology technicians and radiologists, there are some ballpark figures for you to get a rough idea on what to expect. Starting pay scales for radiology technicians should begin at $30,000 a year, and as you gain more experience, you should be paid about $100,000 a year. These are just some of the things you should expect, should you decide to seriously consider a career as a radiology tech. No matter your decision, you should always find out more from people who are currently in the field, before you make any sort of decision. This should help you gain a clearer understanding of what to expect.