how to become a radiologist technician

How to Become a Radiology Technician

How to become a Radiology Technician you ask? Do you have a passion for helping people?

Do you have an interest in medical knowledge and want to be on the cutting edge of medical care?

If so, then a career as a radiologist technician may be a good career fit. Radiology technology is a fast-growing field and there is a lot of room for career growth and upward advancement.

We have put together this step-by-step comprehensive guide on how to become a radiology technician.

Contents

1 What Do Radiology Technicians Do?
2 How Much Do Radiology Technicians Get Paid?
3 Radiology Technician Job Outlook
4 How to Become a Radiology Technician: Step-By-Step Guide
- 4.1 Step 2: Get Your License
- 4.2 Step 3. Get Certified (Optional)
- 4.3 Step 4. Maintain/Renew License/Certifications
5 Summary: How to Become a Radiology Technician
- 5.1 Play Our Medical Games and Quizzes

What Do Radiology Technicians Do?

Radiologists are medical specialists trained in performing diagnostic imaging techniques for patients.

A Radiology Tech works with radiologists and other physicians to identify, diagnose, and manage all kinds of medical conditions. Radiologist techs perform diagnostic screenings like x-rays and MRIs.

The typical duties of a radiologist technician are as follows:

Prepare and maintain diagnostic equipment
Follow orders from physicians
Prepare patients for diagnostic procedures
Interpret diagnostic images
Keep patient records
Operate equipment that takes diagnostic images

Radiology technicians play a key role in the medical field as they are responsible for the majority of advanced imaging techniques used nowadays.

Radiologists can be specialized in certain areas of imaging. For example, mammographers are radiologic technicians who specialize in taking images of soft tissue like breasts while angiographers specialize in taking images of the body's vascular system.

How Much Do Radiology Technicians Get Paid?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median salary for radiology technicians in 2018 was $71,670 (29.44/hour). The top 10% of earners made over $99,000 while the bottom 10% of earners made less than $50,220.

Radiologist technicians employed in outpatient care centers saw the highest average annual salaries at $84,080 while those employed in physician offices saw the lowest average salaries at $53,990.

Radiology Technician Job Outlook

According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of radiology technicians is expected to grow by 9% from 2018-2028, faster than the average national career growth.

An aging baby boomer population is expected to cause an increased demand for radiologists technicians who can make and interpret diagnostic images for conditions like heart disease, Alzheimer's, and more.

Since radiologists work in hospital environments, they are at risk of being exposed to disease and other harmful pathogens.

Radiologists must also be careful of radiation from the diagnostic equipment they use. Most radiologists work full-time and their schedule often includes nights, weekends, and emergency calls.

How to Become a Radiology Technician

How to Become a Radiology Technician: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1. Get a Degree

The most common educational option for radiologic techs is to complete an associate's degree.

There are shorter certificate programs for radiology techs, but most working professionals have at least an associate's degree in the field.

Associate's degree programs in radiology technologies are offered at community, vocation, and technical college as well as traditional 4-year universities.

The average associate's program takes around 2 years to complete if pursued full time. While enrolled in a degree program, you will take courses like

Anatomy/Physiology
Radiographic Procedures I & II
Principles of Radiology
Radiologic Physics
Interpreting Radiographic Images
Advanced Imaging Modalities

Most associate's programs will require you to complete a certain number of clinical practice hours working in a hospital setting. Associate's programs also integrate core college requirements like psychology, English, and Humanities.

Radiologists technicians generally take more math and physics-oriented courses than other medical professionals as they need to have a firm grasp of the physics and mechanics of their diagnostic equipment.

There is also the option to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiologic technologies.

Bachelor's programs cover the same ground as associate's programs and usually offer extra courses for radiologic specializations like mammography or angiography.

Many students who are pursuing bachelor's degrees are working professionals who go back to school for career advancement.

When choosing a degree, it is important to attend an accredited institution.

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the only body recognized by the government to accredit radiology technician programs.

You must attend an accredited program if you are going to pursue certifications.

Step 2: Get Your License

All states require radiologist technicians to be licensed to work. Licensure requirements vary from state to state.

Most involve passing a state-approved licensure exam and providing proof of work completed in a clinical environment. Some states allow professional certification in place of licensing, but these are the minority.

Generally, you must complete a JRCERT-accredited program to sit for the license exam. Exams usually involve 2 parts: a theoretical component and a practical component.

Once you pass the license exam, you are legally allowed to work as a radiologist technician.

Step 3. Get Certified (Optional)

Although not required for state licensure, it may be worth your while to pursue certification. Typically, certification is granted through the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT).

Certification is offered in 5 main radiologic specialties, such as MRI, radiography, angiographer, and more. Applicants for certification must complete an accredited program, meet ethics requirements and pass a certification exam.

Certification is not necessary to get a job, though certification indicates that you meet a certain professional standard for knowledge and practice.

Employers tend to favor candidates who have their certification.

Step 4. Maintain/Renew License/Certifications

License holders must periodically renew their licenses to continue practicing.

Generally, radiologist technicians must renew their licenses every 1-2 years. Most states require you to complete a certain number of continuing education credits and provide any relevant renewal fees.

If you pursue your ARRT certification, you will have to renew your credentials every year.

You must complete a certain number of CE credits in your specialization every 2 years to keep your certification.

Every 10 years, you must complete ARRT's Continuing Qualification Requirements (CQR).

Summary: How to Become a Radiology Technician

Here is a quick bullet point summary of what we have covered.

Step 1 : Earn an associate's degree or bachelor's degree
Step 2 : Apply for state licensure
Step 3 : Acquire certification
Step 4 : Maintain/renew and licenses and certifications

There has never been a better time to become a radiologist technician. In as little as 2 and a half years, you can start a comfortable career in this rapidly growing field.

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