The ability to look inside the human body is one of the most powerful diagnostic tools for physicians. Radiologic technicians are the professionals responsible for creating these images, maintaining safety procedures and interacting with patients. The basic education and training primarily deals with X-rays, but many radiologic technologists take advanced courses to specialize in technologies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging.
Preparation
You need a high school diploma or GED to get into a radiology program. While in high school, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports you should study physics, chemistry and biology as well as mathematics. If you have graduated and lack any of these courses, you can take them at a local college if the radiology program you want requires it.
Education
The education and training to be a radiologic technologist is a combination of academic classes and clinical practice. You take basic courses in anatomy, physiology and physics. Specialized course work includes medical ethics and terminology, pathology and imaging technology. Clinical training focuses on patient care, radiation safety and developing skills such as properly positioning patients for X-ray imaging.
Schools
To be a radiologic technologist, you must complete an accredited education and training program. The BLS says that as of 2009 there were more than 600 accredited radiology programs in the United States. The basic program leads to an associate's degree and takes about two years. Shorter certification programs are available for persons who already have a health-care background. An online list of accredited radiologic technologist programs is available on the website of the Joint Review Commission on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Advanced Training
After you graduate and pass a written licensing exam, you should plan on more training throughout your career. Most states require about 24 classroom hours of continuing education every two years to maintain your license. If you want to specialize in an area such as ultrasound imaging or eventually move into supervisory positions, you may want to pursue a four-year bachelor's degree.
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