How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Skills, Qualifications, Education, And More

16 November 2024

How to become a radiology tech? You can start your career by getting an associate degree in radiology.

However, if you get an advanced degree, you can qualify for leadership roles. Then, you must consider specializing in a radiology area. Moreover, you must earn a certification from ARRT if you want to get a state license.

In this article, you will learn about how to become a radiology tech and pursue a career in the field. This article also guides you through the factors you must consider as you prepare to become a radiology tech.

Finally, you will get a step-by-step guide on pursuing a career as a radiology tech. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article.

How to Become a Radiology Tech? – A General Overview

Generally, a radiology tech performs important diagnostic imaging procedures. Also, they perform scans to get a better idea of a patient’s health condition. This helps radiologists and physicians better. If this job seems interesting to you, you must consider pursuing a career as a radiology tech.

However, you must understand the different requirements for becoming a radiology tech. This can help you successfully land a job at a reputed place.

A radiology tech is a healthcare professional who helps in finding out health issues with patients. If you become a radiology tech, you have to operate X-rays and other medical imaging tech to find out problems.

Moreover, you will have other duties as well. For instance, you might need to explain radiology procedures to patients and handle complex imaging machines. Moreover, you also need to ensure the compliance of safety protocols.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Survey, the average radiology tech salary is $73,410 (2023 data). Moreover, you will have better-earning potential with some radiology tech specializations like MRI scanning, nuclear medicine, radiation therapists, etc.

Radiology Tech Specializations

Once you pursue a career as a radiology tech, you must have one or more specializations.

Some specializations include:

Medical Imaging like X-rays, CT Scans, MRI, and mammography

Nuclear Medicine

To become a radiologist technician, you must complete a high school diploma and then pursue a radiology program. Then, after you choose your specialization, you must get a radiographer certification. After that, you can prepare your resume and then apply for jobs.

How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Factors To Consider

If you want a service in the healthcare industry and also want plenty of contact with patients, you will enjoy a career as a radiology tech. In fact, to start working, you just need an associate degree in radiology or a similar field.

However, if you want early success in this career, you must have an eye for detail. Also, having good math and technical skills will help you grow a lot. Apart from that, you need to show a compassionate outlook.

On the other hand, this is actually a physically demanding job. Apart from that, this field is constantly evolving. Hence, if you have more stamina than others and you can adapt to different conditions, you can succeed in this job.

The following are the major factors you must consider if you want to know how to become a radiology tech:

Radiology Tech Job Description

As a radiographer, you might practice radiography or specialize in different medical imaging techniques. Actually, you have to work with doctors and radiologists to produce images of patients’s organs.

The following are some of the major tasks you will need to do as a radiology tech:

Prepare patients for radiology tests. Also, you must explain the procedure to them and make them remove metal objects from their body.

Perform tests like X-ray exams, mammograms, MRI scans, etc.

Sometimes, you must review patient histories, doctor reports, charts, etc.

Position patients and align them with machines. Additionally, you must calibrate machines to accurately produce images.

Moreover, you must follow safety protocols and shielding devices. This way, you can save yourself, patients, and other coworkers from harmful radiation.

You must check the clarity of images and explain them to doctors in your team.

Since you know the correct procedure to use equipment, you need to sterilize and store imaging equipment accordingly.

You must control radiology tech equipment in such a way as to produce accurate images with enough density and detail.

Stay updated about radiation equipment and its safety measures. Also, you must learn how to use protection devices.

You must have basic information about state and federal regulations and the policies of medical institutions. This way, you can ensure compliance with those regulations and policies.

Radiology Technician (Xray Tech) Specializations

Here are the major specializations of a radiology tech out of which you need to choose yours:

X-rays

Computed tomography (CT)

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Sonography

Bone densitometry

Nuclear medicine

Vascular interventional radiography

Mammography

Cardiac-interventional radiography

Essential Qualifications And Education

To become a radiology tech, you can take different educational approaches. This is because there are several pathways to explore.

The following are some of the most popular options to consider:

🎓LXMO Certificates

You need almost a year to complete LXMO certificates. Basically, with the help of these certifications, you can quickly become a radiology tech. However, there are some drawbacks to consider.

For instance, if you have something less than an associate degree, you cannot earn an ARRT certificate. As a result, you will not qualify for a radiology tech license in some states.

🎓Associate Degrees

Generally, associate programs are for two years. Once you complete them, you can get a good exposure to radiology technology. Apart from that, these programs also include hands-on clinical experience and general education classes.

🎓Practitioner Certificates

A degree course takes a lot of time and effort. Hence, radiology tech expands their qualification by earning certificates with specializations. However, these certificates are for practicing individuals and not starters in the field.

🎓Bachelor’s Degree

A four-year degree in radiology technology will give you a deep dive into medical imaging. Also, you can develop a big picture in the radiology field. Also, you will gain various communication and analytical skills. Hence, you will be ready for managerial and supervisory roles.

🎓Master’s Degree

If you want to pursue further studies in the field of radiology technology, a Master’s Degree is the way forward. This will prepare you to pursue extensive knowledge in the subject. Also, you can be prepared for leadership and advanced practice. Moreover, you will have a chance to become a registered radiologist assistant.

How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Steps To Follow

To become a radiology tech, follow the steps below:

1. Pass a Diploma or an Equivalent Program

Here, you just need to earn a high school diploma or the GED test. Moreover, you will benefit from taking classes in the PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Math, and Biology). Once you have a solid background in these subjects, you will have a better understanding of radiology and its technologies.

Moreover, you can consider volunteering at a healthcare center. This will help you understand the work environment.

2. Complete an Accredited Radiology Program

Many medical facilities and employers look for radiology tech with formal education and certification. Hence, you must pursue a hospital-based or college-based program with JRCERT accreditation.

Hence, you must consider getting a two-year associate degree in radiology tech. This will ensure you an entry-level position. However, for supervisory and administrative roles, you might need a Bachelor’s or a Master’s Degree.

After getting your specialization, you must complete your clinical training at a major hospital or a diagnostic center. This will help you to get placements after you complete your training.

3. Earn A Certification

To start working, you have to show a state board license along with an ARRT certification. However, to get this certification, you must have a Bachelor’s degree. Also, you must meet the ethical requirements of this certification.

Moreover, to maintain your certification, you must complete various continuing education courses in radiology and radiography. Furthermore, you can also choose advanced training as you complete the former.

4. Prepare Your Resume And Apply For Jobs

With the help of an effective resume, you can improve your chances of securing an interview. However, make sure you get tips on your resume from a professional. Additionally, ensure your resume is concise and has a professional summary of why you are the right person for the job.

Apart from that, your resume must also contain brief details about your skills, experience, and educational background. Moreover, you must also ensure that your resume is tailored to your job requirements.

Land Your Radiology Tech Job Now

You now know how to become a radiology tech. You have seen that these professionals perform multiple medical imaging procedures, CT scans, and X-rays.

However, as a radiology tech, you will be working with medical teams consisting of doctors, registered nurses, and other healthcare professionals. Hence, consider working on your communication skills.

Do you have more suggestions on how to become a radiology tech? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below.

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Soumava Goswami

A passionate writer and an avid reader, Soumava is academically inclined and loves writing on topics requiring deep research. Having 3+ years of experience, Soumava also loves writing blogs in other domains, including digital marketing, business, technology, travel, and sports.

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Supervisor Vs Manager: Similarities & Differences Between Them – 2021 Updated

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how long does it take to become a psychiatrist

The Road To Psychiatry: A Timeline Of Education And Training

Ever wondered about becoming a psychiatrist? We do get inquiries concerning mental health in general, as well as this subject, on a regular basis. We have graduates with psychiatry residency enrollments, current students pursuing careers in psychiatry, and alumni who are psychiatrists in the US and Canada inquiring about it. So, we have a good understanding of the process of becoming a psychiatrist. In this article, you will learn how to become a psychiatrist and why a student should consider psychiatry as a career. Prospective students should think about both academic and non-academic items. Before we answer how long does it take to become a psychiatrist, let's dive deeper into the world of psychiatrists. Who Is A Psychiatrist? Psychiatrists are medical professionals with a board certification and license in mental health disorders. The medical specialty of psychiatry concerns the identification, management, and prevention of mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Anxiety, depression, personality disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, body dysmorphia disorder, eating disorders, and addiction are among the common psychological issues that psychiatrists treat. To diagnose their patients' disorders, psychiatrists also conduct psychological and laboratory testing. They make use of psychotherapy, prescription drugs, and a range of cutting-edge therapies like deep brain stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and electroconvulsive therapy. Psychiatrists can find employment in hospital and clinical settings. They check patients' medications and offer counseling in the clinic. Psychiatrists are hospital employees who work with hospitalized patients in a secure psychiatric unit or on the general medical floor. What Do Psychiatrists Do? A psychiatrist is a medical professional who assesses mental health disorders' symptoms and potential causes. In order to aid in the diagnosis process, this may entail obtaining medical histories, requesting blood tests, and assessing symptoms. A psychiatrist may suggest prescription medication, light therapy, counseling, diet and lifestyle management, and electroshock therapy as treatments after a medical diagnosis. Psychiatrists frequently refer and co-manage patients with psychologists. Among the common mental illnesses that psychiatrists identify and treat in their patients are: Chronic schizophrenia is a mental illness marked by delusions, disordered speech, strange behavior, diminished involvement in day-to-day activities, and difficulty concentrating. Sleeping disorders comprise insomnia and other conditions marked by frequent nighttime awakenings, poor sleep quality, insufficient sleep, and difficulty falling asleep. Depression is a chronic illness marked by a decrease in motivation, lack of interest in routine activities, changes in appetite, depressive feelings, low self-esteem, and a lack of social interaction. Anxiety disorder is a mental illness that can cause excessive worry, agitation, panic attacks, and anxiety levels that interfere with day-to-day functioning. Mood swings associated with bipolar disorder include a manic phase marked by high energy and detachment from reality and a depressive phase marked by low energy and disinterest in day-to-day activities. Chronic attention disorders, such as ADHD and ADD, are characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and trouble focusing and paying attention. Eating disorders are an unhealthy relationship with food. It could be a distorted body image and obsessive thoughts about weight or calorie intake. These are hallmarks of eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia. Psychosis is a mental illness marked by a detachment from reality. It often has associations with hallucination disorders. Hallucinations, agitation, incoherence, animosity, and not realizing their strange behavior are possible additional symptoms. Addiction disorders are psychological conditions marked by obsessive behavior, even in the face of unfavorable results or repercussions, like substance abuse. Difference Between Psychiatrist And Psychologist Psychologists' and psychiatrists' training backgrounds are primarily different. A psychologist did not attend medical school. Instead, they hold a PhD or PsyD degree in psychology and have clinical psychology training. Psychiatrists are physicians with licenses who have completed medical school and received their MD or DO degrees. Psychologists cannot practice medicine, prescribe drugs, or carry out medical procedures. Psychiatrists have permission because of their educational background and training. In addition to spending time counseling patients and practicing cognitive psychology, both providers assist in the care of patients with mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health practitioners who have received training in understanding mental health disorders, their diagnostic criteria, and various treatment modalities. A clinic or hospital might also employ both. Psychologists, who are more frequently thought of as counselors, treat conditions using psychotherapy or talk therapy, while psychiatrists may prescribe medications to treat mental health disorders. Psychologists and psychiatrists frequently collaborate to serve patients better. For instance, psychiatrists may see a patient for the first time, make a diagnosis, and recommend medicine. After that, the psychiatrist might suggest talking therapy for the patient with a psychologist. Patients frequently gain the most from visiting both kinds of providers. Psychologists and psychiatrists are occasionally referred to as counselors or even therapists. This is not to be confused with individuals who have received social work training. How To Become A Psychiatrist? Becoming a psychiatrist requires 12 years of education on average after high school. This comprises four years of college, four years of medical school, and four years of a residency program in psychiatry. After completing their training, many psychiatrists decide to attend a fellowship in one of the nine popular subspecialties in order to continue their education. Fellowships typically last one year. See the section below to learn more about psychiatrists' training for subspecialties. Do Psychiatrists Attend Medical School? It is true that psychiatrists attend medical schools. To elaborate, a prospective student who wishes to become a psychiatrist must first finish undergraduate studies and high school (or a GED), then apply to medical schools. Most four-year medical school programs follow graduation from an Osteopathic medical school (DO degree) or an Allopathic medical school (MD degree). Medical students must earn the necessary credentials to obtain a license and become fully board-certified. This requires them to complete a general psychiatry residency successfully. Is Psychiatry A Good Career? Psychiatry is a great profession that does not necessitate a Ph.D. Being a psychiatrist is a long career path, but many people think the effort is well worth it. Psychiatrists are typically able to work closely with patients for extended periods of time. Moreover, psychiatrists are capable of treating and diagnosing patients. The job is highly rewarding because it allows one to directly impact a patient's life and mental health. They can also observe clinical improvement in patients. Psychiatry also offers a great lifestyle with less time spent on call and Monday through Friday working hours. It sets it apart from most other medical careers. Psychiatrists can work in a variety of settings, such as outpatient clinics and hospitals, treating inpatient patients with mental health issues. Psychiatrists see hospitalized patients in order to diagnose illnesses or disorders. They initiate new prescriptions, adjust existing ones, order and interpret lab tests, and provide patient counseling. Psychiatrists also perform many of the same tasks in the context of an outpatient clinic. However, counseling and medication management take up the majority of a patient's visit time in an outpatient setting. Wrapping Up For most psychiatrists, becoming a practicing psychiatrist requires 12 years of training. A bachelor's degree normally takes four years to complete, as does medical school. It takes an additional four years to finish a psychiatry residency and become certified by the psychiatric board. Additional training, specialization, and other variables may extend this period of study by several years. If you want to know the difference between a therapist vs psychiatrist, we have shared a detailed study of it. Share your thoughts or questions on how long does it take to become a psychiatrist. Comment below, we would love to hear from you! Learn More About: How To Take Care Of Your Mental Health? Psychedelic Therapy for Mental Health Conditions What Is Mental Health Counseling, And What Kind Of Mental Health Issues Can It Address?

How To Become A Radiology Tech? – Skills, Qualifications, Education, And More