How to Become a CT Technologist
A CT, or computerized tomography, technologist is responsible for performing a scan known as a CT or CAT (computerized axial tomography) scan. Depending on the type of scan, the procedure may take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes. Scans may be done as a result of an Emergency Room visit, or as part of a scheduled diagnostic procedure. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Meet The Requirements To Become A CT Technologist
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Graduate from an accredited School of Radiology. An ARRT (American Registry of Radiological Technologists) certification is required as proof of successful completion.
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Enroll in a school which offers CAT scan specialty training. An additional year is required to complete the CAT scan program. Associates and Bachelor of Science degrees are available for CT technologists.
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Obtain CT board certification or be eligible for certification if it is offered and required in your state.
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Plan to work under the direct supervision of a board certified radiologist. Training as a CT technologist will include physics, instrumentation, anatomy, technology and pathologies as they relate to a CT diagnostic scan.
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Contact your local hospital if you are a certified radiologic technologist (R.T.), nuclear medicine technologist (NMTB) or radiation therapist (RTR). Some hospitals offer a certificate program through the Department of Radiology to become a CT technologist if you are already certified in some area of radiology.
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Take the CT certification exam provided by the ARRT if you are already certified in nuclear medicine or as a radiographer or radiation therapist (see Resources below). The program includes didactic and clinical training to meet the competency requirements for certification as a CT technologist.
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Expect a program to become certified in Computed Tomography to include patient safety, communication skills, software and technical parameters to acquire images and methods to scan the various body parts. Students will learn and practice the skills of obtaining high-quality images for the most definitive diagnostic information.
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Learn the precautions for performing a CT scan. A CT scan or any x-ray exam must be done with caution on pregnant women. Precautions will be discussed in detail during the CT technologist training.
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Expect to learn about the contrast agents used in CT exams. Some conditions are more easily visualized using contrast than a CT without contrast. There are certain conditions, such as diabetes, that may put the patient at risk, if the contrast is used.
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Tips & Warnings
Certification is a one-time process which includes passing a certification exam. Registration is an annual procedure to maintain active status.
CPR certification is a requirement for employment as a CT technologist in medical facilities.
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Comments
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itbme
Dec 18, 2008
You must have 1-2 years of experience as a technologist prior to undergoing training as a CT tech. You mush have completed 150 scans under direct supervision in order to be eligible for the ARRT exam. -
itbme
Dec 18, 2008
You must have 1-2 years of experience as a technologist prior to undergoing training as a CT tech. You mush have completed 150 scans under direct supervision in order to be eligible for the ARRT exam.
