4 answers
Brianna
Student
Santa Clarita, California
1
Question
Updated
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What classes do I need to take to become a CT Technologist?
I want to become a CT Technologist because they make good money, I want to go to the x-ray college my mom went to so she can help me. I want to know what classes I need to take in college and some available classes in high school.
4 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Briana, so to become a CT Technologist, it's awesome that you're already thinking ahead!
In college: You'll need to complete a program in radiologic technology or a similar field. For CT specifically, here’s what you might take:
Anatomy and Physiology: Super important since you’ll need to understand the human body and how to accurately capture images.
Radiologic Physics: It’s key to understand the technology behind the scans you’ll be working with.
Patient Care: You’ll work directly with patients, so knowing how to handle different situations is a must.
CT Imaging Procedures: This is where you’ll dive into the specifics of CT scans, learning the ins and outs of the process.
Radiation Safety: Being safe around radiation is a huge part of the job.
In high school, there are a few classes that can set you up nicely for the future:
Biology and Chemistry: These will help with your understanding of anatomy and medical concepts.
Health Science/Health Occupations: If your school offers a program like this, it’ll give you a head start on medical knowledge and patient care basics.
Math and Physics: A lot of the CT work involves technical skills, so having a solid math foundation helps!
Also, if you’re already thinking about X-ray tech, maybe you can get some hands-on experience in a related field through a medical internship or volunteer work!
You're already off to a great start by planning ahead. Best of luck Brianna you got this! 🤗
In college: You'll need to complete a program in radiologic technology or a similar field. For CT specifically, here’s what you might take:
Anatomy and Physiology: Super important since you’ll need to understand the human body and how to accurately capture images.
Radiologic Physics: It’s key to understand the technology behind the scans you’ll be working with.
Patient Care: You’ll work directly with patients, so knowing how to handle different situations is a must.
CT Imaging Procedures: This is where you’ll dive into the specifics of CT scans, learning the ins and outs of the process.
Radiation Safety: Being safe around radiation is a huge part of the job.
In high school, there are a few classes that can set you up nicely for the future:
Biology and Chemistry: These will help with your understanding of anatomy and medical concepts.
Health Science/Health Occupations: If your school offers a program like this, it’ll give you a head start on medical knowledge and patient care basics.
Math and Physics: A lot of the CT work involves technical skills, so having a solid math foundation helps!
Also, if you’re already thinking about X-ray tech, maybe you can get some hands-on experience in a related field through a medical internship or volunteer work!
You're already off to a great start by planning ahead. Best of luck Brianna you got this! 🤗
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Correct Brianna, the path to get into computed tomography (CT) is to earn a degree in radiologic technologist first. An associate degree is a must for any radiologic technologist, but it is especially important for anyone who wants to eventually work in computed tomography. The right degree will provide a strong foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while also helping aspiring technologists develop stronger communication and collaborative skills. Radiology remains the main method for getting into CT—and CT is often purposefully built into the curriculum.
Many technical schools and community colleges offer these programs, and teaching hospitals may also offer educational opportunities. In an associate degree program, you typically take a variety of courses in radiology equipment and processes, patient care and human anatomy.
You also have the option to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in radiology or radiologic technology. This educational pathway may be a good option if you plan to earn a master's degree or doctorate in radiology. After you've completed an accredited degree program, pursue certification through the ARRT in radiography, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. The ARRT requires you to have this initial certification before you can earn a CT credential. To become certified in one of these areas, you can submit an application and pass an examination in your chosen discipline.
CONCLUSION
It can take several years to officially become a licensed CT tech. In general, you will need to complete a two-year associate degree, followed by six months to two years of additional studying and clinical experience before you can take licensure and certification exams.
Hope this was helpful Brianna
Many technical schools and community colleges offer these programs, and teaching hospitals may also offer educational opportunities. In an associate degree program, you typically take a variety of courses in radiology equipment and processes, patient care and human anatomy.
You also have the option to earn a four-year bachelor's degree in radiology or radiologic technology. This educational pathway may be a good option if you plan to earn a master's degree or doctorate in radiology. After you've completed an accredited degree program, pursue certification through the ARRT in radiography, nuclear medicine technology or radiation therapy. The ARRT requires you to have this initial certification before you can earn a CT credential. To become certified in one of these areas, you can submit an application and pass an examination in your chosen discipline.
CONCLUSION
It can take several years to officially become a licensed CT tech. In general, you will need to complete a two-year associate degree, followed by six months to two years of additional studying and clinical experience before you can take licensure and certification exams.
Hope this was helpful Brianna
Thank You Catherine. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Doc Frick
thank you!
Brianna
Thank You Dr H. Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds, it changes the odds.
Doc Frick
Honestly I should say Thank you, Doc Frick. Your words hold deep truth and kindness isn't just a ripple, it's a tide that reshapes the shore. Grateful for the wisdom you share because the world needs more light like yours.
Dr H
Rachel Macenka
Nuclear Medicine and PET Technologist
1
Answer
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
Hi Brianna! If your high school offers anatomy or physiology I would definitely start by taking those classes! Once you get into college you’ll take general education classes your first year or two and it’s super important to be successful in those science classes because once you get into the Radiology curriculum, the science classes get more advanced from there in out!
thank you!
Brianna
Martin Schoen
APRN
387
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
There are two ways to start a career in CT. You can first become an X-ray technologist and then focus on CT, or you can attend schools that specialize in CT. Taking some biology and math classes will be helpful.
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