Skip to main content
8 answers
8
Asked 3331 views

what are some of the requirements to becoming a radiology tech

I'm going to the school to become a radiology tech and want to get a job in this field so I need to know what employers are looking for #radiology #radiologist #radiology-students #radiology-tech #radiology-education

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you

8

8 answers


2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mikio’s Answer

To answer this look below and understand which type of Radiologist interests you, what the school requirements are, what they do, and what they get paid depending on if they work for public (fed) or private industry:


If you've ever had an x-ray, you've probably met a radiologic technologist. But did you know radiologic technologists have many specialty areas of practice?


-Radiographers use x-ray equipment to produce 2-D and 3-D images of the tissue, organs, bones and vessels of the body.
-Magnetic resonance technologists apply a combination of radiofrequency pulses and a powerful magnetic field to create detailed images of anatomy.
Nuclear medicine technologists use radiopharmaceuticals and special cameras to produce images of organs and reveal their function.
-Sonographers use high-frequency sound waves to create images of anatomy.
-Radiation therapists administer highly focused forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases.


School Requirements: https://www.arrt.org/eligibility-for-international-candidates


State Licensing: https://www.arrt.org/State-Licensing/


Current fed jobs: https://www.usajobs.gov/Search/?keyword=physician%20radiologist


Current private jobs: http://www.monster.com/jobs/q-radiology-jobs.aspx

2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Dallas’s Answer

Four years to get stared Two years of basic and two years specified training time.

Dallas recommends the following next steps:

After the four years of the training and working with patients.
Than there is a life learning.
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

phillip’s Answer

Becoming a Radiology technician
Overview


Radiology technicians produce clear and accurate images of the body that enable physicians to diagnose and treat medical conditions that would otherwise be difficult to document. Technicians operate sophisticated equipment that includes X-ray, mammography, computerized axial tomography (CAT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scan devices. By guiding patients through each step of their medical imaging procedures, these specialists ensure the production of high quality images. They also play a pivotal role in assuaging the anxieties of patients who may be concerned about the procedure or their condition.


Technicians prepare patients by explaining each step of the medical imaging process. After instructing patients to remove jewelry, clothing or other items that could interfere with the equipment, they position them correctly and protect them from overexposure, for example by covering parts of the body not being filmed with lead aprons. Occasionally they inject barium- and iodine-based contrast agents to improve image quality. After focusing the equipment and capturing the images on digital file or film, radiology technicians review the results of their work with radiologists, and take additional views when necessary. A radiology technician may also be responsible for updating patient records and maintaining the imaging equipment itself.
Radiologic technologists are radiology technicians who have progressed through continued education and training or those who acquired additional training and education before entering the field. Many radiology technologists will specialize in a particular diagnostic test, such as mammography, and those with more than one specialty are considered highly desirable by employers. Regardless of the level of training—technician or technologist—or specialization, the precision work of these professionals enables physicians to diagnose and treat a wide variety of health concerns with accuracy and confidence.
Radiology technicians work in hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, private physician offices or even mobile imaging service centers. While hospitals remain the leading job providers, they also tend to be much busier than outpatient settings. A radiology technician typically works a standard 40-hour week, but some positions require on-call night or weekend work.
Education
Three options exist for pursuing a career as a radiology tech: a certificate program that takes one to two years, a two-year associate’s degree, or a four-year bachelor’s degree. (A certificate program is especially beneficial for an individual with significant experience in radiology technology or who is shifting medical fields. This program typically lasts for 21 to 24 months.)
Certificate programs are available through traditional or online courses, community colleges, technical schools, and some hospitals. (Hospital programs will usually have a condition of employment in order to gain the necessary training.) These institutions often require an intensive coursework schedule. Prerequisites to radiology programs may include previous medical experience and/or medical terminology, office technology or ethics coursework. The foundation of radiology education usually includes anatomy, chemistry, biology, radiology theory, mathematics and patient safety courses. (Note: Be sure to confirm the accreditation of the institution you plan to attend.)
A two-year associate’s degree is the most popular path for aspiring radiology techs at this time. Programs are offered at almost all accredited community colleges and private (for-profit) institutions.
Some universities offer a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology. Admission to one of these programs comes with its own criteria specific to the school. Common coursework includes radiation physics, anatomy, pathology and radiobiology.


Training
Most schools require a portion of the curriculum to be hands-on to give students valuable patient contact experience. Many radiologic technology programs are now also requiring coding or medical office courses, as some jobs will require those skills to be utilized in practice.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) is the official accrediting body for radiography training programs. It is very important to take a JRCERT-accredited training program because it will later qualify you for certification. To find out if a school is accredited by JRCERT, go the committee’s official website.
Specialization includes mammography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), musculoskeletal, neuroradiology, cellular imaging, medical sonography and medical imaging. Specialization requires additional training and ARRT certification in the selected specialty.
Licensing and/or Certification
Certification follows radiation technology training and is awarded by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) after passing the certification exam. To maintain ARRT-certified status, 24 hours of continuing education every two years is required.
Most states require radiology technicians to secure a license. Requirements differ in each state. Some states use ARRT exams for licensing, but individuals should contact the relevant state’s health board for more information.
Necessary Skills and Qualities
Good communication skills, a focus on detail, and careful attention to procedure are essential to success as a radiology technician. Physical strength is needed to position patients, and at times, to lift them onto examination tables. As with health care professionals in general, empathy, cultural sensitivity, and high ethical standards are necessary as well.
Opportunities for Advancement
As noted above, radiologist technicians are frequently "technologists-in-training." A technologist candidate is eligible to seek certification after meeting experience and training requirements obtained as a technician. Certified radiology technologist may also be asked to train or manage entry-level technicians.
If you would like to gain the necessary education to become a radiology technician, we highly recommend that you check out our free School Finder Tool located HERE.


http://www.innerbody.com/careers-in-health/becoming-radiology-technician.html

1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kushalappa’s Answer

There is a variety of formal training programs available to future radiology technicians. They may earn certificates, associate's degrees or bachelor's degrees in radiology to be eligible for employment in the U.S.; however, most radiology technicians enter the career with associate's degrees.

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Deepika’s Answer

Required Education - Associate's degree or bachelor's degree in radiology
Other Requirements State licensure and optional certification

0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Richard’s Answer


Some states require a bachelors degree. Here in Texas, a 2 year associates degree and passing state exam qualifies you.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Rachel’s Answer

This profession involves a technical degree that can be obtained at a 2 year community college.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Catherine’s Answer

**Technicians are the people we call to fix our equipment. As a technologist I scan or image the patients. Most jobs require you do a X-ray program from a community college at the bare minimum to obtain an associates. I personally got a bachelors since it pays more in my area and allows me to potentially work in management. They no longer do certification through onsite hospital training for X-ray unless you are enrolled with a college X-ray program. You would need to find a school that offers it and apply there. For the ARRT (Credentialing organization) you need 24 continuing education credits every 2 years to stay certified with them plus my own state has extra regulations to keep my state license for my job. Also with ARRT you need to take an exam every 10 Years to make sure you’re continuing your understanding of Imaging and keeping up to date on the field. Different jobs also have more requirements that need to be met to continue working for them. Your best bet is to go look at schools near you that offer it and find out as much information as you can and what the requirements are to graduate.
0