subject: Radiology Technician Schools: Training for a High Tech Career [print this page] Radiology Technician Schools: Training for a High Tech Career
If you want to be a radiology technician, then you want to investigate radiology technician schools. Radiology technicians take x-rays of different parts of the body in an effort to assist the doctor with diagnosis, which leads to appropriate treatment options. Radiology technicians prep patients for x-rays. They must be able to explain the procedure, get the patient optimally positioned to produce the best quality images, and make sure patients remove all jewelry, etc. In order to get the best shot, the technician must often measure parts of the body and adjust the equipment accordingly. They must also protect themselves against the radiation exposure from the x-ray. Some other imaging requires patients to drink a concoction so the fluoroscope can be taken. These produce special images for doctors to make a diagnosis. Some radiology technicians work with CT scans and others work with MRI scans.
Radiology technicians spend most of their day on their feet and they sometimes have to lift in order to assist patients in positioning. Other times they need to travel with their equipment in order to do imaging at a patient's bedside. They may work at a hospital, clinic, or imaging center.
Most radiology technician schools offer associate degrees, as this is the educational background of most technicians in the field. These programs take about 24 months to complete. For those already working in the medical field, there is a yearlong program, and a certificate is issued upon the completion of the coursework. Each state has its own licensing procedure, however, so students will need to investigate their specific state's requirements. There are also four-year degrees available in this field of study.
One reason that radiology technician schools are still brimming with students is that the medical field has been virtually left alone during the economic crisis that has rocked our nation. Those working in the medical field are still finding jobs plentiful and wages good. These are jobs you can find across the country. So those who have had to relocate for a spouse to find a job are pleased to be able to find a position for themselves pretty easily.
This is a good field for people who possess both technological and visual skills. A solid background in science will be helpful to the student hoping to pursue this field of study. The coursework for radiology technicians includes anatomy as well as course meant to familiarize students with the machines necessary for the job. There is also coursework on pathology, radiation exposure, positioning, as well as ethics and law.
When you are shopping for radiology technician schools, make sure to check out the following things:
Job placement after graduation
Accreditation
Rate of graduates finding jobs
Radiology technicians find their jobs rewarding and challenging. This is a good field in which to find your niche. Radiology technician schools are the first step on your path to becoming a member of the medical community, where you can help patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
