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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Their job is to identify various side effects and report them to firms that have created those medicines. If you are interested in this job, read this post related to whether is marine transportation a good career path? Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): The answers to various questions related to how many jobs are available in major pharmaceuticals are: Q1. How Many People Are In The Pharmaceutical Industry? Currently, more than 4 million people are working in major pharmaceuticals. Out of this, 50,000 are from the USA alone. Q2. What Is The Pharma Capital Of The World? Many consider Hyderabad, India, to be the pharma capital of the world. This is because many pharmaceutical companies exist in the city, especially various production and research centers. Q3. What Is The Biggest Challenge Facing The Pharmaceutical Industry Today? Due to the Covid pandemic slowing down production, a declining supply chain is one of the major issues plaguing the major pharmaceuticals industry. Q4. How Big Is The Major Pharmaceuticals Industry? Currently, the major pharmaceutical industry in the US is worth $430 billion. Out of this, $305 billion is generated from domestic sources. Conclusion! If you wish to build your career as a medical student, the major pharmaceutical industry will be a great choice. This is the reason why you should know how many jobs are available in major pharmaceuticals. There are many jobs in major pharmaceuticals, most of which are pretty high partying also. This includes various positions like that of a pharmacologist, clinical research manager, toxicologist, pharmacoepidemiologist, and lots more.To learn about job opportunities in various fields, leave a comment below about which industry you would like to know about next. Also, remember to check the other posts here at Content Rally! Read Also: Best Paying Jobs In Property – Casualty Insurers How Many Jobs Are Available In Property-Casualty Insurers? 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How many jobs have you applied for in the last few weeks — one, ten, or 110? And how many have responded to your emails — zero? Sending off online applications can feel like you’re throwing hard work into a dark, abysmal black hole. Marketing is a competitive field, and you're up against hundreds of others in the industry. How can you tell if the marketing managers see your applications? There's no way of confirming. You could try following up, but these people are busy, they may not have the time to email every applicant. While it’s stressful and time-consuming to apply for job after job, there are ways to make sure your application stands out from the others. Marketing and hiring managers look for specific qualities in resumes. Read on to discover what those qualities are and how to incorporate them into your resume. 1. Provide Online Samples of Your Work: If you say that you’re an excellent copywriter, prove it! Provide tangible evidence of your work so hiring managers can quickly get a sense of your style and skill level. Your best bet is to create a personal website where people can easily look through your portfolio, but if you currently don’t have one, provide a link to live samples instead. Include the link within the body of the resume, at the top, with the rest of your contact information. 2. Keep It Simple: When it comes to submitting applications, make sure that your marketing cover letter is as professional and personalized as possible. If you do not know how you should write one, it is best to take help from experts that can help you craft the most successful marketing cover letters. Hiring managers like nothing more than receiving a one-page resume to review. Anything longer can become tiring, and there's a high chance they won't even look beyond the first page. If you can't fit everything into the first page of a resume, there's too much unnecessary information. Marketing professionals want to see: Your Name and Contact Info Educational Credentials Previous Work Experience Relevant Skills You can briefly outline your roles and responsibilities at each former job, but the bulk of this will go in your cover letter. And, even better — during the interview. One sentence or two for each job you’ve had is all you need to include in the resume. The point is to show a future employer that you’re capable of condensing information and convey the necessary skills and experience for the position in question. There's no need to write a novel about each role you've had. 3. Custom Design: Show hiring managers what you’re made of and custom-design your resume. Are you a graphic designer? Create a unique template that only you could design. Get creative with the presentation. For example, promote yourself by turning your resume into an advertisement in the style of the company. Managers will notice this and want to learn more about you. 4. Work With a Recruitment Agency: To save yourself the pain of sending what feels like 100 resumes to hiring managers, work with a professional marketing recruitment agency. There are so many benefits of working with marketing recruiters — from getting one-on-one advice about resumes and cover letters to getting an insider’s look into marketing positions you didn’t even know existed. A recruiter will tailor your resume and help you find the job that you deserve. With a little help and a lot of patience, you’ll land that dream job in no time. Read Also: Tips on Building Your Resume for a Website Design Company How to Write an Effective Resume that Get Noticed? Cover Letter Sample to get a Resume

Achieving Academic And Clinical Placement Success For Nurses

Nursing is an extremely rewarding and fulfilling career choice. Nursing school is a very exciting and busy time in your life, especially toward the end of your education. Practicing good strategies for balancing your academic, clinical placement, family, and other obligations is important. As a prospective nurse, it’s important to understand what you can do to improve your experience so you can be well-prepared for your future career. Here are some tips for balancing your life while attending classes, clinical placements, and studying for your nursing licensing exams. Practice Good Time Management Managing your time is difficult as a student. Some nursing students have more obligations than others to consider when creating a good time management plan. This can be very challenging, but it is achievable with good planning and discipline. Considering your obligations for a week and making a plan or schedule is helpful. It’s also important to realize that things happen sometimes that are beyond your control that may make it necessary for you to reorganize your day. This is good practice for working as a nurse because nurse schedules can vary wildly due to the unpredictable nature of healthcare. Of course, being realistic about what you can do in a day is critical. Trying to pack too much into each day for an extended period can lead to burnout and affect all areas of your life. Nursing can be stressful, and it’s important that staff use all the resources available to them during busy times. This is particularly important for those who are studying alongside their work placement. Avoid Procrastination Waiting until the last minute to take care of priorities can make life extremely stressful. It’s important to schedule time to catch up on tasks that take longer than expected. Using your time effectively and efficiently is crucial in avoiding last-minute stress. Be realistic about what is most important and prioritize those tasks first. If there are particular things that you find yourself procrastinating on more than others, then you need to consider why that is and take steps to put yourself in a better mindset to take on the task and get it out of the way sooner rather than later. Take Care Of Yourself Being driven and highly motivated is great, but, as a nurse, it’s important to make sure you stay healthy and happy in order to provide the best care you can to your patients. Nursing can be very physically demanding. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly will help you have the energy you need to get things done while keeping you fit and healthy. Of course, everyone needs some time to relax and enjoy a hobby or pastime. Prioritizing self-care at home will help you perform at your best in the workplace. Don’t forget to make time for important things in your life, such as family, friends, and the activities you enjoy outside of work and studying. Allow Enough Time For Sleep Clinical placements are very important to take seriously; they are an excellent place to gain valuable references, and in some cases, you may even be able to land a position at the facility where you are doing your placement at. During your clinical placement, it is imperative that you are well-rested and alert so you can provide your patients with a high level of care while learning the skills you need to do your job well While it can be tempting to work as much as possible to further your career, it is not a good idea. You need to get adequate rest to perform well in your placement and studies. Even if you allow enough time for sleep, it may be that stress and having a lot on your mind makes it hard to fall asleep and stay that way. Doing something relaxing for at least 30 minutes before you want to go to sleep is a good idea. Avoiding computers, tablets, and smartphone screens is recommended. Try reading a physical book, listening to music, taking a relaxing bath, or doing whatever it might be that makes you feel relaxed in a healthy way. Use The Support Of Those Around You Using the support of friends, family, and partners is important when studying alongside a work placement. Ensuring that those around you are aware of your busy schedule means that you can maintain healthy relationships that can support you through your work. Partners, friends, and family are able to provide both emotional and practical support. Talking to loved ones can be an important emotional support, while friends, family, and partners can offer practical help by helping you out around the house, or caring for your pets or children. If you have important exams that mean extra study time, be proactive in making sure that your schedule is cleared for the most part well in advance. Your loved ones will understand if you’re more busy for a time, and can be an invaluable source of help through a stressful time. Tips For Academic Success Finding time to study may seem challenging, so it is good to have some strategies to help you make the most of your time. Take Plentiful And Good Notes The notes you take are important. For starters, you learn things better if you write them down. Notes help you have the information you need the most in a concise format. Great notes mean you can create a study guide that can help you concentrate on the information you need the most for exams, papers, and other work. Consider Studying With A Partner Having someone to study with can be very useful and help you both stay on task. During study sessions, you can quiz each other and rely on one another to discuss and explain concepts you are struggling with. A study session with a buddy can also be an opportunity to have a bit of fun. A reward at the end of a successful study session can boost your mood and provide a welcome break from a day’s hard work. The reward can be anything you both enjoy, such as catching up with a television show, taking a walk, or eating some particularly good food. Vary Your Study Locations It is easy to get in the habit of studying in the same spot every time. This can become boring and eventually make it harder to concentrate. Even if you have to study at home, you can switch desks or rooms, or even try working in the garden. Alternatively, consider studying at the library, a favourite coffee shop, the park, or anywhere with a comfortable, suitable space. Nurses working toward the same or a similar qualification can meet in a study group to compare notes and motivate each other. This is particularly practical for those working on the same nursing placement. Study groups are a great opportunity to enhance learning, socialize, and bond with fellow students and colleagues. Consider How You Learn Best Everyone is different when it comes to learning habits and practices. It is important to be honest about your learning style and how you learn best. Some people do well with memorization exercises while others may need to write something down multiple times. All of this can depend on what kind of learner you are. The time of day that you study can make a big difference too. If you are able to study during the part of the day or night that you are most alert and seem to learn the best, then you will make the best use of your study time. If you are not a morning person, then trying to study then is not the best use of your time. Consider if you study best in shorter but more frequent sessions or when you can set aside longer blocks of time and plan your schedule accordingly. Eliminate As Many Distractions As Possible We live in a very distracting world. In modern times there is social media and unlimited distractions available via the internet. While it is important to find time to do things you enjoy and you absolutely should not neglect family obligations, it is important that you have some time that is solely dedicated to studying without any major distractions. If you have to do so, silence alerts on your phone, and eliminate any unnecessary technology. It can also help to keep it simple when it comes to meals and snacks to save time. There are also a number of apps available that can help productivity and will stop you from using your phone for certain periods of time or can block the more distracting social media apps. Making The Most Of Your Clinical Placements No matter what level of nursing degree you are trying to achieve, you will need to complete a series of clinical placements to graduate and qualify for any licensing exams. Nurses advancing their careers through an RN to MSN NP course benefit from degree programs that offer clinical placement services. Wilkes University offers a 100% online program that allows you to choose from three specializations: family nurse practitioner, adult-gerontology primary care, and psychiatric/mental health. Choosing the right clinical placement is very important because it is where you can apply all your previously learned knowledge and help treat actual patients. It’s important also to connect with your preceptor; your preceptor is the mentor you will be working under at a medical facility. They may be an RN, nurse practitioner, or physician, and can provide you with valuable knowledge and experience to help you through your education. Ask Questions Keep a notebook with you during your clinical placement and write down anything of interest or any questions you might want to ask your preceptor. Asking a lot of questions will help you gain the most knowledge and prevent you from making assumptions or mistakes. Writing down your questions is important because, in a hectic healthcare setting, you may have to wait a while until an appropriate moment to ask them arises; not all questions should be asked when you are trying to shadow your mentor while treating patients. Treat Your Placement Seriously Taking your clinical placement as seriously as if it were your permanent job is important to your success. You want to provide your patients with the highest level of care possible; you will learn the most by treating patients conscientiously. Conclusion Balancing academic and clinical placement success is possible. By creating a good schedule based on prioritizing tasks while practising self-care, you can succeed in all areas of your life while pursuing your nursing dreams. Now is a great time to pursue a career in nursing due to the high demand and amazing opportunities it presents. There are online degree programs that you can do while maintaining your regular job. If you have prior higher education, you may qualify for accelerated programs that allow you to achieve your career goals faster than you think. Read Also: Health Tips For Hard Working Men 3 Top Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy Health Tips For Hard Working Men

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