How to Get Into a Radiology Tech Program

A radiology tech program can be a great way to get started in the medical field. But how do you get into one? Check out our blog post to find out!

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Introduction

If you want to become a radiologic technologist, you will need to complete an accredited radiology tech program. This typically takes two years to complete, although some programs may take longer. Once you have completed the program, you will need to pass a national exam in order to become certified.

There are many different ways to get into a radiology tech program, but the most common is to attend a two-year community college. There are also four-year colleges that offer radiology tech programs, but these are less common. You can also attend a hospital-based program, but these are generally much more competitive and may require that you have previous experience working in the medical field.

If you’re not sure which type of program is right for you, it’s a good idea to speak with an admissions counselor at the school you’re interested in attending. They will be able to tell you what the requirements are and help you determine if you meet them.

What is Radiology?

Radiology is the study and practice of using medical imaging technologies to diagnose and treat patients. Radiology techs, also called radiographers, are the health care professionals who operate the imaging equipment and help physicians interpret the images.

There are many different types of radiology tech programs, but most will require you to have completed high school or equivalent, as well as some college coursework. Some programs may also require you to take an entrance exam.

Once you have been accepted into a radiology tech program, you will likely complete coursework in physics, biology, anatomy and physiology, as well as completing clinical rotations. After successfully completing a radiology tech program, you will be eligible to sit for the national certification exam.

What is a Radiology Technician?

A radiologic technologist is a highly skilled professional who uses specialized equipment to produce diagnostic images of the human body. These images can be used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases.

Radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiography program and obtain a state license before they can begin practicing. The length of training programs varies, but most last between 18 and 24 months.

Radiologic technologists typically work in hospitals, medical offices, or diagnostic imaging centers. They may also find employment in other settings such as research laboratories or pharmaceutical companies.

What are the Education Requirements to Become a Radiology Technician?

There are several ways to become a radiology technician, but most people will need to complete an accredited training program. These programs typically last between one and four years and cover everything from patient care to imaging techniques. Some programs may also offer specializations, such as nuclear medicine or computed tomography (CT).

After completing an accredited program, you will then need to pass a national exam in order to become certified. Once you are certified, you will need to keep up with your continuing education requirements in order to maintain your certification.

What are the Steps to Becoming a Radiology Technician?

There are several steps that you need to take in order to become a radiology technician. Complete an accredited radiology tech program. Most employers will only hire candidates who have completed an accredited radiology tech program from an institution that is recognized by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

After you have completed a radiology tech program, you need to obtain certification and licensure. Certification is not required in all states, but it may be required by some employers. You can become certified by ARRT. To become licensed, you need to contact your state’s board of medicine and find out their requirements.

Radiology technicians typically need to complete continuing education credits every year to maintain their certification and licensure.

What are the Different Types of Radiology Technician Programs?

There are three types of Radiology Technician programs: certificate, associate’s degree, and bachelor’s degree.

The type of program you choose will depend on your goals and objectives.

A certificate program generally takes one year to complete and will prepare you for entry-level positions in the field.

An associate’s degree program takes two years to complete and will prepare you for more advanced positions in the field.

A bachelor’s degree program takes four years to complete and will prepare you for leadership positions in the field.

How to Choose a Radiology Technician Program

When exploring how to become a radiologist, there are many school choices for radiologic technology programs. Here are steps to find and choose the best fit college program for you:

Step 1: Determine if You Meet the Prerequisites
The majority of accredited radiology technician programs have similar prerequisites, which may include prerequisite coursework and/or a minimum GPA for admission consideration. Many also require completion of health care experience, such as volunteering or working in a related field prior to applying.

Step 2: Research Program Options
There are many different types of radiology tech programs, each with its own strengths. For example, some schools may offer specialized tracks or emphases within their general radiology tech program, while others may have Bachelor’s or Master’s degree options. Consider your long-term career goals when researching programs to find the best fit for you.

Step 3: Consider Cost and Location
Radiology tech programs can vary greatly in cost, from around $5,000 for a certificate program to over $100,000 for a four-year degree. In addition to tuition costs, consider other associated expenses such as books, fees, and living expenses. When considering location, remember that you will likely need to complete clinical rotations as part of your program, so be sure to choose a school that is near hospitals or other medical facilities where you can complete these required hours.

Step 4: Review Accreditation Status
It is important to make sure any radiologic technology program you are considering is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). This accreditation is necessary in order to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam after graduation, which is required for licensure in most states.
You can review a list of accredited programs on the JRCERT website.

Once you have considered all of these factors, you should be well on your way to choosing the right radiology tech program for you!

What is the Job Outlook for Radiology Technicians?

The job outlook for radiology technicians is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of radiologic technologists will grow 14 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and the increased use of imaging modalities such as MRIs and CT scans are expected to drive demand for medical imaging procedures.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when choosing a radiology tech program. Location, cost, and length of the program are all important factors to consider. Once you have chosen a program, the next step is to complete the application process. Most programs require an essay, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. Once you have been accepted into the program, you will need to complete coursework and clinical rotations in order to earn your degree.