Healthcare is one of the most booming sectors today. The ageing population and the technological advancements are some of the factors for the phenomenal growth in this sector. As it is with several jobs in the fast-growing healthcare industry, the career outlook for radiographers is very good. Forbes has placed this profession in its list of "The 10 Best-Paying Medical Specialties." The BLS reports that the number of radiologic technicians is predicted to grow by 28% by the end of this decade, twice the average rate of growth anticipated across all occupations. So if you want to make it big in the healthcare sector, this line of work is ideal for you.
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Radiologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They also prepare patients for procedures, position them, and operate the equipment to take the images. They specialize in x-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and equipment computed tomography. In addition, these professionals are also responsible for keeping detailed records of patients.
Requirements of Becoming Radiologic Technologies
To become a radiologic technologist, you need to obtain at least an associate degree. Bachelor's degrees are also available in this area of study. It is also important to obtain a license or a certificate to enter this field.
Typical programs combine classroom instruction with clinical training. Some of the courses of study students can pursue in these degrees are pathology, patient care, image evaluation and radiation physics and protection.
Radiologic technologists must be licensed or certified. To obtain a license, candidates must have graduated from an accredited program. It is also important to pass a certification exam.
Radiology Continuing Education Programs
Radiologic technicians need to enroll in continuing education programs in order to keep their certification. Continuing education programs are also very useful to stay up to date with the changing trends and requirements in this field. The programs included are CE and CME courses to keep students abreast with the latest imaging trends. Studnets in these programs get to know about the essentials of the system and the basic concepts in healthcare. In addition, they also cover modality-specific advanced courses.
Campus-based as well as online schools both offer radiology continuing education programs to help students pick a route that is a suitable fit for them. Online programs are a suitable for the ones who are already engaged in work and seek advanced credentials to find more rewarding jobs in this field. Classes in the distance learning programs can be managed remotely. Learners can submit assignments, participate in group discussion and communicate with instructors with the help of several learning technologies such as chat forums, emails, video conferencing and more.
Before you enroll in an online program you should understand that it requires you to develop time-management skills. In case you do to manage your time appropriately, you will find yourself buried underneath lot of coursework.
Employment Opportunities
As a radiologic technologist you will be required to work full-time. Keeping in view that imaging is needed in emergencies, you may have work evenings, weekends, or on call as well.
Radiologic technicians can work in hospitals, physicians' offices, imaging centers and other medical settings. You can make between $36,000 and $76,000 a year. The experience, location and qualification are some of the factors that determine the salaries of radiologic technicians.