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So you want to become a radiology technician? Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to do. Follow these five steps and you’ll be on your way to a successful career in radiology.
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Introduction
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, take X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans, which are used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for radiologic technologists was $60,070 in May 2018. The BLS also reports that employment of radiologic technologists is projected to grow about 9% from 2018 to 2028.
If you want to become a radiologic technologist, you will need to complete an accredited educational program and earn state licensure or certification. Read on for more information about how to become a radiologic technologist in five steps.
Step One: Research
If you’re interested in becoming a radiology technician, the first step is to research the field and learn what the job entails. Radiology technicians use imaging technology to help doctors diagnose and treat patients. They typically work in hospitals or clinics, and may specialize in a particular area of imaging, such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
To become a radiology technician, you will need at least an associate’s degree in radiologic technology. Some technicians may choose to further their education by completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in radiologic technology, and many hospitals offer certificate programs as well.
Once you have completed your educational requirements, you will need to obtain certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). To be eligible for certification, you must pass an exam administered by the ARRT. Once you are certified, you will need to maintain your certification by completing continuing education credits on a regular basis.
Step Two: Prerequisites
The vast majority of radiology tech programs will require that you have completed a certain amount of prerequisite coursework before you can even apply to the program. These courses will vary depending on the program, but they typically include classes in math, science, and psychology. While you may be able to take some of these classes at a community college, it’s important to make sure that the credits will transfer to the radiology tech program you’re interested in.
Step Two: Prerequisites
The vast majority of radiology tech programs will require that you have completed a certain amount of prerequisite coursework before you can even apply to the program. These courses will vary depending on the program, but they typically include classes in math, science, and psychology. While you may be able to take some of these classes at a community college, it’s important to make sure that the credits will transfer to the radiology tech program you’re interested in.
Step Three: Earn Your Degree
Once you have completed your prerequisites, it’s time to apply to an accredited radiology technician program. These programs typically last between two and four years and result in an Associate’s degree or a certificate. While most programs are conducted offline, there are some online options available for those who want or need the flexibility.
Step Four: Pass Your Certification Exam
After you have earned your degree or certificate from an accredited radiology tech program, you will then need to pass a certification exam in order to become licensed or registered in your state. The exam you take will depend on the credentialing organization that is recognized in your state.
Step Five: Maintain Your Certification/License
Once you have passed your certification exam and become licensed or registered in your state, it’s important to remember that this is not a one-time process. In order to maintain your credentials, you will need to participate in continuing education credits on a regular basis.
Step Three: Certification
After completing a training program, the next step to becoming a radiology technician is to become certified. Certification is not required in all states, but most employers prefer to hire certified technicians. The two main certifying bodies for radiology technicians are the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
To become certified by the ARRT, candidates must pass an exam covering radiographic procedures and equipment, patient care and ethics, radiation protection, imaging processing and physics. Candidates must also complete continuing education credits every two years to maintain their certification.
The JRCERT offers two certifications: the Certified Radiology Technician (CRT) and the Registered Radiology Technician (RTR). The CRT certification is for entry-level technicians who have completed an accredited training program. The RTR certification is for experienced technologists who have also completed an accredited training program and have passed an exam covering advanced imaging procedures and patient care.
Step Four: Applying for a Job
Now that you have completed your radiology technologist training and certification, you’re ready to start looking for a job. The best way to find a job as a radiology technologist is to search online job boards, such as Indeed.com, or job sites specific to the healthcare industry, such as MedHunters.com.
When searching for a job, make sure to specify the type of radiology technologist position you are interested in, as well as the location. For example, if you only want to work in a hospital setting, you would search for “hospital radiology technologist jobs” or “hospital radiology tech jobs.”
You can also contact hospitals or other healthcare facilities directly and inquire about open positions. Once you have found a few open positions that you are interested in, the next step is to apply for the job.
When applying for a radiology technologist position, you will need to submit a resume and cover letter. Your resume should list your relevant education and training, as well as your professional experience (if any). In your cover letter, be sure to explain why you would be a good fit for the position and why you are interested in working at that particular hospital or healthcare facility.
After you have submitted your resume and cover letter, the next step is usually an interview with the hiring manager. During the interview, be prepared to talk about your skills and experience, as well as your interest in working at that particular hospital or healthcare facility. At the end of the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time and express your interest in the position.
Step Five: Maintaining Certification
After completing the necessary education and training requirements, radiology technicians must obtain certification from an accredited organization, such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Once certified, radiology technicians must maintain their credential by completing continuing education courses and paying an annual fee. They may also need to take additional courses or exams to maintain their certification if they move to another state with different requirements.
