How to become a Radiology Technician
If you are interested in a career that is both rewarding and has long-term earning potential, perhaps you should become a radiology technician. Radiology technicians take x-rays and administer non-radioactive materials into the bloodstreams of patients for diagnostic purposes. Some radiology technicians also specialize in diagnostic imaging technologies, such as computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Education and experience for this profession is offered in hospitals, colleges and universities, and vocational-technical institutes. Hospitals, which employ most radiology technicians, prefer to hire those with formal training from an accredited radiology program. Courses to become a radiology technologist range from one to four years in length and can lead to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. Some one-year certificate programs are available for experienced radiographers or individuals from other medical professionals who want to change fields or specialize in CT or MRI. If you aspire to become a supervisor, administrator or teacher, a bachelo's or master's degree would be desirable.
To enter a radiography technician programs you will need a high school diploma or the equivalent. A thorough understanding of mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology is helpful. Once in an accredited program, you will receive classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, radiation physics, radiation protection, principles of imaging, medical terminology, positioning of patients, medical ethics, radiobiology, and pathology. |