Earning a bachelor's degree in radiologic technology could allow a graduate to get a specialized or managerial job.
Although many radiologic technology degrees are two-year programs resulting in an Associate of Applied Science degree, it is possible to earn a bachelor's degree in radiography. That level of education could allow the graduate to get a job in a specialized field or a managerial or leadership position. Radiologic technologists perform medical imaging under the direction of physicians to help detect and diagnose disease or injury. They are sometimes referred to as radiographers, radiology technicians, X-ray technicians or rad techs.
Details
A student can earn a bachelor's of science in radiology technology in programs lasting four years or 36 months, in classroom time and clinical instruction. Students study anatomy, physiology, patient care, safety, radiobiology, imaging principles, patient positioning and much more. In 2009, the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology accredited 35 bachelor's degree programs in radiologic technology, along with 213 certificate programs and 397 associate degree programs.
Specialization Opportunities
Students who wish to obtain a bachelor's degree usually have the opportunity and the time to complete at least one area of specialized medical imaging. For example, three campuses at the University of Arkansas for Medical Science offer bachelor's programs in radiography, which allow students to pick one or two areas of concentration, such as computed tomography (CT), mammography, vascular imaging or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Similarly, Bellevue College's bachelor of applied science in radiation and imaging sciences has four concentrations: radiation and imaging management, radiation and imaging technology, radiologic assistant and medical dosimetry.
Employment
Radiologic technologist holding a bachelor's degree should be able to find work in hospitals, doctors' office, diagnostic and medical laboratories, imaging centers and outpatient clinics, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Advanced Prospects
Radiologic technologists who have a bachelor's degree or have earned an associate's degree and go to on to gain a bachelor's degree likely will have more opportunity than those who have an associate's or a certificate, according to the Colorado Technical University (CTU). The university offers a bachelor's degree in radiography and says its graduates are prepared for health-care management, human resources, and advanced radiology positions such as lead radiologic technician, radiologic equipment sales manager, imaging center director and radiological trainer.
Continuing Education
Some radiologic technicians with an Associate of Applied Science go on to get a bachelor's degree to meet continuing education needs or to gain an area of specialization, according to Weber State University's Advanced Radiologic Sciences program. Weber State offers programs in advanced radiography, MRI and CT, women's imaging, and radiology practitioner assistant.
Radiographer vs. Radiologist
The term radiographer is often confused with radiologist. A radiologist is a physician with 13 to 14 years in post-college education.
Tags: bachelor degree, radiation imaging, radiologic technology, allow graduate, allow graduate specialized, Associate Applied, Associate Applied Science
