Becoming a radiology technologist involves completing a 2-year associate's degree program. When completed, the student is qualified to work in hospitals, physicians' offices and diagnostic imaging centers. Many students go on to earn a bachelor's or master's degree part time while working. Some schools will also offer a shorter certificate program which leads to certification in one area.
Types
Typical courses include Introduction to Radiologic Technology, Radiographic Physics, Principles of Radiographic Exposure, Advanced Radiographic Procedures Computed Imaging, Positioning and Related Anatomy, Nursing Procedures, Patient Care, Medical Terminology, Sectional Anatomy, Concept Integration, Pathology, Quality Assurance, and Radiation Biology and Protection (see Resources below).
Features
Special features of the programs involve work experience where the students works full time for a few weeks in the field as an intern.
Specialties
Radiology technology graduates can specialize in fields such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Potential
With further study and experience, there is the potential to rise to positions such as supervisor, chief radiologic technologist, and, ultimately, department administrator, teacher or program director.
Considerations
Consider how fast you need to get into the work force. You can go for a certificate program and then pursue an associate's degree part time. Also consider becoming certified by national and local professional associations (see Resources below).
Tags: associate degree, certificate program, degree part, degree part time, part time, Resources below