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If you’re interested in becoming a radiology technician, you might be wondering what courses are required. Read on to learn more about the education you’ll need to pursue a career in this field.
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Radiology Technician As a Career
Radiology technicians are in demand and the field is expected to grow. Students interested in becoming a radiology tech should enroll in a program that has been accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Once enrolled, they will take courses such as physics, anatomy, and physiology.
What Does a Radiology Technician Do?
Radiologic technologists, also called radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, on patients. Many of these workers are known as x-ray technicians. They prepare patients for procedures, position them correctly, select the appropriate cameras and act as a liaison between the patient and radiologist.
Radiologic technologists must complete an accredited 2-year radiology tech program and earn an associate’s degree or certificate. Some 4-year colleges offer bachelor’s degrees in radiologic technology.
What Are the Educational Requirements for Radiology Technician?
A radiologic technologist is a highly skilled professional who uses sophisticated technology to create images of the human body used by physicians to diagnose and treat injuries and diseases. Radiologic technologists must complete formal education and training requirements before they can earn state licensure and begin practicing.
The type of program you choose to complete will determine the length of your program and the type of degree or certificate you earn. Most programs take two years to complete, although some may be completed in as little as 18 months. Programs that lead to an Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology are most common, although there are also certificate and bachelor’s degree programs available in some areas.
Radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiography program before they can sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination. The ARRT is the primary certifying body for radiologic technologists in the United States, and most states use ARRT certification as a basis for licensure. There are more than 200 accredited radiography programs in the United States, so you should have no trouble finding one that meets your needs.
Radiology Technician Courses
Radiology techs are in demand. If you are thinking about a career in radiology, you may be wondering what courses are required to become a radiology tech. The answer may vary depending on the state you live in, but there are some common core courses that most radiology tech programs will require. We will go over some of the most common radiology tech courses below.
Prerequisites for Radiology Technician Courses
Most radiology programs will have a few prerequisite courses that must be taken before starting the program. These courses are designed to give you the basic knowledge and skills that you’ll need to be successful in the program.
Here are some of the most common prerequisites for radiology programs:
-Anatomy and physiology: You’ll need to have a basic understanding of the human body before you can start learning how to use radiologic technology to image it.
-Medical Terminology: You’ll need to know medical terminology in order to understand the radiology reports that you’ll be reading.
-Patient Care: You’ll need to understand how to provide basic patient care, including taking vital signs, before you can start working with patients in a radiology setting.
-Physics: You’ll need a basic understanding of physics in order to understand how radiologic equipment works.
Core Courses for Radiology Technician
Radiologic technology programs typically last two years and lead to an associate degree. The first year of the program is generally comprised of coursework in basic sciences such as biology and chemistry, along with math and English. The second year is when students take classes specific to radiologic technology, such as imaging medical procedures, radiation safety and ethical issues in healthcare. Students also complete clinical rotations in this year, during which they gain hands-on experience using radiologic equipment under the supervision of licensed technologists.
Radiology Technician Certification
Radiologic technologists are responsible for performing diagnostic imaging examinations, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. They work closely with radiologists, who are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging procedures. In order to become a radiology tech, you will need to complete a certified radiologic technologist program and pass a national certification exam.
ARRT Certification
Certification and registration requirements for radiologic technologists vary from state to state. Most states require licensure, certification or registration of radiologic technologists. The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is a nationally recognized organization that provides certification for radiologic technologists. Certification by the ARRT is voluntary, but required by most employers. Individuals who are ARRT certified have met specific educational and clinical experience requirements and have passed a rigorous examination in their field. Most states recognize the ARRT certification and use it as the basis for state licensure or registration.
Certification by State
Radiologic technologists are required to be credentialed in most states in order to practice. Specific requirements vary by state, although most require licensure, registration or certification. A few states have no credentialing requirements. Most credentialing bodies require completion of an accredited radiology technology program and passing scores on nationally recognized examinations. Many states also require continuing education credits to maintain credentials.
Although there are variations in requirements from state to state, most follow a pattern similar to the one below:
Alabama: The Alabama Radiology Society requires licensure for all radiologic technologists practicing in the state. Certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) is accepted as proof of licensure. To be eligible for ARRT certification, radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiology technology program and pass the ARRT national certification examination.
Alaska: The Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development requires licensure for all radiologic technologists practicing in the state. Certification from the ARRT is accepted as proof of licensure. To be eligible for ARRT certification, radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiology technology program and pass the ARRT national certification examination.
Arizona: The Arizona Board of Medical Examiners requires licensure for all radiologic technologists practicing in the state. Certification from the ARRT is accepted as proof of licensure. To be eligible for ARRT certification, radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiology technology program and pass the ARRT national certification examination.
Arkansas: The Arkansas Department of Health requires both certification and registration for all radiologic technologists practicing in the state. Certification from either the ARRT or Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) is required for registration. To be eligible for either organization’s certification examination, radiologic technologists must complete an accredited radiology technology program.
California: The California Department of Public Health does not require any specific credential for radiologic technologists practicing in the state, although many employers do require certification from either the ARRT or NMTCB . ~~~
