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Aiden
Student
Newport, OH
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Question
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What is the hardest part of being a Radiologist Technician?
I am a current High School student interested in going to college for Radiology Technician and I’m just curious about what’s most difficult.
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Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1866
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California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Aiden to become a radiological technologist only need associate degrees to qualify for a license and/or certification. Many schools, however, now offer four-year radiology tech bachelor’s degrees in addition to the two-year associate degree route. To your wanting to enter the profession quickly, opt for the associate degree since it takes less time. If you think you eventually want to pursue higher education or another medical profession, a bachelor’s degree may be the better option. An associate degree provides foundational skills and leads to certification and securing a radiology tech position. A bachelor’s program, however, takes a deeper dive into both fundamental and advanced topics. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree may lead to higher-paying jobs or specialized roles within the field. Employers may look at bachelor’s holders more favorably when offering promotions into managerial roles.
PROS OF RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
Being a radiologic technologist offers a career with strong job security, competitive salaries, and diverse career paths.
• OPTIONS FOR SPECIALIZATION — Radiology technician is a broad term for a variety of more specific job titles in the same industry, and there are several options for specialization. These options may enable you to choose a position with duties that are most interesting to you.
• CHOICE OF JOB LOCATIONS — Radiology technicians can choose to work in many fields and at many locations. You also may have the option to choose to work in any state. Depending on your preference, you can decide to work in a healthcare institution in a large city, a suburban independent practice or a mobile facility that travels to its patients, for example.
CONS OF RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
Here are some potential challenges you may face as a radiology technician:
• CONSTANT NEW TECHNOLOGY — With the constant evolution of radiology technology, you may find you're often encountering new equipment and procedures. Although many recent developments can be similar to or extensions of tools you already use, you may spend more time practicing and learning to use new technology successfully in the workplace. You also might take tests and assessments to demonstrate your proficiency with new equipment and procedures. This can provide you with opportunities to increase your knowledge and qualifications often, which can help you advance your career.
• PHYSICAL CHALLENGES — Radiology technicians may experience physical challenges at work. They may spend most of their days standing, assisting patients and lifting or moving heavy equipment. Maintaining good physical health can help you prevent injuries or eliminate the risk of developing back and knee problems over the course of your career. Many people in this career enjoy the opportunity to stay active and move around while at work, which can help them live more healthy lives.
• ON-CALL HOURS — Many medical institutions provide treatment, care and services to patients throughout the day, so you may be on call at any time. While you can build a flexible schedule, you also might be on call early in the morning and evening and during the weekends and holidays. You may also be on call when you're off work in case of an emergency or to substitute a colleague. Many employers compensate you for this by paying higher rates for any duties you perform outside of your traditional hours, especially if you extend into overtime hours.
PROS OF RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
Being a radiologic technologist offers a career with strong job security, competitive salaries, and diverse career paths.
• OPTIONS FOR SPECIALIZATION — Radiology technician is a broad term for a variety of more specific job titles in the same industry, and there are several options for specialization. These options may enable you to choose a position with duties that are most interesting to you.
• CHOICE OF JOB LOCATIONS — Radiology technicians can choose to work in many fields and at many locations. You also may have the option to choose to work in any state. Depending on your preference, you can decide to work in a healthcare institution in a large city, a suburban independent practice or a mobile facility that travels to its patients, for example.
CONS OF RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST
Here are some potential challenges you may face as a radiology technician:
• CONSTANT NEW TECHNOLOGY — With the constant evolution of radiology technology, you may find you're often encountering new equipment and procedures. Although many recent developments can be similar to or extensions of tools you already use, you may spend more time practicing and learning to use new technology successfully in the workplace. You also might take tests and assessments to demonstrate your proficiency with new equipment and procedures. This can provide you with opportunities to increase your knowledge and qualifications often, which can help you advance your career.
• PHYSICAL CHALLENGES — Radiology technicians may experience physical challenges at work. They may spend most of their days standing, assisting patients and lifting or moving heavy equipment. Maintaining good physical health can help you prevent injuries or eliminate the risk of developing back and knee problems over the course of your career. Many people in this career enjoy the opportunity to stay active and move around while at work, which can help them live more healthy lives.
• ON-CALL HOURS — Many medical institutions provide treatment, care and services to patients throughout the day, so you may be on call at any time. While you can build a flexible schedule, you also might be on call early in the morning and evening and during the weekends and holidays. You may also be on call when you're off work in case of an emergency or to substitute a colleague. Many employers compensate you for this by paying higher rates for any duties you perform outside of your traditional hours, especially if you extend into overtime hours.