An aging population's greater need for medical care and a heightened use of diagnostic imaging during medical procedures makes for an optimistic view of employment for radiology technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates adding 37,000 jobs to the field -- an increase of 17 percent -- through 2018. To tap into the field of X-ray vision, prospective radiology technologists must hit the books.
School Start
The main educational requirement to become a radiology technologist is some form of post-secondary education, but within those guidelines, prospective techs have a lot of room. While the most commonly pursued type of degree is the two-year associate of radiology technology, other options include a shorter certificate or diploma or longer bachelor's degree in the field. Candidates should look for an educational institution accredited by the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiology Technology, which offers a search function on its website allowing narrowing down by location and by type of degree.
Major Courses
The majority of a radiology technology program will focus on preparing the student for work within the profession. Course rosters are similar to the one at South Union State Community College, located in Opelika, Alabama, offering a two-year associate's degree covering topics in introduction to radiography, radiographic procedures, imaging equipment, anatomy and physiology, exposure principles, image evaluation and pathology and radiation protection and biology.
Additional Schooling
Assorted other education is required during a radiography program. At Riverland Community College, with multiple locations in Minnesota, students complete coursework in introduction to chemistry, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, developmental psychology, medical terminology, freshman English and a humanities or fine arts course, which basically refines and rounds off their education.
Other Requirements
Unlike some other medical professions, there is no overall licensing or certification regulations in place for the radiologic technology field. To become a radiology technician requires completion of a training program, but after that point, states go their separate ways. In some cases, a test or continuing education credits may be required. Although voluntary, prospective radiology technicians can bolster their career opportunities by seeking certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. While not required, this extra certification may prove useful in obtaining a job or receiving a higher salary. To qualify, technologists must have completed a program in the field, take an examination and complete continuing education courses every two years.
Tags: become radiology, Community College, continuing education, prospective radiology, radiology technicians
