Students who complete Associate of Science (A.S.) in Radiologic Technology programs are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists' (ARRT) certification examination and become licensed radiologist technicians. At the associate's level, Radiologist programs usually take two years to complete. These entry-level Radiologist programs require clinical practice in the field, as well as classes, such as radiology patient care procedures, computed tomography, radiographic procedures, radiation biology, patient care and assessment and image analysis.
Radiologic technologists take X-rays and administer nonradioactive materials into patients' bloodstreams for diagnostic purposes. Radiologic technologists 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. In addition to preparing patients and operating equipment, radiologic technologists keep
patient records and adjust and maintain equipment. They also may prepare work schedules, evaluate purchases of equipment, or manage a radiology department. The program provides both 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.
The best advantage of this radiology technician and technology program is it prepares you as a qualified healthcare professional and plays the role as a first assistant to the physician in medical practice. The coursework of these programs generally focuses on educating students on different elements of radiology such as how to take x-rays or prepare film and manage records of patients properly. Adding to this, radiology programs also provides hands-on training through clinical rotations.
Today no one can contradict the fact that as a radiologic technologist, you work in close coordination with the radiologist and play a very important role as a specialized member in a health check team. Since you work as a team, it requires efficient interpersonal skills that may enable you to cooperate efficiently with the complete healthcare team members and the public as well. As a result, a good radiology program in allied health can also
help you learn this skill very effectively.
Once you complete the program, you will be able to make use of suitable decisive thinking and problem-solving skills primarily required in the clinical setting. Acquire awareness and skills compulsory for any competent entry-level radiological technologists.
These days there are many colleges and universities offering radiology programs. However, be sure to have a degree from those colleges that guarantees to provide you experienced faculty and quality programs. Look for a university that can assign you personal advisor(s) who will be there to answer your questions and take care of administrative details from enrollment through graduation.
No doubt the career as a radiology technician is a booming field with a good projection increment in the job demands. Your choice to choose your career in this profession is definitely right, unless you select a right program and right college. A radiology program in allied health can certainly improve and advance your career to a higher level.
