The best online radiology technologist schools

Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2018 for radiology technologists and technicians. If you graduate with a degree in this field and have knowledge of more than one diagnostic imaging procedure, you will have the best employment opportunities. Even without that knowledge, a radiology graduate can learn more procedures on the job with formal training programs offered by hospitals, colleges, and universities. This career can be exciting, as radiology techs can expand their knowledge to become leaders in this field.

Why Diversification is Good

Specialization was the norm for most radiology technicians until recently. Radiologic technologists and technicians, referred to as radiographers, produce x-ray films (radiographs) of parts of the human body for use in diagnosing medical problems. These specialists must follow physicians’ orders precisely and conform to regulations concerning the use of radiation to protect themselves, their patients, and their coworkers from unnecessary exposure.

Today, however, new procedures are taking the place of the x-ray, such as computed tomography (CT), fluoroscopies, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. CT continues to become a frontline diagnosis tool. Instead of taking x-rays to decide whether a CT is needed, as was the practice before, it is often the first choice for imaging because of its accuracy. MRI also is increasingly used. Technologists with credentialing in either of these specialties or in sonography could be very marketable to employers.

Radiology Tech Career Paths

The following careers are closely related, as they all require a basic knowledge of radiology. Many positions in different medical facilities only require an associate’s degree in radiology, but pursuing a bachelor’s degree means that graduates can qualify for higher-paying jobs at a wider range of facilities. And even further education is available both online and off for students who want to specialize or qualify for management positions in their departments.

• Radiology Technician or Technologist: The radiology technician works with traditional x-ray machines to produce internal images. They work with many different types of machines, and can progress in this field by specializing in the occupation to become instructors or directors in radiologic technology educational programs. Other technologists may take jobs as sales representatives or instructors with equipment manufacturers.
• CT Technologist: People who obtain this skill use computed tomography to provide cross-sectional x-rays of a patient’s body. Qualification for this position requires a degree in a related radiology field as well as registration with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Many medical facilities provide training for radiology techs who want to learn CT scan technology.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonographers: Diagnostic medical sonographers use special equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient’s body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician.
• MRI Technician: MRI techs use magnetic resonance imaging to create internal images with magnets. A person in this position requires a radiology degree, along with ARRT registration, as well as advanced training in the MRI field.
• Nuclear Medicine Technologist: Individuals who work in this field use Gamma Cameras to capture images. A nuclear medicine tech needs a radiology degree, with additional training for certification by the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board. This is one of the highest-paying careers in the radiology field, with an average salary ranging from $54,000 to $59,000.
• Radiation Therapist: In addition to diagnosis, diagnostic imaging is used to monitor the progress of disease treatment. With the increasing success of medical technologies in treating disease, diagnostic imaging will increasingly be needed. Radiation therapy is used to treat cancer in the human body; specialists in this field usually must complete an associate or a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy. Another option is to complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiography along with a 12-month certificate program in radiation therapy.

Work Environment and Employment Trends

Radiology techs can work in a variety of medical settings. For example, an emergency room requires face-paced work while an OB/GYN office provides an environment that is slower paced. Each environment is different, but most tech jobs require physical stamina; you can often be on your their feet for long periods and may have to lift or turn disabled patients. Some work is done at diagnostic machines, but some procedures are performed at patients’ bedsides. So you can see how this type of job can require you to move around a lot.

Demand for radiologic technologists and technicians can tend to be regional with some areas having large demand, while other areas are saturated. Those willing to relocate may have better job prospects. Hospitals will remain the principal employer of radiologic technologists, but a number of new jobs will be found in physicians’ offices and diagnostic imaging centers. As technology advances many imaging modalities are becoming less expensive and more feasible to have in a physician’s office, so this will also help create more jobs.

Each place of employment offers different salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics supplies information on the rates of employment in each medical facility and how much a technologist or technician might earn at these facilities:

Although general medical and surgical hospitals currently are the largest employers of radiologic technologists and technicians, the salaries for these employees also remain high in those facilities. As the population grows and ages, there will be an increasing demand for diagnostic imaging. The need for technicians in this field remains strong because of these demands, but because there is a growing need to replace technologists who leave the occupation.

Room for Advancement

With experience and additional training, staff technologists may become specialists. Technologists also may advance, with additional education and certification, to become a radiologist assistant. ARRT offers specialty certification in many radiologic specialties as well as a credentialing for radiologist assistants.

Experienced technologists also may be promoted to:

• Supervisor
• Chief radiologic technologist
• Department administrator or director*