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Are you interested in a career in healthcare that doesn't require you to spend years upon years in school? If so, and if you're interested in performing diagnostic imaging on patients, then a career as a radiologic technologist could be right up your alley. With a Radiologic Technology Associate of Science program at Nebraska Methodist College (NMC), you could earn your degree and start working in the field in as little as 24 months.
So, what exactly does a career as a radiologic technologist entail, and what steps do you need to take to become one? Read on to learn more about this exciting and rewarding career path in the healthcare field!
What Does a Radiologic Technologist Do?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), "radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients." They play an important role in capturing the images that other healthcare professionals need to make accurate diagnoses and create treatment plans for patients.
Radiologic technologists can work in a wide range of healthcare settings, including hospitals and other facilities, such as physicians' offices.
Core Responsibilities
The specific responsibilities of a radiologic technologist can vary depending on their exact role and where they work. However, some common duties of a radiologic technologist include:
- Maintaining imaging equipment.
- Preparing patients for imaging.
- Positioning patients to capture high-quality images.
- Operating imaging equipment.
- Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to capture the proper images.
Patient Interaction
Radiologic technologists tend to spend a fair amount of time working directly with patients. In addition to helping them prepare for their imaging, they may also ask patients questions to keep their medical records up-to-date. Depending on the type of imaging being performed, these professionals may also interact and communicate with their patients during scans as well. This ensures that they are properly positioned and as comfortable as possible.
How to Become a Radiologic Technologist
So, what does it take to become a radiologic technologist in today's healthcare landscape? There are a few steps you'll need to take.
Educational Pathways and Requirements
Per the BLS, professionals in this field usually need an associate degree to get started. This type of degree program should cover coursework in such relevant topics as:
- Radiographic imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Radiographic procedures and positioning
- Medical terminology
- Human anatomy
- Medical law and ethics
- Radiation biology and protection
- Pharmacology
- Nuclear medicine
Clinical Training
In addition to a formal degree, aspiring professionals in this field can also benefit from having hands-on clinical training. Often, a reputable associate degree program in radiologic technology will include at least one clinical practicum session that allows students to work hands-on in an imaging lab in exchange for credit hours.
Certification and Licensure
Specific certification and licensure requirements can vary from one state to the next. However, many states do require these professionals to have some sort of certification or license through a recognized third-party agency, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), or the American Registry of Resonance Imaging Technologists (ARMRIT).
Specializations in Radiologic Technology
Even once you're working in the field, you may decide to diversify your skills to pursue more advanced and specialized roles.
Common Specialties
While most radiologic technologist programs include detailed training on such diagnostic imaging techniques as sonography and even nuclear medicine, some professionals may pursue additional training in such areas as:
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Bone density imaging
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Mammography
Emerging Fields
The field of diagnostic imaging is constantly evolving and changing, so radiologic technologists should be prepared to stay on top of trends and new technologies as they emerge. Even today, innovations like artificial intelligence (AI) integration and the use of point-of-care ultrasounds (POCUS) are improving diagnostic imaging and patient outcomes for the better.
Introduction to Medical Imaging
If you're still not sure whether a career as a radiologic technologist may be right for you, it can be helpful to get a better understanding of what medical imaging entails and the different kinds of imaging equipment you might work with.
Some examples of medical imaging that these professionals often perform include:
- CT scans, which provide detailed 2D or 3D pictures of the inside of the body.
- X-rays, which use electromagnetic radiation to create pictures of bones and other structures inside the body.
- Ultrasounds, which use high-frequency sound waves to capture images of the body's internal organs and soft tissue in real-time.
- MRIs, which use powerful magnets to generate highly detailed images of the inside of the body.
Skills and Qualities of a Successful Radiologic Technologist
In addition to having strong technical skills (including the ability to operate and maintain imaging equipment), radiologic technologists also need to possess some essential soft skills and qualities as they perform their everyday work.
These professionals, for example, need to be highly detail-oriented, especially when it comes to following precise orders from doctors or physicians regarding the areas of the body that require imaging.
Radiologic technologists should also have strong interpersonal skills, including excellent communication skills, when working with patients and other healthcare professionals.
Work Environment and Schedule
If you're considering radiologic technology as a viable career path, you might also be wondering what the typical work environment and schedule may look like.
Typical Work Settings
No two jobs in this field will be exactly alike, but according to the BLS, 57 percent of professionals in this field work in state, local, or private hospitals. The remainder work in such settings as medical and diagnostic laboratories, physicians' offices, and other outpatient care facilities.
Work Hours
Most radiologic technologists also work full-time, or around 40 hours per week. However, work hours can vary greatly. For those working in a hospital setting, shifts may range from "traditional" daytime shifts to overnight and early morning hours. Those preferring more conventional work hours may wish to seek employment in a physician's office or other outpatient facility.
Job Outlook and Career Opportunities
What is a radiologic technologist salary, and what kind of job outlook can you expect if you get into this field? There are a few crucial things to know before you decide on this career path.
Employment Growth
The demand for radiologic technologists is projected to grow 6 percent between 2023 and 2033 alone, which is faster than average for all occupations.
Career Advancement
Radiologic technologists have many career options and advancement opportunities available to them. Some may choose to specialize in more advanced types of imaging equipment, whereas others may move into leadership or supervisory positions.
Income Potential
So, what is a radiologic technologist salary? The median pay for a radiologic and MRI technologist in 2023 was $76,020 per year or $36.55 per hour.
Challenges and Rewards in the Profession
As with any field, working as a radiologic technologist comes with some inherent benefits and potential drawbacks.
Challenges
For many, one of the biggest challenges of working in this profession is the amount of time these professionals are required to spend on their feet. Shifts in radiologic technology can be long, and it is not uncommon for these professionals to spend the majority of their shifts on their feet as they operate equipment and help patients get into the proper imaging positions.
Rewards
On the other hand, working as a radiologic technologist can also be very rewarding. These professionals can take pride in knowing they have captured essential images that help healthcare providers make accurate diagnoses and deliver the best possible treatment to patients.
How to Get Started in Radiologic Technology
If a career in radiologic technology interests you, here's what you can do to get started today.
Steps to Begin
Because you'll need a minimum of an associate degree to work in the field, now is a good time to start researching degree programs tailored to your specific needs and interests. You may also want to start reading into different specializations (such as MRI and nuclear medicine) that may be worth pursuing.
Tips for Success
In addition to taking your studies seriously, being proactive about your own education and professional development is also key to success. If possible, go out of your way to attend industry events where you can meet and network with others in your field. Over time, building a strong network could help you find work and research opportunities that can advance your career while positioning you as a respected thought leader.
Final Thoughts on a Career in Radiologic Technology
Working as a radiologic technologist can be a rewarding career, especially for those who enjoy helping others and aspire to make a difference in patients' lives. Plus, unlike many other careers in healthcare, working as a radiologic technologist doesn't require a bachelor's degree or other advanced degree. Most employers hiring for this role will be looking for an associate degree in radiologic technology or a related field.
Looking for the degree program that's right for you? NMC's Radiologic Technology Associate of Science program prepares students for the demands of a career in diagnostic imaging in as little as 24 months. This includes two clinical rotations that allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.
Learn more about this full-time degree program by reaching out to our team today, or get the ball rolling by completing your online application for admission.