Bachelor's Degree in Radiology

If it is your career goal to work in the field of radiology, then pursuing your Bachelor of Science degree in Radiologic Technology is definitely the educational path you will want to pursue. To prepare yourself to begin working on your bachelor's degree you will first need to obtain your high school diploma. Next, you will want to narrow down your choices of colleges or universities and select one that has an appropriate degree program for your intended career.

In your field of study you will spend your time using medical imaging equipment for diagnostic purposes. This medical equipment includes CT (computer tomography), X-ray generators, and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanners. Since the bachelor's degree program offered by most colleges and universities is designed to provide advanced education, it is common for individuals who are admitted into these programs to have experience in the field or an associate's degree in a related field of study.

The primary aim of the bachelor's degree program is to educate students about organizational communication, business administration, and technology management so that they may be able to obtain a leadership position in a medical imaging department. It is important to note that if you have already completed course work towards a career in radiology, then it may be applicable towards the requirements for your degree.

As you work to obtain your degree you will be studying in the areas of science and business. You will likely also be required to complete a practical field experience prior to graduation. You can expect to be required to successfully complete courses such as: advanced patient care, radiographic procedures, principles of radiographic exposure, human anatomy and physiology, business administration, computers and software, radiologic technology practicum, ethics and law in diagnostic imaging, business administration, organizational management, radiation biology, and pathology.

Of course, should you decide to further your level of education you will have additional employment options that you can pursue. For instance, you would be able to seek employment as an educator in the field of radiology or as an administrator in the field of radiologic science. In addition, if you are striving to become a radiologic assistant, then obtaining a higher level of education will be a necessity. Keep in mind, due to today's technological advances, it may be very possible for you to complete much of your course work through an online learning format.

Many students choose this type of instructional format because it allows them to continue working or raise their family while working on their degree program. However, it is important to realize that due to the hands-on laboratory portions of this degree program you will have to complete at least some of the course work at a campus based institution. Furthermore, being successful in online courses often requires an individual to be more disciplined than in an on campus class. You will want to be sure that you are dedicated and can devote the time that is needed to your course work.

 

What to Look for in a Good Radiologic School

We realize it can be extremely hard to find a good Bachelor’s degree in radiologic technology because the industry is filled with so many different opportunities.

Reputation – Sometimes it is hard to determine if a school has a good reputation but some of the things to look for is what is being said online. No school will be perfect in terms of their reviews online but what you don’t want to see is an overwhelming number of negative reviews and comments.

Open Enrollment – Does the school have open enrollment? Do they accept students weekly, monthly or quarterly? This is important as many students don’t want to wait 3-4 months to start a program.

Past Graduates – If possible always check with the schools past graduates. Where are the graduates currently working at? What kind of salary do they have? Also find out from the school what their completion rates were from the past 12 months for the particular program.

Externships – An important factor that I think many students don’t realize is important is the quality of the externship that they will have to work at. We have heard horror stories where the externship is in a very low end facility where the student doesn’t learn that much and is really just there to satisfy their education requirements. Do yourself a big favor and make sure you get into a quality externship and know where that is before you enroll (if possible).

Scholarships – Many of the schools you’ll research will offer some form of scholarship in the form of monetary or even books. Be sure to check with the school prior to enrolling as those scholarships are usually only valid at time of enrollment. If you are currently on active duty military, a veteran, dependent or military spouse you also can be eligible for special tuition and funds.

Affordability – Most Bachelor’s degrees will cost between $250 to $450 per credit hour. I would be very suspicious of a degree program that was under this amount and we don’t see a reason why anyone pay more.

Learning Outcomes – Be sure to get a list of all of the learning outcomes the degree program teaches.

 

Certification and Salary

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists https://www.arrt.org/
The average radiology technician makes $56,775. The top 10% of all earners make $77,500. Those with a Bachelor’s degree earned 10% on average more with an expected growth rate of 27%.

 

Goals and Program Outcomes

- Demonstrate interpersonal behaviors and relationship in a medical setting.

- Be able to perform entry level care as the role of a radiographer.

- Properly take x-rays for diagnostic purposes.

- Provide great care and be able to communicate to the patients you are working with.

- Provide accurate imaging and problem solving skills in a clinical work setting.

- Possess great teamwork skills and the ability to work with management.

- Possess a high level of safety within a professional work environment.