Radiologic technicians use sophisticated equipment to generate medial images.
Radiation therapy technicians are health-care professionals who administer and monitor radiation treatment for cancer patients. Radiologic technicians are health-care professionals who use a variety of sophisticated medical imaging technology, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance, to produce medically relevant images. Both career paths require advanced training beyond high school.
Radiologic Technicians
There are several educational pathways that can qualify an individual to work as a radiologic technician. Candidates may elect to earn a certificate through a vocational school or technical institute. Training programs leading to a certificate typically last less than 24 months. Candidates may elect to earn an associate of science degree with a focus in radiology technology. Associate degree programs are offered by many community colleges and typically require two years to complete. Candidates may earn a bachelor of science degree with a major in radiology technology from a traditional four-year college or university.
Radiation Therapy Technicians
A number of degree and non-degree educational programs can lead to a career as a radiation therapy technician, including certificate programs, associate degree programs and bachelor degree programs, according to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. Non-degree programs leading to a certificate typically last from one to two years and include clinical training in hospital environments. Two-year associate degree programs provide hands-on experience in addition to classroom training in radiation theory. Successful completion of this course of study may lead to an associate of science degree in radiation therapy. Some traditional four-year colleges and universities offer a medical radiologic therapist bachelor's degree for students who major in radiation therapy.
Coursework
Coursework for radiation technician students typically includes classes in the sciences such as biology, chemistry and physical science; mathematics such as algebra and physics; and health-care-related subjects such as radiobiology, principles of imaging, anatomy and physiology, radiation safety and medical terminology. Candidates who pursue an associate or bachelor's degree will typically be required to take general educational courses in English, communications, history and the humanities. Coursework will usually include both classroom lecture and hands-on laboratory work.
Considerations
The BLS anticipates faster than average growth in employment opportunities for radiation technicians at least through 2018. Technicians who are certified by an independent organization such as the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists should have improved job prospects over those who are not certified. Annual wages for radiologic technicians and technologists ranged from less than $35,700 to more than $75,440 as of May 2009, according to the BLS.
Tags: degree programs, bachelor degree, science degree, associate degree programs, associate science
