subject: Pursuing A Career As A Radiology Technician [print this page] With the continuous evolution of medical equipments on the industry, the need for professional technicians has increased drastically on the previous years. According to reports, it will continue to increase for the next few years. It is the main reason why a lot of courses related to this industry is starting to overflow with various students who want to take advantage on the benefits that these careers can offer.
Probably, one of the most popular career options on this industry is Radiology technician. Well, some people do not actually know what these professionals do. They are the professionals that use equipments in taking X-ray images. These images can be used to diagnose trauma and diseases. These professionals are often called radiographers or x-ray technicians. Aside from taking x-ray images, their job profile also includes other equipments like computer tomography (CT scan), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound technology.
Like any other professions in the medical industry, you cannot obtain a job on this industry by simply attending radiology technician classes. You need to understand that there are certain requirements that you need to have before you can land a good job. Here are some of the career options that you can consider if you want a good job on this industry.
Radiology Technician Certification
If you want to pursue a career on this field, you need to obtain a technician certification. If you will be attending x ray technician classes, it must include medical imaging science and diagnosis, radio pharmacology, pathology, biology, anatomy and physiology and more. Basically, the certification lasts for 2 years. The students will learn how to take care of patients properly, the safety procedures in handling the radiology equipments, proper usage of radiology and scanning equipments, health care ethics and more. If they pass the two-year certification, they can be entitled for a certification exam.
Associates Degree
If you will be applying for an associate degree, you must at least be a high school graduate. You will be educated on various radiological procedures like the positioning of patients for x-rays and other related diagnostic exams. The students will learn about clinical radiology, operating and maintaining radiologic machines, safety procedures in handling equipments, positioning and other medical terminologies related to the field. After taking this degree, they can attend for an On-the-job training to specialize in CT or MRI.
Bachelors Degree
If you plan to apply for a higher management position, you can take a bachelors degree. The students can obtain knowledge in supervising and teaching radiology. You need to be a high school graduate and provide ACT or SAT scores. After completing the course, the students will have business and financial skills, anatomy and physiology, leadership and management skills, radiology techniques and physics and more.
After graduating, they can apply to hospitals and clinics as diagnostic imaging director, lead radiological technologist and radiological technologist trainer.
You can have a lot of choices depending on the path that you want to take.
