Radiology Technician Career

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What You Do in This Career

Radiology Technicians are similar to ultrasound technicians in that they also perform diagnostic imaging examinations, but use X-ray technology. Radiology technologists use other imaging instruments like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and mammography. Radiology technicians prepare patients for x-rays, explain the procedure, move them into position, place shields over exposed areas to protect against radiation, and set the controls on the x-ray machine to produce images at the correct density and detail. The most important ability a radiology technician must have is the ability to accurately follow doctor’s instructions so the doctors get exactly the image they need to diagnose the problem.

Salary and Career Path

Radiology technicians make good money. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports a median annual salary of $52,210 in 2008, with the lowest 10% earning $35,100, and the highest wages nearing $80,000. Those working in physicians offices make the least amount of money, so if high income is your goal, look into positions at medical and diagnostic laboratories. Advancement usually requires specialization, like performing CT scans, mammography, or bone densitometry. Radiologist assistants also make more money but requires additional education and certification. If exposure to radiation is a concern, you might consider becoming an ultrasound technician.

What Kind of Degree or Coursework You Need

Many states require licensure, though requirements vary. Technicians usually only have an associate degree, though some receive a certificate from 21-24 month programs. You should look for programs accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, since these provide classroom and clinical instruction in anatomy, physiology, radiation physics, radiation protection, medical terminology, positioning patients, and other useful skills. Students will have an advantage if they took high school math, physics, chemistry and biology courses. Since technicians work closely with patients, they must have excellent people skills to calm nerves and work with patients who may be in pain. Associate’s degrees in radiography and bachelor’s degrees in radiological sciences are available online.

Top Online Health Services Programs

There are multiple educational paths that can be taken to become an ultrasound technician or diagnostic medical sonographer. The schools below do not offer ultrasound-specific training, but they do offer medical assisting and other healthcare programs closely related to sonography. You can request information by clicking the college's logo.

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DeVry University
AS in Health IT
 		DeVry University — Although DeVry University's online associate's degree in health information technology program is not specifically an ultrasound training program, it does prepare students to be HIT leaders in contemporary hospitals, physician's offices, medical clinics, and more.
Virginia College Online
BS in Health Services Mgmt
 		Virginia College Online — If you want to complete a health-based interdisciplinary studies degree online that will prepare you for ultrasound technology as well as for management, then apply for Virginia College's bachelor's degree in Health Services Management or associate's degree in medical office administration. The tuition for each program includes the cost of every textbook for every course. After earning this degree, additional training may be required to become an ultrasound technician.
Herzing University
AS in Medical Assisting
 		Herzing University — The AS in medical assisting degree program from Herzing University is not an ultrasound training program, but it does present students with an introduction to a physician's office, and can help lead to careers in sonography. Students learn how to assist doctors and nurses in the exam room as well as perform routine medical laboratory procedures.
Hodges University
AS in Health Info Mgmt
AS in Health Admin
 		Hodges University — Hodges University's AS in Health Information Technology and AS in Health Administration programs, while not purely an ultrasound training program, do teach students how to use the latest information technology to meet the needs of the healthcare industry. Health information technology allows medical offices to collect and analyze data from patients and doctors, a vital part of the medical process. Students learn to manage patient health information, medical records, administer computer information systems, and code diagnoses and procedures.
Lincoln College
AAS in Health IT
 		Lincoln College — The AAS in Health IT degree program from Lincoln College Online teaches students the ins and outs of technological-related medical work such as data tracking, organizing, and recorded. This degree is useful for anyone wishing to advance in his/her career within a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, ultrasound clinics, physician offices, and more. Additional training is required before becoming an ultrasound technician.

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DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University operates as DeVry Institute of Technology in Calgary, Alberta. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. AC0060. DeVry University is authorized for operation by the THEC. www.state.tn.us/thec. Nashville Campus - 3343 Perimeter Hill Dr., Nashville, TN 37211. Program availability varies by location.

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