A radiology technician must have good people skills.
Radiology technicians are responsible for administering patient X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. This is highly technical work that always requires formal education and, in some states, a license to practice. Formal education, however, is only part of what it takes be a radiology technician. The demands of the job require physical stamina and the ability to work well with patients and hospital staff on a daily basis.
The Facts
Although some degree of formal education is a firm requirement, the path you choose can vary from a certificate program to a bachelor's degree. If you already have formal education and training in a field of healthcare such as nursing, a certificate program may be appropriate, while a desire to specialize or rise to a supervisory position may require a bachelor's degree. However, the most common educational path starts with a two year associate degree, acording to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Educational Requirements
If you are still in high school, a good way to begin preparing for a career as a radiology technician is by following a college preparatory program that includes math, physics, chemistry and biology. Post high school education requirements depend on whether you choose a two or four year program and differ concerning the number of general education requirements, available electives and opportunities for specialized training in areas of radiology such as ultrasound, imaging or radiation therapy.
Associate Degree
Coursework is a combination of classroom and clinical training. An associate degree program focuses on developing skills necessary to enter the field, including training in patient care, ethics and safety procedures, equipment operation and techniques, biology, physics and anatomy as they relate to radiology. A number of classes are clinical with training in a hospital lab setting.
Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree program, in addition to focusing on essential training and skill development, also offers specialized instruction in the use of equipment such as magnetic resonance, mammography and ultrasound machines. Coursework may also include specialized instruction in the theory and practice oncology radiation and cancer management in radiology as well as department supervision and staff management courses.
Licensing/Certification Requirements
Many states require that you take and pass a state licensing exam before becoming a practicing radiology technician. Some states have their own exam but most use the services of The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists certification exam. You can find licensing requirements for your state by contacting your state board of health. In addition to state licensing exams, the AART offers a voluntary certification exam that enables you to add the registered technologist credential, "RT," after your name. Maintaining the "RT" credential requires annual registration and the completion of 24 continuing education credits every two years.
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