Radiologic Technology Training Associates Degree

Imagine a boy playing football outside with his friends. Suddenly, one friend can stop himself in time and ends up running hard into the boy, pushing him over hard. Everyone hears the unmistakable crack, and within moments the boy's father carries him into the car and races to the emergency room. When the trembling boy is admitted into the emergency room, one of the first medical professionals he meets provides him a comforting look and a calm tone that says, "Let's take a look at that wrist there."

As the boy stretches out his arm, he begins to feel better as the large, intimidating machine begins to take strange looking pictures of his aching wrist. You might not have had an experience like this boy, but there are many who do. If you are interested in the medical field and are concerned about serving on a team of medical professionals who assist all kinds of patients, then you might be the perfect candidate for obtaining your Associate's Degree in radiologic technology.

A radiologic technician is not necessarily a doctor; however, like other medical technologists, this type of personnel provides essential assistance by working with doctors, patients, and equipment that go a long way in helping aid everyone's medical experience. A degree in radiologic technology general focuses on areas related to anatomy, specialized medical technology, and patient care. In fact, technologists might obtain certifications in multiple areas of specialty.

In their career field, radiologic technicians are responsible for using certain specialized medical equipment to help diagnose patients. These areas include x-rays, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. They might also specialize in mammography, which essentially utilizes low-dose x-ray systems to search breasts for cancer and other ailments. Their primary responsibility is to play a supportive role by using this equipment to produce images that can help radiologists determine maladies and solutions to patients medical needs.

 

Radiologic Technology Schools

 

While predictably found in radiology departments in hospitals assisting radiologists, there are a variety of careers and venues these radiologic technicians might be found in. The majority do work in general medical and surgical hospitals, but many others are employed in physicians' offices, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and outpatient care centers. In each of these areas, the responsibilities generally remain the same. The technologist has responsibilities toward the doctors, patients, and equipment. They must adjust and maintain the medical equipment, know how to properly operate the equipment, work with patients to get their properly positioned and shielded, and work with the radiologists in reading the images and deciding how to best proceed.

Career opportunities in this important field are expected to rise in upcoming years as both medical technology imaging techniques continually improve, and as the American population continues to age. An aging society means that many more medical needs will be required, and a new generation of physicians and technologists are rising to fill in these important areas.

While you may or may not have been helped by someone in the radiological field, there certainly are millions of people every year who rely on the important services radiologists and their technologists are able to provide. With your Associate Degree in radiologic technology, you will be able to provide the essential frontline imaging services to hosts of people, like the little boy with a broken wrist, and help in the diagnosing process. If we could take an x-ray of your career, it looks like with a degree in this field you are set to be healthy, productive, and happy!

 

Skill Learned and Courses Covered During Training

- Trauma Radiography
- Pediatric Radiography
- Imaging Equipment
- Medical Terminology
- Radiation Safety
- Clinical Education
- Pathology
- Magnetic Imaging
- Radiation Therapy
- Patient Care
- Biology
-Radiologic Technology

Employment for Radiologic Technologists

Even before you graduate you’ll want to start looking for employment opportunities in your community. You’ll often find the below areas are a good place to start.
- Hospitals
- Government Facilities
- Medical Research Labs
- Sales of Radiology Equipment
- Education Industry

Traits of a Good Radiology Technician

Thinking – You’ll need to have good critical thinking skills.

Communication – Be able to effectively communicate to superiors and patient, collaborate with others and give clear directions.

Memory – Have the ability to process info fast and accurately, complete forms quickly and accurately.

Positive – Come to work each day with a positive outlook.

Adaptability – Able to problem solve, think fast on your feet.

 

Accreditations and Resources

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) https://www.jrcert.org/
The American registry of radiologic technologist - https://www.arrt.org/
American Society of Radiologic Technologists - http://www.asrt.org/