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Trina
Student
Huron, South Dakota
1
Question
Asked
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What are some good tips for Rad Techs?
I am the first in my family to consider this field in the health care, however my mom was a CNA she isn’t sure what to do with a rad techs program.
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2 answers
Joe L.
Program Manager
49
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
My son chose a Rad Tech career having to complete only 2 years of college to get his certification that now lets him work nationwide in the profession. It's a good one if you enter and like the field..then progressively begin to build your skills in the latest scanning technologies. Like any field in medicine..the specialists tend to make more money than the generalist (tip). My advice is not to settle for the first job or salary you get
and make sure you get a job where learning is as important as the initial money you're going to make
Example...you could probably make some good money right out of school as a traveling rad tech to nursing homes, etc...my son considered a job like that right out of college...but the downside was learning opportunities on new technologies was limited.
Also, with the explosion of small clinics everwhere...you could work at these urgent cares for awhile like my son did..and not only practice your skills but also learn new ones..like office administration for example
However, I really think if you can position yourself working at a large hospital and gaining experience there at some point..it will be where you can get the most chances to learn new technologies and even new certifications. So don't leave large hospital experience out of your resume..at some point it will become valuable if you want to advance very far in your imaging career.
I always wanted my son to try Nuclear and specialize there...given the higher salaries..but not sure how the profession is there now
Below more detailed potential career path(s) to review
Education:
Start by earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an accredited radiologic technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. A program usually takes about 2 years to complete and leads to an associate degree. Some individuals choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiologic technology for additional career opportunities.
Licensing and Certification:
After completing an accredited radiologic technology program, you'll need to become licensed or certified, depending on your state's requirements. This often involves passing a state-specific exam or a national certification exam from an organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification is essential for employment in most healthcare facilities.
Entry-Level Work:
Most Rad Techs start their careers in general radiography, which involves taking X-rays of patients. This provides a solid foundation in radiologic technology.
Gain Experience:
Building experience is crucial for career advancement. You can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or even in specialized areas like orthopedics or cardiovascular radiography.
Specialization:
Consider specializing in a specific area within radiologic technology. Some options include:
Computed Tomography (CT): Specializing in CT scanning.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Focusing on MRI technology.
Radiation Therapy: Working with cancer patients to administer radiation treatments.
Nuclear Medicine: Using radioactive materials for diagnostic imaging.
Mammography: Specializing in breast imaging.
Interventional Radiography: Assisting with minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance.
Continuing Education:
Stay current with advancements in technology and healthcare by participating in continuing education courses. Many states and certifying bodies require ongoing education to maintain your certification.
Leadership and Management:
If you're interested in advancing into leadership roles, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare management or a related field. This can open doors to supervisory and management positions within radiology departments.
Further Education:
Some Rad Techs go on to pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS), to qualify for positions in administration, education, or research.
Research and Teaching:
For those interested in academia or research, consider becoming a radiologic technology instructor at a college or university or getting involved in medical imaging research projects.
Professional Development:
Join professional organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to network, access resources, and stay updated on industry trends.
Remember that the specific career path you choose will depend on your interests, goals, and the opportunities available in your region. Radiologic technology is a dynamic field with ongoing advancements, so staying adaptable and open to new opportunities is key to a successful career as a Rad Tech.
Good Luck in whatever path you choose.
and make sure you get a job where learning is as important as the initial money you're going to make
Example...you could probably make some good money right out of school as a traveling rad tech to nursing homes, etc...my son considered a job like that right out of college...but the downside was learning opportunities on new technologies was limited.
Also, with the explosion of small clinics everwhere...you could work at these urgent cares for awhile like my son did..and not only practice your skills but also learn new ones..like office administration for example
However, I really think if you can position yourself working at a large hospital and gaining experience there at some point..it will be where you can get the most chances to learn new technologies and even new certifications. So don't leave large hospital experience out of your resume..at some point it will become valuable if you want to advance very far in your imaging career.
I always wanted my son to try Nuclear and specialize there...given the higher salaries..but not sure how the profession is there now
Below more detailed potential career path(s) to review
Education:
Start by earning a high school diploma or equivalent.
Enroll in an accredited radiologic technology program. These programs are typically offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and universities. A program usually takes about 2 years to complete and leads to an associate degree. Some individuals choose to pursue a bachelor's degree in radiologic technology for additional career opportunities.
Licensing and Certification:
After completing an accredited radiologic technology program, you'll need to become licensed or certified, depending on your state's requirements. This often involves passing a state-specific exam or a national certification exam from an organization like the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Certification is essential for employment in most healthcare facilities.
Entry-Level Work:
Most Rad Techs start their careers in general radiography, which involves taking X-rays of patients. This provides a solid foundation in radiologic technology.
Gain Experience:
Building experience is crucial for career advancement. You can work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, or even in specialized areas like orthopedics or cardiovascular radiography.
Specialization:
Consider specializing in a specific area within radiologic technology. Some options include:
Computed Tomography (CT): Specializing in CT scanning.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Focusing on MRI technology.
Radiation Therapy: Working with cancer patients to administer radiation treatments.
Nuclear Medicine: Using radioactive materials for diagnostic imaging.
Mammography: Specializing in breast imaging.
Interventional Radiography: Assisting with minimally invasive procedures using imaging guidance.
Continuing Education:
Stay current with advancements in technology and healthcare by participating in continuing education courses. Many states and certifying bodies require ongoing education to maintain your certification.
Leadership and Management:
If you're interested in advancing into leadership roles, consider pursuing a bachelor's degree in healthcare management or a related field. This can open doors to supervisory and management positions within radiology departments.
Further Education:
Some Rad Techs go on to pursue advanced degrees, such as a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) or a Master of Science in Radiologic Sciences (MSRS), to qualify for positions in administration, education, or research.
Research and Teaching:
For those interested in academia or research, consider becoming a radiologic technology instructor at a college or university or getting involved in medical imaging research projects.
Professional Development:
Join professional organizations like the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) to network, access resources, and stay updated on industry trends.
Remember that the specific career path you choose will depend on your interests, goals, and the opportunities available in your region. Radiologic technology is a dynamic field with ongoing advancements, so staying adaptable and open to new opportunities is key to a successful career as a Rad Tech.
Good Luck in whatever path you choose.
Liane Curley
Xray and CT Technologist
2
Answers
Franklin, New Hampshire
Updated
Liane’s Answer
Radiologic Technology is an extremely rewarding field. Joe has covered most of the basic information you might be looking for. I want to clarify that nuclear medicine is actually a separate career path requiring additional college education, or a different path from the beginning. Also, most radiologic technology programs will require that you take pre-requisite classes prior to officially starting the program, so the associates degree usually take 3 years (1 for pre-requisites and 2 for the actual program).
Larger hospitals often won't cross-train X-ray technologists into different modalities (CT, MRI, etc) but smaller more critical access like hospitals will because the departments oven overlap being smaller. I recommend job shadowing!
Larger hospitals often won't cross-train X-ray technologists into different modalities (CT, MRI, etc) but smaller more critical access like hospitals will because the departments oven overlap being smaller. I recommend job shadowing!