Radiology technicians work in hospitals and doctor's and dentist's offices.
Radiology technicians have several responsibilities, but their most important duty is to ensure they and their patients are completely protected against the potentially harmful effects of radiation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2008 there were over 200,000 radiology technicians employed in the United States earning an average salary of $52,210 annually.
High School Diploma or GED Certficate
Radiology technicians are required to have a high school diploma or GED equivalency certificate as an admissions prerequisite to a formal training program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students should take classes in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. All workers in the health care field are also advised to take courses in English, foreign languages and computer science. Depending on the admissions requirements of radiology technician training programs, students should keep a "C" or better grade-point average, and may have to provide scores from the ACT, SAT or COMPASS standardized exams.
Formal Training
In order to earn a license in radiology technology, candidates must complete a formal training program accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology; graduates may earn a certificate, associate's degree or bachelor's degree depending on the length and curriculum of the program attended. Certificate programs last around 21 months and are usually attended by individuals already working in the medical field with previous health care experience. Most students pursuing education and training in radiology technology earn a two-year associate's degree, available at community colleges and some universities. Students who earn a four-year bachelor's degree are given a liberal arts education in addition to medical training, and often qualify for supervisory positions.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, curriculum will include didactic and clinical instruction in patient care procedures, radiation protection, anatomy and physiology, principles of imaging, positioning of patients, medical terminology, radiation physics, pathology, medical ethics and radiobiology. Education-Portal.com reports students will also study diagnostic medical sonography, nuclear medicine, diagnostic medical sonography, medical resonance imaging, radiotherapy, cardiovascular interventional procedures, computerized tomography, cardiovascular-interventional radiology, magnetic resonance imaging and mammography.
License/ Certification
Although most states require radiology technicians be licensed, requirements vary. Many states use the requirements set forth by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists as a licensing standard. Candidates must meet three basic requirements: ethics, education and examination. To meet the ethics requirement, candidates must not have any felonies or misdemeanors, and must not have been the accused in any criminal procedure that resulted in a plea of guilty, no contest, deferred or withheld adjudication, pre-trial diversion or suspended stay of sentence. To meet the education and examination requirements, candidates must complete sufficient ARRT-approved education to pass an exam on the following topics: radiation protection, image protection and evaluation, equipment operation and quality control, patient care and education and radiographic procedures.
Continuing Education
Radiology technicians registered with the ARRT are required to renew their registration every two years by the beginning of their birth month. In order to be eligible for renewal, registrants must complete 24 CE (continued education) credits. These courses and lectures are usually offered in local hospitals and colleges.
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