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A degree in radiology provides a comprehensive education in the anatomical, physiological and pathological features found within medical imaging procedures. Radiologists use their expertise to provide accurate diagnoses from medical imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasound imagery, MRI scans and more. This post will help you to choose a radiologist training program that’s right for you.
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Requirements for Radiology Degree Program
In a radiology technology associate’s degree program, students learn fundamental skills in equipment operation, safety, anatomy and positioning. Graduates can work as radiologic technologists and seek professional certification, which is not required, but is often preferred by employers. Admission in these programs requires a high school diploma of GED.
Bachelor’s degree programs in radiology technology prepare radiologic technologists for supervisory and teaching positions through courses in psychology, leadership and management. Admission into a bachelor’s degree program requires a GED or high school diploma, and ACT or SAT scores.
Other Requirements for Radiologic Technologists
In some states, the education is only one part of preparation for a career as a radiologic technologist. These states require candidates to hold a certification or license to work as a radiologic technologist. Typically, candidates must earn a passing score on a state examination or the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)’s certification test.
There are plenty of reasons to pursue a career in radiography. Radiologic technicians can look forward to a 21 percent increase in job opportunities over a decade, compared to just 11 percent of growth expected for all occupations, according to the BLS. They earn a median salary of $54,620 per year, substantially higher than the $34,750 median annual salary for all occupations.
Characteristics of a Successful Radiologic Technologist
People who are thinking of a radiologic technologist major should consider their personality traits and characteristics. There are certain personal qualities that will help a person do well in this career. Most of these characteristics are part of a personality, but it is possible to practice or hone these qualities while pursuing a radiologic technologist major.
One of the key characteristics of a strong radiologic technologist is an orientation to detail. The technologist must be able to follow the exact instructions of the physician ordering the X-rays or magnetic resonance images (MRIs). The technologist should also be able to position the patient in a way that allows the correct images to be taken by the MRI or X-ray machine.
Interpersonal skills are also essential for a radiologic technician major. Many patients who need an X-ray or MRI scan are in pain. They may be stressed. Putting them at ease and helping them get as comfortable as possible makes it easier for the technician to get the right images. A person who has never had a X-ray or MRI test may be nervous. The technician should be able to explain how the machine works and what to expect. They should be able to do this in a way that calms the patient and addresses any worries or fears the patient has about the imaging studies.
Math skills are important for a successful radiologic technologist major. Some X-rays and MRI scans require the use of a contrast dye. These dyes must be mixed with the right dosage for the weight and age of the patient. Some of these dyes cause a temporary sensation of discomfort for the patient, so the technologist will need to explain this and why it is important for the dye to be used in the test.
Physical strength is necessary for a radiologic technologist major. The person may need to move the X-ray machine to get the right view of the patient. They may also need to assist the patient with getting into the correct position. For example, MRI scans require the patient to lay still on a narrow table that moves into and out of the MRI machine. The technologist may need to help the patient onto the table for the start of the procedure. They may also need to help the patient sit up and get off the table when the procedure is finished. Some patients who need an MRI or X-ray are immobile due to a injury, illness or disorder. The radiologic technologist may need to lift the patient onto and off of the table.
X-ray and MRI machines are complicated. A successful radiologic technologist major needs to have the right technical skills to operate these machines. In particular, X-ray machines can be harmful to one’s health if used improperly. The radiologic technologist must know all the correct safety procedures and follow them in order to protect the patient’s health and their own health.
Critical thinking skills are also needed for becoming a radiologic technologist. It is possible for an X-ray or MRI machine to malfunction during a scan. The technologist should be able to follow a series of safety procedures to get the patient out of harm’s way. The technologist should also know how to report problems with equipment and create a detailed report of what happened during the malfunction.
Teamwork skills are needed for a radiologic technologist major to do well in their future job. The technicians usually work under a radiologist. They also work along with patient care advocates, social workers, registered nurses, emergency medicine physicians and other healthcare professionals. They are a part of a team that provides all the necessary services to the patient.
A successful radiologic technician major should have excellent communication skills. They should be able to communicate in words to patients of all ages about the procedure, what they will do and what the patient needs to do. They should be able to indicate in writing any notes related to the procedure. Radiologic technicians also need to read the orders of the physician in order to know how to perform the test and any special procedures, images or scans that are needed for each person’s situation.
Salary Information for Radiologic Technologist Majors
As of May 2019, the median annual salary of a radiologic technologist with an MRI certification was $73,410. The lowest-paid 10% of earners had a median annual salary of $51,150, and the highest-paid 10% of earners had a median salary of $101,580. The highest-paying employers for radiologic technicians included outpatient care centers, with median annual salaries of $90,820 and medical and diagnostic laboratories, with median annual salaries of $74,560. Hospitals, including those that are state, local or private, paid median annual salaries of $72,750. Physician offices paid a median annual salary of $72,400 to MRI technicians.
For X-ray technicians, the median annual salary as of May 2019 was $60,510. The lowest-paid 10% of earners had a median annual wage of $41,480, and the highest-paid 10% of earners had median annual salaries of $89,760. The highest-paying industry of employment for X-ray technicians is the federal government, with a median annual salary of $65,780. Those employed at outpatient care centers earned a median salary of $63,000. X-ray technicians who work at hospitals had a median annual salary of $61,670. Those who work at medical and diagnostic laboratories earned a median annual salary of $61,270. The X-ray technicians employed at the offices of physicians had the lowest median annual salaries, which were $55,170.
Some states and metropolitan areas have higher pay rates than others for radiologic technician majors. The top five states for earnings of MRI technicians are California, Hawaii, Washington, Nevada and Alaska. The cities or metropolitan areas with the highest median annual wages for MRI technicians are Vallejo/Fairfield, CA, at $124,950; San Francisco/Oakland/Hayward, CA, at $104,870; Seattle/Tacoma/Bellevue, WA, at $99,920; Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim, CA, at $99,860; and Modesto, CA, at $99,360.
The top five states or administrative regions for the earnings of X-ray technicians are California, Hawaii, District of Columbia, Massachusetts and Alaska. The top-paying cities or metropolitan areas for X-ray technologists include Salinas, Vallejo, San Francisco, Sacramento and Redding, CA. Radiologic technicians with more than one certification can earn higher pay. Those who work third-shift may also earn more.
Job Outlook for Radiologic Technician Majors
As of 2019, there were 250,700 people employed as radiologic technologists in the United States. The number of technicians is expected to grow to 267,000 by 2029. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) explains that the job outlook for radiologic technologists is 7% between 2019 and 2029. This is faster than the average for all occupations tracked by the BLS. Most of this growth will be in outpatient clinics. This fast rate of job growth is due to the aging of the baby boomer generation. As they get older, they’re at an increased risk for falls, brain disorders and other conditions that require imaging for a diagnosis. Technicians who have credentials and a bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine or medical technology will have the best job prospects.
There are a few additional factors that increase a radiologic technologist major’s chances of gaining employment. Speaking more than one language is helpful. This is because many people in need of healthcare do not speak English as their primary language. Radiologic technicians who have related certifications, such as sonography and nuclear medicine, will find that there are more job opportunities.
The states with the highest employment levels for MRI technicians are California, Florida, Texas, New York and Illinois. The cities or metropolitan areas with the most jobs for MRI technicians include New York City, NY; Newark, NJ; Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; Miami, FL; and Los Angeles, CA.
The states with the most X-ray technician jobs are California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania. The metropolitan areas and cities with the highest employment levels of X-ray technicians are New York City, NY; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; and Houston, TX.
Work Environment and Hours for Radiologic Technicians
Radiologic technicians work in a fixed healthcare setting. They may need to stand in a small booth while performing the scan. For MRI technicians, this booth is sound-proof. The X-ray booths shield the technician from the X-ray radiation. Because people may be injured or develop an acute problem at any time of the day or night, radiologic technicians are present in hospitals and outpatient healthcare settings 24/7. Technicians may need to work the third shift, weekends and holidays. Many employers offer rotating schedules and have on-call hours.
Recertification Requirements for Radiologic Technicians
There are two recertification pathways for radiologic technicians. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certifies X-ray technicians, and the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT) certifies MRI technicians. It is possible to have both certifications, but the technologist has to earn them separately.
Once an initial certification is earned from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, the radiologic technician will need to get recertified every year. In order to gain recertification, the technician has to complete biennial continuing education requirements. Those include classroom activities, online classes, self-study modules and more. The technologist has to complete a minimum of 24 continuing education units every two years. Every 10 years, the radiologic technologist must complete ARRT’s Continuing Qualifications Requirements. This is due to the fact that radiologic technology and medical technology in general change at a rapid pace. What the technologist learned while earning their credentials may be a lot different from what is taught in new curricula.
For recertification through the American Registry of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists, the technician must also complete at least 24 hours of continuing education units every two years. These units can be spread across different learning modes and topics. Some of the topics include new technology, ethics, patient safety and nuclear medicine.
With enough experience, radiologic technologists can take a test to become certified to perform magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations, which can increase salary potential and career opportunities. The best radiologic technologists enjoy the work itself, including interacting with patients and using diagnostic imaging equipment.
Medical Residency Programs in Radiology
A doctor who specializes in analyzing the images generated with the help of radiologic technicians for signs of disease is known as a radiologist. A radiologist works alongside the referral physician to identify pathology and recommends further imaging or treatments. Some radiologists also perform minor surgery and minimally invasive procedures using radiology equipment; others sub-specialize within radiology in areas such as gastrointestinal, pediatric or neuroradiology.
Doctors in a radiology residency program learn skills through practice and observation, lectures, conferences and classroom education. Residents rotate through a variety of sub-specialties within the radiology department, and topics can include:
- Emergency radiology
- Obstetric/Gynecological ultrasounds
- Chest and pulmonary radiology
- Nuclear medicine
- Radiation physics
Employment Outlook and Salary Info
Those interested in becoming a radiologic technologist can expect a good number of opportunities upon graduation, and those with multiple certifications may have even better chances. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings for radiologic technologists is expected to increase 7%, a rate faster than the national average, between the years 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). As of May 2020, the BLS reported that radiologic technologists earned a median salary of $61,900.
Though competition remains strong, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of physicians and surgeons in general is expected to increase at 4%, as fast as the national average, between 2019 and 2029 (www.bls.gov). As the population and number of elderly citizens increases, radiologists will most likely be in even higher demand.
Like other specialty physicians, radiologists often enjoy a fairly high salary. The BLS doesn’t report earnings specifically for radiologists, but the median annual salary for physicians and surgeons whose wages aren’t reported separately is $208,000, as of May 2020.
Continuing Education and Certificate Programs Information
Though not always necessary, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have been certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians or ARRT. Students who graduate with an associate’s degree in radiologic technology are eligible to take the certification exam for radiography or one of 12 other subspecialties within the discipline. In order to maintain certification, a radiology technologist must enroll in a certain number of continuing education classes every two years. In addition, several states require licensing of radiologic technicians in order to practice; students should check with their local state board of health to ascertain whether or not they require licensing.
Several schools offer professional certificate programs or post-baccalaureate programs for the radiologic technology professional who wants to expand his or her area of knowledge. Some certificates offered include classes related to medical dosimetry, radiation therapy and radiography.
After graduating with a bachelor’s in radiologic sciences, a radiologic technologist can begin as an entry-level radiographer or continue to study for a post-primary certification in other medical imaging technology. Some institutions structure the course load so that students are able to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam in their third year. This allows the student to further specialize within the profession during the fourth year of study and add Computed Tomography (CT scans) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging to their body of knowledge. Other schools offer professional certificate programs to teach professional radiographers these sub-specializations.
Further areas of study for those interested in medical radiology could include nuclear medicine, radiation therapy, sonography, mammography and bone density scanning.
After the initial residency program is over, a radiologist can pursue a fellowship and further specialize within the discipline. Fellowships usually last an additional one or two years and require a separate exam for board certification upon completion. Throughout their tenure as physicians, radiologists must participate in continuing education and occasionally retake licensing exams in order to stay current with advances in the profession.
Popular Career Options
The majority of those who complete a bachelor’s in radiologic science go on to become professional radiographers following certification and, if necessary, state licensing. Radiological technologists spend most of their day on foot, assisting patients to equipment, positioning devices or the patient for proper imaging and acting as a resource for patient questions or concerns regarding radiography.
With further study and experience, a radiographer can learn to properly use a variety of medical imaging machines and increase their appeal to employers. Some popular career options for a radiographer could include:
- CT technologist
- Sonographer
- Radiologic assistant or RA
Studies in medical radiology are available to students in the form of an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree or medical residency program. Graduates often begin careers as CT technologists or radiologic assistants, among others.Next: View Schools
Top 10 Best Online Radiology Technology
| RANK | SCHOOL | LOCATION |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oregon Institute of Technology | Klamath Falls, OR |
| 2 | University of Missouri | Columbia, MO |
| 3 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | Natchitoches, LA |
| 4 | Fort Hays State University | Hays, KS |
| 5 | Clarion University of Pennsylvania | Clarion, PA |
| 6 | Saint Joseph’s College of Maine | Standish, ME |
| 7 | Siena Heights University | Adrian, MI |
| 8 | Midwestern State University | Wichita Falls, TX |
| 9 | University of Southern Indiana | Evansville, IN |
| 10 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | Monroe, LA |
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