The medical field continues to be a source of steady employment for those seeking a rewarding and potentially lucrative career. One area where people are needed is radiologic technology. Among the things that radiologic techs are responsible for are taking X-rays, maintaining radiological medical equipment, doing MRIs and CTs on patients and doing other various tasks for diagnostic purposes. They can work in private clinics, hospitals or mobile medical units. Here are the requirements that must be met if you want to enter this profession.
Instructions
1. Be aware that being a radiologic tech is a job that involves long hours and a lot of hard work. Determine whether or not you are willing to put in the amount of commitment and responsibility that it takes to be a part of this field of medicine. Since you will be working around radiation, there may be some risks involved, as well.
2. Get a good background in science and math when you are still in high school, and earn high grades in those areas. Classes you should take include geometry, algebra, physical science and biology. You must graduate from high school in order to get training as a radiologic tech.
3. Speak with experienced radiologic techs to get an idea of what you can expect, in terms of job description, pay, future advancement possibilities and more. Those who are already working in the field can give you a more realistic picture of what radiologic technology is all about.
4. Apply for enrollment in a radiologic technology program at an accredited institution. The time period can be from 2 to 4 years, depending on whether you want to obtain a certificate, an Associate's or Bachelor's degree. Be aware that standards tend to be high for admission.
5. Take the registration examination for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (see Resources below). Once you have passed this exam, you are ready to work.
6. Start applying to hospitals and private clinics. Understand that they are not only looking for radiologic techs who are competent, but they also seek individuals who can communicate well, are self-motivated and have compassion for others.
7. Make certain that you are always current regarding your certification. You have to apply for re-certification every 2 years, which involves your having to take and complete a specified number of hours of continuing education coursework. Neglecting to do this can jeopardize your certification, and you will have to go through the process of taking the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam again.
8. Join a professional organization composed of other radiologic techs, where you can find professional resources, advice, information and more to enhance your career (see Resources below).
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