About CT Technologists
Commonly referred to as CT scan technicians, employment options for CT technologists are plentiful thanks to increased needs for qualified diagnostic imaging professionals nationwide across all specialties. This article will briefly outline what is expected of CT technologists in terms of job responsibilities, licensure and educational requirements. Salary range information, as well as CT technologist employment options and opportunities will also be summarized.
Significance
CT technologists operate computerized tomography (CT) scanners to take cross-sectional pictures of internal organ and tissue images. CT scanners are essential tools needed to diagnose a variety of medical conditions. The CT technologist must follow a doctor's specific scanning instructions, administer contrast materials to enhance image quality, and prepare as well as operate CT scanner equipment. Lastly, the CT technologist must interact with patients to position them correctly and capture the correct images.
Identification
To work as a CT technologist you must complete a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Formal training programs can take from one to four years to complete, and require at minimum a high school diploma or GED. Basic high school math and science courses are also recommended. Students who complete year long programs will earn a radiography certificate. Two-year programs earn an associate's degree and four-year programs achieve a bachelor's degree. Two-year associate degree programs in radiography are most common. Year long certificate programs are also popular for experienced medical professionals who wish to make a career shift. To work in any supervisory, administrative or teaching capacity in the radiology field a bachelor or masters degree in radiologic technologies is preferred.
Considerations
In order to work in the field, CT Technologists must be registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, also known as ARRT. In addition, almost all 50 states require state licensure, which involves passing an ARRT-administered exam and graduating from an accredited program. To keep a certification current, CT technologists must complete 24 hours of continuing education every two years.
Potential
The majority of CT technologist jobs are located in hospitals. Most other jobs are in diagnostic imaging centers, physician offices, medical and diagnostic labs, and outpatient care centers. The career path for the CT technologist profession looks bright--with additional experience and education CT technologists often become specialized in the operation of other more advanced imaging equipment, or become radiologist assistants.
Benefits
In today's employment market, CT technologists are in high demand. Job seekers can expect the average yearly salary to fall between $48,000 and $52,000. Experienced CT technologists or those with additional education can expect to earn higher, given that those at this level earn a a median salary of approximately $55,000.
Expert Insight
Since CT technologists must be able to maneuver equipment as well as potentially disabled patients, those who choose this as a career path must maintain good physical strength and health. They must also be able to pay close attention to detail, excel at following directions, and feel comfortable operating complicated equipment. CT technologists must also be willing to adhere to proper radiation safety precautions while handling radiation emitting CT scanners.
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