Taking X-rays is part of the radiographer's job.
Radiologists, or radiological technologists, take X-rays but also administer radiation therapy. You can specialize in fields like mammography or cancer treatments, or be a general radiographer. Either way, you need a strong foundation in anatomy, safety and techniques. All of this is provided by radiography schools. According to the American Association of Radiation Technologists, to become a registered radiological technologist, you must complete at least two years of formal education, whether at a hospital or in school. You must also gain national credentials and, after becoming registered, must keep your training current with continuing education courses.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences offers both an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Radiography. The course is approved by the Joint Review committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The bachelor's degree requires the same courses as the associate degree, except there are more of them. The two-year associate degree requires 60 credit hours, while its four-year bachelor's counterpart requires 124 credit hours. You pick one or two specialty areas for your studies, and must also undergo a clinical placement. Your studies include course work. Prerequisite subjects include biology and math. At the end of the course, you may take board exams to become accredited as a radiographer.
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 West Markham - Slot 563
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-686-6510
uams.edu
Lebanon College
Lebanon College in New Hampshire offers an Associate of Science degree in Radiography. The course covers the basics, including anatomy, terminology and medical ethics, as well as the specific tasks required to operate radiation equipment. You also learn communicate and develop your bedside manner. Your academic work is subsidized by a series of clinical rotations and you work at both hospitals and clinics.
You must also take some prerequisite courses in physics, communications, biology and algebra, among others. At the end of the course, you should be competent enough in the field to get your professional credentials. Your degree requires 60 credit hours of work, including courses such as Image Production and Analysis and Introduction to Computed Tomography. The Lebanon College course is accredited by the Joint Review committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.
Lebanon College
15 Hanover Street
Lebanon NH 03766
603-448-2445 x 125
lebanoncollege.edu
Greenville Technical College
The Greenville Technical College associate degree in Radiologic Technology mixes general education requirements with technical classes like Radiology Patient Care Procedures and Physics for Medical Imaging. The first phase consists of eight general courses along with introductory classes and you must pass these before moving on to the second phase. You will then learn about specialties like radiation therapy as well as the standard classes required to use equipment and care for patients. You undertake a clinical practicum alongside your school classes. At Greenville, you can also gain certificates in specialties such as computer tomography and mammography. The associate degree is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology and upon completion you may take your board exams to gain national and South Carolina credentials.
Greenville Technical College
506 S. Pleasantburg Drive
Greenville, SC 29607
864-250-8316
gvltec.edu
Tags: associate degree, Lebanon College, Radiologic Technology, Arkansas Medical, Arkansas Medical Sciences