Radiology Technician Schools
Job opportunities are expected to grow for radiology technicians, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Careers will continue to be available in hospitals, clinics and imaging facilities well into the 21st century as technology advances and healthcare needs expand. Training to be a radiology technician is available in hospital educational programs, colleges and universities and through online sources. Certified radiology technicians can earn between $32,000 and $52,000 per year.
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Associate's Degree
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A two-year radiology technician degree can be achieved through most local community colleges with healthcare programs. An associate's degree can lead to a job as an x-ray technician. The curriculum covers areas such as how to work x-ray equipment, record keeping and how to prevent radiation exposure. Medical terminology and patient treatment plans will be covered in the two-year program as well. Online schools that provide a two-year degree in radiology include the MedVance Institute and Kaplan University.
Bachelor's Degree
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A four-year degree in radiology opens the doors for more job opportunities and higher earnings. Graduates may pursue a career using computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologies. In addition to the basic skills learned in the associate's program, students enrolled in a four-year degree curriculum will learn how to perform a complete patient physical assessment, how to operate advanced equipment, physiology and management skills. There are a number of online programs for radiology bachelor' degrees, such as the program offered at the Oregon Institute of Technology.
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License
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Almost all 50 states require radiology technicians to be licensed through the state health department or other radiology oversight department. Find your state office and contact number to get licensed at RT Students.com.
Certifications
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There are a variety of Internet-based home studies that offer x-ray technician certifications providing training in how to support a radiology team. Courses of study include how to handle and transport x-rays, medical terminology and proper positioning of patients for x-ray examinations. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the American Board of Radiology provide professional certifications to registered technologists and assistant radiology technicians in a variety of areas. A degree or educational certificate of training from an accredited institution must be shown before anyone can sit for one of the exams. The groups also offer training courses to prepare for the tests.
Ongoing Training
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Radiology technicians must receive continuing education credits and professional development training to maintain their licenses and designations. Industry associations such as the American Society of Radiologic Technologists and the International Society of Radiology offer school programs and seminars designed to provide ongoing education and credits for updating certifications.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Tomasz Kobosz
