A Closer Look At Radiology Technician Jobs
If you are considering a career with a future and want to help people, then becoming a radiology technician is the perfect path for you. Radiologic technicians use x-ray images to diagnose many different conditions, including cancers and bone fractures. They also perform other imaging techniques such as ultrasounds and nuclear medicine scans. They are primarily responsible for operating diagnostic equipment and processing image data, transmitting images, guarding patient privacy and confidentiality during exams, maintaining equipment inventories, providing customer service to patients in the exam room or on the phone. Radiologic technicians must be detail oriented and be able to follow detailed instructions. It is also important to have good communication skills.
If you want this job, you need an associate's degree and certification. Entry level technicians make a median of $47,000 per year, and the mid-range technicians make almost $60,000 a year. The top 10% of technicians earn more than $72,000 a year as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you are interested in this job then continue reading for information on education requirements, salary and job outlooks.
This article will explore the education requirements and salary expectations for radiology technicians as well as the expected jobs growth and types of employment settings they work in.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of radiology technicians will expand by 24% from 2012 to 2022. This is much faster than the average for all professions.
This growth is very promising, but it is important to note that this will be mostly due to opening of new facilities to perform medical imaging. As technologies advance, more procedures can be performed without the need for a physician's services, and thus more radiology technician jobs can be available to perform these procedures. Additionally, recent legislation has been passed in an effort to improve access to care as well as promote preventative care and individual responsibility for health . It is expected that these will lead to more patients being examined by radiology technicians, which in turn will increase demand for them.
Most people who pursue radiology technician jobs do so because they want a job that helps others and provides them with a steady income. They often become partners or own their own company, and rarely leave their positions unless they are forced to do so due to low income. Most employers prefer applicants who are self-motivated and can work well on a team.
With this job being in the growing field (often referred to as "hot" employment), it is important to realize that it is in high demand. Competition to find this job will be fierce, so it is important to stand out. High school students who are graduating can begin taking the prerequisites now so they will be ready to apply for these jobs as soon as they graduate.
Aspiring radiology technicians can take high school courses in English and math, but high grades are needed in order to be accepted into a degree or certificate program. Most programs require applicants to have completed a number of years of high school science courses.
Coursework for degree programs is typically taken in day or evening classes that are offered by community colleges and vocational schools. These types of institutions offer entry level education for this job, which means that it doesn't take long before you can gain employment after graduation. Most programs last anywhere from two to four years, depending on the length of the program.
Radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technicians and radiologic technologists – these are the three most common career paths. The vast majority of people who work with x-rays (such as radiation therapists and nuclear medicine technicians) are women. However, there is a growing number of men who become radiology technicians as well.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says artisans and related occupations will grow about 8% between 2012 and 2022. This is a very fast rate of growth that may be because this field has been undervalued for years. However, a growing number of tech and medical workers may have contributed to this prediction.
It is important to realize that most people who pursue this job are self-employed, but a growing number of employers are hiring and prefer candidates who are very detail oriented. Companies will offer apprenticeships for those who want to become licensed technicians. To get that job you most likely need an associate's degree, certification or hands-on experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that the employment outlook for radiologic technologists is very good over the next decade. This career path requires a high school diploma or equivalent, which might be obtained during high school or by attending community college classes on your own time while working as a technician in a hospital or clinic.
If you want a job as a radiologic technologist, you will need to complete training in the field before you can get that job. Radiography technicians are used for x-rays of the chest, lungs, abdomen or pelvis; or fluoroscopy that is done using a camera. Aspiring radiologic technologists must have at least 2 years of related experience and be able to pass an exam or licensing test.
Aspiring radiologic technologists need to obtain their certification from either the National Registry of Radiologic Technologists (NRRT) or its equivalent in other states. Before you can obtain this certification, it is important to complete at least 60 days of Internship and 12 months of supervised experience.
Most of the people who work as radiologic technologists are employed in radiology departments of hospitals or by imaging centers. Radiography technicians will perform X-rays, CT scans, PET scans and mammography. Aspiring radiologic technologists can take courses in educational technology, computer skills and anatomy.
An associate's degree is typically required for entry level members of the future health care providers workforce. This certificate can also be obtained from a formal program which will allow you to work independently at one patient's bedside as well as with other team members and physicians.
Most jobs for health care professionals are expected to increase by 6% between 2012 and 2022. In order to stand out, aspiring professionals can take placement exams as well as courses in computer applications, occupational safety and home management.
A Bachelor of Science (BS) or its equivalent is generally required for entry level positions. In some cases, community colleges will offer associate's degree programs that can be completed while working in a hospital or clinic. However, most programs require at least two years of development programs to be completed before students are eligible for certification exams that will allow them to practice independently.
Health care workers can take classes at two-year colleges as well as some four-year universities to get a degree in this field. Classes will often include subjects such as anatomy, physiology and microbiology. Most programs require students to have a high school diploma or its equivalent and also have a background in science or be able to pass the appropriate exams.
Higher education is required for most positions in this field. The largest employers of health care workers include private hospitals, clinics, home health care services and physician's offices. Those that would like to become a licensed professional (such as an RN) can take classes at community colleges and vocational schools in the evenings after they get off work.
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists are typically employed by doctors' offices, medical laboratories, and imaging centers.
Conclusion
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for qualified health care professionals is expected to grow at a faster rate than average in recent years, which will benefit most health care careers. Between 2012 and 2022, a 6% increase in jobs is anticipated when compared with the 2008-2012 period.
The majority of this workforce will be employed by health care facilities such as hospitals, community health centers and physician's offices. These employers are expected to offer increased wages and job security for this population of health care workers.