Being a radiology technician entails the operation of x-ray equipment on patients and produce radiographic images of different areas of the body. A wide range of disease and disorders can be detected by means of this diagnostic imaging procedure, and can be of significant value for doctors since it is through these images that they are able to make accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendation. A radiology tech is also known in the medical field as x-ray technician, although he may also be qualified to operate other equipment such as CT and MRI.
With the help of controlled radiation, radiology techs are able to produce black and white images of the internal areas of the body. Since you are working with radiation, the safety of the patient and yourself is always prioritized. This involves placing protective material over the exposed areas of the body or minimizing the amount of radiation beam being emitted by the x-ray machine. Using shielding devices and gear made of lead will help control exposure from the harmful effects of radiation. It will be your responsibility to properly position patients and guide them through the rest of the imaging procedure so that everything will go on smoothly and efficiently.
Getting qualified to work as a radiology tech requires the successful completion of an accredited training program offered in radiology technician schools, which includes colleges, universities, select hospital, technical institutions, and the military as well. Depending on the radiology jobs you will be applying for, you will be required to acquire at least a certificate, an associate, or a bachelor’s degree. These programs have varying levels of instruction, training, and time of completion. Certificate degree is the quickest route to this career, while bachelor’s degree can offer the best job opportunities. The associate’s degree is the most commonly taken route for this career.
Regardless of which training route you choose to pursue, you can expect to take up classes such as medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology, principles of radiology, patient care, and radiology physics. Besides lecture and class hours, your program will also include an internship so that you will have a first-hand experience in using and maintaining x-ray equipment properly and caring for patients. After you have completed your training program, you may also opt to apply for certification with the American Registry of Radiology Technologists (ARRT). Only individuals who graduate from an ARRT-accredited program will be eligible for taking the ARRT certification exam.
Should you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, you can move on to become a radiology technologist. As a radiology technologist, you will be qualified to perform more complex procedures such as fluoroscopy. You may then be able to specialize in areas of radiology such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and mammography. If you wish to be eligible for better radiology salary, then you must focus on setting your credentials as high as possible. With a complete training program, certification, experience, and continuing education, you can work your way to high-paying positions such as radiology supervisor, administrator, or director.