Radiology technicians take X-rays of patients to help doctors diagnose problems.
Radiology technicians use X-ray equipment to take pictures of a patient's body for diagnostic purposes. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiology technicians need one to four years of training with most technicians receiving two-year degrees. Federal law requires licensing for practicing radiology technicians and the state of Michigan is working to increase radiology education programs to meet the growing need for technicians.
Identification
Radiology technician training in Michigan includes classes in anatomy and physiology, patient care, radiation, imaging, medical terminology, and English. Students take required classes and receive practical training in a clinical or hospital setting. You should receive training from a program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).
Considerations
There is a lack of teachers for Michigan radiology technician training programs. Some schools have to limit the number of students accepted into a program to 18. Apply early for the program of your choice to make sure you can get in. If there are no openings in the program you want you may be able to begin your radiology technician training in online classes.
Geography
There are a number of radiology technician training programs in Michigan. Baker College has campuses in Owosso, Clinton Township and Muskegon that offer a two-year associate's degree program and an employment placement rate above 90 percent. Mott Community College has a credit transfer agreement with Hurley Medical Center so students can receive training in theory and practical application. Wayne State University has partnered with Henry Ford Hospital to offer a bachelor of science program in radiologic technology that offers a 24-month part of the program to take place at the hospital. Marquette General Hospital in Michigan's upper peninsula offers a certificate program in radiography and Lansing Community College offers an associate's degree in radiologic technology.
Licensing
Federal law requires certification and registration for radiology technicians and 38 states currently require a separate license. Michigan programs usually refer students to the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT) for certification, registration and continuing education but does not require a separate license as of 2010. Certification is the one-time process of recognizing that a radiology technician has completed an approved education program, complied with standards and passed an exam. Registration is the periodic procedure to approve the certificates of radiology technicians who have met required criteria including continuing education requirements, following AART rules and following the code of professional ethics for radiologic technologists.
Benefits
The training to become a radiology technician in Michigan doesn't take long considering the pay and benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage for radiology technicians was $54,180 in May of 2009 and their jobs are secure. Most radiology technicians have health benefits, work 40-hour weeks and have continuing education available.
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