If you are thinking of pursuing a career as a radiologic technologist,
there are many directions you could take toward achieving your goal.
There are radiologic technologists working in pretty much every type of
health care setting you could possibly imagine, from large urban
hospitals to doctors' offices out in rural communities. There are many
different areas of specialization for these professionals, such as
prenatal care or geriatrics, which require some additional education and
training. Some people in this profession go on to teach, as well, while
others move into managerial positions, sometimes for entire radiology
departments in large hospitals. And with additional schooling, there is
always the option of becoming a radiologist assistant. It's a career
that provides many options to change and evolve over the years, just as
most people do.
Education, Training and Certification
The majority of radiologic technologists have received a two-year associate's degree from a community college or technical institute, while others have completed certificate or diploma programs at vocational schools or hospitals that focus more directly on radiologic technology. There are also radiologic technologists who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree at a university, which qualifies graduates for more of the specialized jobs and managerial positions. Since there are approximately 1,000 accredited radiologic technologist programs in the United States, there are many options to choose from. Whichever education option you choose, you can count on one thing: taking a certification exam to show the job market that you are qualified. To be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists primary certification examination, you must hold at least an associate's degree.
The Future of the Field
If you already think radiologic technology sounds like the right career for you, it may come as a pleasant surprise that there is some icing on the cake – good earning potential, benefits and job stability well into the future. The demand for radiologic technologists is high right now, and with a growing population and expanding use of medical technology, the demand is expected to continue growing. The annual salary for radiologic technologists is above average for careers only requiring two years of postsecondary education – the 2010 median annual salary was $44,500 for entry-level radiographers and $57,500 for entry-level radiation therapists, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. With additional education and experience as a manager, it's even possible to make as much as $85,000 annually. It's a rewarding career well worth considering.
Education, Training and Certification
The majority of radiologic technologists have received a two-year associate's degree from a community college or technical institute, while others have completed certificate or diploma programs at vocational schools or hospitals that focus more directly on radiologic technology. There are also radiologic technologists who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree at a university, which qualifies graduates for more of the specialized jobs and managerial positions. Since there are approximately 1,000 accredited radiologic technologist programs in the United States, there are many options to choose from. Whichever education option you choose, you can count on one thing: taking a certification exam to show the job market that you are qualified. To be eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists primary certification examination, you must hold at least an associate's degree.
The Future of the Field
If you already think radiologic technology sounds like the right career for you, it may come as a pleasant surprise that there is some icing on the cake – good earning potential, benefits and job stability well into the future. The demand for radiologic technologists is high right now, and with a growing population and expanding use of medical technology, the demand is expected to continue growing. The annual salary for radiologic technologists is above average for careers only requiring two years of postsecondary education – the 2010 median annual salary was $44,500 for entry-level radiographers and $57,500 for entry-level radiation therapists, according to the American Society of Radiologic Technologists. With additional education and experience as a manager, it's even possible to make as much as $85,000 annually. It's a rewarding career well worth considering.
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