For one to have a career in radiology, they are required to possess a blend of both technical and soft skills. This career can become a perfect fit for those with an interest in science, technology, and hands-on patient care. We have listed the 12 best radiology technician schools where you can obtain these qualities.
If you have been looking for a career that provides stable, rewarding, and meaningful work for you to get involved in, you might want to take a look at a career as a radiology technician.
These medical professionals who are often behind the scenes are not always at the top of the minds of the public when it comes to choosing a career in healthcare.
Interestingly, there are some of the best radiology technician courses you can choose from. This means you can diversify in this career option.
After you have done your research and decided on the specialty that would work for you, then you can pick a course. This would help you not make a mistake.
If you are wondering who or what a radiology technician is, have you ever broken a bone? Or go for an x-ray? If you have, then you were most likely helped by a radiology technician.
Radiology technicians are healthcare professionals who have the duty of producing x-rays of the patient for diagnostic purposes. They can also be called radiographers or x-ray techs.
They make use of x-rays to produce images that will help physicians and other health workers to diagnose and treat health issues.
Radiology technicians have the responsibility of helping doctors prepare patients for the examination, explain the process to the patients, and take care of the position of the patients to ensure the production of a diagnostic image that is of quality.
They prepare patients for the X-rays, operate the equipment to be used, keep the patients’ records properly, adjust the machines if needed, maintain the machines also, and some of them manage the radiology department.
They can also work with patients who are experiencing trauma, or surgical x-ray procedures, or who are scared, confused, or in pain. This is a reason radiology technicians need to possess strong communication skills.
These healthcare workers play a huge role in both patient care and the healthcare community as a whole. The images they capture through X-rays are needed by physicians and patients.
They use these images to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment of their patients. What this means is that none of this would be possible without a radiology technician being in the picture.
In addition to looking at radiology technicians, in this article, we will also be looking at some of the best radiology technician courses.
The branch of radiology is one that focuses on the diagnosis of diseases and ailments but with the help of tests that are technological and diagnostic. These tests make use of radiation to view an image of the inner organ systems in the body.
The radiology field is divided into two main categories, they are diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology.
Diagnostic radiology uses imaging processes to diagnose diseases or injuries in their patients. While interventional radiology uses guided medical therapies that are administered through small incisions using medical imaging processes.
The advancements we see today in radiology technology have made a revolution in medical care for everything ranging from broken bones to the treatment of cancer.
Radiology technicians mostly work in hospitals and diagnostic imaging centers. There are some radiographers who work for several different employers. There are others who travel with their equipment in a large vehicle to meet their patients.
You might be wondering why you should consider a career as a radiology technician, here are some reasons to help convince you:
- The field of radiology has diverse opportunities for you to specialize in.
- There has been an increase in the demand for healthcare services in the world. The aging population and Covid-19 both contributed to this. This demand for healthcare professionals also affects radiology technicians. This will give them a sense of job security.
- Radiographers work in a number of patient-care settings including hospitals, physician offices, and laboratories to mention a few. This creates a diverse work environment for people in the profession.
How To Become a Radiology Technician
For you to be able to take full advantage of this career, you would need to get some education and training. But the most popular way to become a radiographer is by obtaining an associate degree in radiography.
An associate degree would usually take two years of study to complete. There are other educational options you can choose from to become a radiographer such as completing a radiography certificate program.
This would also take two years of study to complete. Another option is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in the field. This would take four years to complete.
In order to become a radiology technician, there are steps you would have to go through. These steps include:
- We mentioned earlier that radiology has several careers in it. It is pertinent that you decide the career path you want to take. This could mean several things like it could mean the specialty you want to focus on or the kind of job you would want to do.
Remember the specialization you choose has to be one that interests you. Also, the career you choose might affect the level you pursue in the career.
- When you have decided on this, the next step is to decide on the educational program that fits your specialty choice.
There might be different educational requirements for the different courses. Make sure you research the educational requirements for whatever path you choose to pursue.
- In the journey to becoming a radiographer, you would have to consider doing an internship. This would provide you with practical job experience.
Several institutions offer internships as part of their education programs. But if you are researching for an internship online, pick the one that interests you and relates to your field.
- You should try to gain several experiences in the course of your education and training. Doing this will add color to your resume while you gain professional skills
This is important because it will help you find a job easier after you graduate. Most employers might prefer an applicant with both experience and a degree to someone with only a degree.
- Finally, some states would require that you have a certification or a license before you can begin to practice. Having these credentials will show that you have garnered the knowledge and experience needed to become a radiographer.
A radiology technician can make an average salary of $52,000 in 2008. The good news is there is a huge room for growth in this career.
The List of Best Radiology Technician Schools
- University Of Chicago
- Georgetown University
- St. Luke’s College
- Emory University
- Carolinas College of Health Sciences
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill)
- Ohio State University (OSU)
- San Diego State University (SDSU)
- Rolla Technical Institute
- Hillyard Technical Center
- Saint Louis University (SLU)
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick
University Of Chicago:
The University of Chicago is a private research university that has been ranked among the best universities in the world regularly.
The school was established in 1890. It is committed to teaching its students skills that are critical, and analytical via the curriculum it offers in its programs.
The school has a department of radiology that offers several courses that are radiology-focused. These programs help students get ready to provide care that is of high quality for their patients.
Georgetown University:
Georgetown University is a private research university that was founded by Bishop John Carroll. The school was established in 1789 and has grown to have ten undergraduate and graduate schools.
It is a leading university that has a diverse community and respects the needs and talents of its students, faculty, and staff.
The school is one of the radiology technician schools that offers radiology programs under its department of radiology. Some of the programs offered are Clinical Nuclear Medicine, Vascular Radiology, Body Imaging projects, and Neuroradiology.
St. Luke’s College:
St. Luke’s College has a mission to provide health education that is of quality to its students. The school is located in Sioux City in Iowa.
The school provides a radiology technology degree program that is nationally recognized. The program prepares its students for a career in the field of radiography.
This program can take up to two years to complete. It teaches students with an up-to-date curriculum under the supervision of experienced instructors.
Students who graduate from the program can work in a number of healthcare facilities including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, informatics, and mobile departments.
Emory University:
Emory University is a private research university that was founded in 1836 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. It also happens to be the second-oldest private institution of higher education in Georgia.
The school is aimed at creating student success using research. It is among the top innovation centers and well-funded research institutions located in the United States.
The University has a Department of Radiology that offers students related courses that allow them to experience and learn the skills they need to work in the necessary healthcare environments.
Carolinas College of Health Sciences:
Carolinas College of Health Sciences is a non-profit public college that has a focus on the health sciences. The school has both an online and a physical campus in North Carolina.
The college has its roots dating back to the 1940s. It allows students to obtain certificates, associate degrees, and bachelor’s degrees. It is focused on empowering its students to become professionals in the evolving healthcare environment.
The environment is supportive and it provides hands-on learning that prepares students for employment. It also provides students of radiology with advanced equipment that help them perform excellently.
The radiology degree program makes it one of the radiology technician schools that is focused on making sure its students become caring, proficient, and competent radiographers.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill):
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university that first began enrolment of students in 1795. The school is seen as a Public Ivy, which means it offers “an academic experiment similar to that of an Ivy League University.”
The school is one of the oldest public universities in the United States. UNC-Chapel Hill also happens to be the only school that held classes and graduated students in the 18th century as a public university.
The school has a department of radiology that is aimed at developing a variety of programs that uses state-of-the-art technology to teach its students.
The mission of the school is to equip its students with the necessary knowledge and engage them in clinical research.
Ohio State University (OSU):
The Ohio State University is a public land-grant research university. The school has been ranked among the best public universities in the U.S. The school was founded in 1870.
OSU offers an undergraduate program in Radiologic Sciences and Therapy that is aimed at preparing students to take care of patients.
The department has different programs students can choose from including radiography, sonography, and radiotherapy.
San Diego State University (SDSU):
San Diego State University is a public research university that was founded in 1897. The University is the third-oldest in the California State University system and the oldest in San Diego.
The school offers an advanced certificate program for its students in radiation therapy physics and that makes it one of the radiology technician schools you should consider. This course provides the students with excellent training that helps them gain competence and responsibility in their future careers.
Rolla Technical Institute:
The Rolla Technical Institute is an institution that is focused on preparing its students for the numerous opportunities they would find in the real world. The school focuses on hands-on training, so the students can gain experience.
The institute offers a course in Radiologic Technology. The course has a timeframe of two years and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee in Radiologic Technology.
Upon graduation, students will get prepared to take the national certification exam. This will allow them to become officially registered technical experts in radiology.
Hillyard Technical Center:
Hillyard Technical Center is a great place to gain an education that has an emphasis on integrity, responsibility, cooperation, progress, and respect.
The institution offers a program in radiologic technology that focuses on the development of the skills of the students to help them become radiologists.
The students who get enrolled in this program will learn about the significant instructions, training, and lessons that are important to the radiology industry.
Saint Louis University (SLU):
Saint Louis University is a private Jesuit research university that was founded in 1818 by Louis William Valentine DuBourg. It is a member of the 27 institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. The school is one of the most prestigious Catholic universities in the U.S.
The University has a department of radiology that provides students with the opportunity to participate in its radiology course. This puts it on our list of radiology technician schools. The goal is to provide opportunities that develop the knowledge individuals need in the radiologic field.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick:
Rutgers University popularly known as Rutgers is a public land-grant research that was chartered in 1766. The school is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and second-order in New Jersey.
The school is a member of the Big Ten universities in the U.S. and is included in the NCAA Division I. It offers an online Radiologic Technologist program in the department of radiology.
The program specializes in nurturing the knowledge of the student in radiology. The program offers students a strong curriculum and intensive clinical training that delivers a quality program for them.
Is Radiology Hard To Study?
Studying to become an x-ray technician can be quite challenging. One would need a firm understanding of both the human body and how to use imaging equipment.
Some topics that would be looked at in the course of this program are:
- Medical terminology.
- Radiologic science.
- Image production.
- Radiographic physics.
- Psychology.
- Anatomy and physiology.
What Is A Radiology Major Called?
A radiology major is a bachelor’s in radiologic technology or a bachelor’s in radiologic science or radiography, also sometimes referred to as a bachelor’s degree in radiology.
This program makes use of advanced medical technology to capture pictures of the body for diagnosis and treatment and how they can provide patient care.
Can Radiologists Work From Home?
The answer to this is yes. A resounding one. One of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic is the shift it caused in the work sphere. It caused a shift from the regular traditional work culture to working remotely.
Also, with the advancement in the technological aspect of this career and the use of smart, remote radiology reporting systems, radiologists can work from home effectively.
This has made it clear that the productivity of radiologists can be improved and made better. And also, the costs for organizations can be reduced.
Do You Need Math For Radiology?
To study radiography, one would require a high level of mathematical knowledge. Students taking a course in radiography are supposed to have three semesters of radiation science and radiation science makes use of mathematics and science so they can learn how the atomic development of x-radiation takes place.