subject: How to Become a Radiology Technician - An Instructive Handbook to a Promising Career [print this page] How to Become a Radiology Technician - An Instructive Handbook to a Promising Career
Do you possess strong mechanical skills and have an adequate background in science? Then perhaps becoming a Radiology Technician is just the right career for you. Through this guide, you will learn about the different aspects of this medical profession, thus you will learn how to make the right choices while pursuing this career.
Responsibilities of a Radiology Technician
Being a part of this profession involves carrying several tasks and responsibilities conducts on a daily basis. Some of these key responsibilities involve:
Explaining technical procedures to the patients in simple terminology
Following the doctor's orders thus resulting in the best care for the patient
Positioning patients while taking X-rays in order to get the best view of the problem areas
Working as a specialist in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or with other imaging procedures
Performing fluoroscopy
Maintaining machines and equipment in use to achieve optimum results
Developing films so that the doctors can easily use them to diagnose the different medical problems and thus treat them effectively
Maintaining an up to date patients' records while ensuring not to breach the level of confidentiality
Attempting to minimize any sort of exposure risks for the patients as well as themselves by using gloves, aprons and other protective items.
Training
In order to become a Radiology Technician, you must first complete high school and then enroll in an associate's degree program. These are normally two years long and should be accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiology Technology. The program also entails rigorous coursework and concentrates on areas like anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, radiation protection, etc.
In case you are already working in the health care sector, you can easily complete a one-year radiology certification.
Licensing and Certification
A majority of the states now require you to get a license in order to ensure that they are adequately trained to protect themselves and others from unnecessary exposure to radiation.
Apart from this, you are also required to get certified by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). However, in order to do so, you must graduate from an accredited radiology program and pass an exam administered by the ARRT. In addition, you must complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years in order to be re-certified.
Career Outlook
The future prospect for this profession is very bright with an average income of approximately $65,000 annually. Moreover, there is a lot of room for growth within this field, and you can always continue your education further to progress your career.
Thus, if think that you possess a strong mechanical aptitude and can manage long hours of work, then perhaps becoming a Radiology Technician is just the right career for you.
