| If you are wondering how to get a job in | | | | gone through a rigorous training program that |
| radiography, but have found conflicting information | | | | includes both didactic and clinical training. This |
| on the web or elsewhere, hopefully, this article will | | | | means that they have had formal education |
| provide some insight into the degree requirements | | | | through an institution that has been approved by |
| and what a particular degree level will get you in | | | | an accrediting body called JCERT (Joint Review |
| the real world of searching for radiology jobs. It is | | | | Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology). |
| important to remember that there are always | | | | Getting a job as an x-ray technician can be done |
| exceptions to the rule and that different | | | | by simply completing a certificate program and |
| geographic markets present different levels of | | | | becoming licensed to practice in your state. |
| competition. | | | | Becoming a Radiology Technologist is most |
| In the not so long ago past, an individual could | | | | commonly done by completing an associates |
| simply attend a training program at a local hospital | | | | degree in Radiography through an institution |
| to learn how to operate x-ray equipment and get | | | | recognized by JCERT. Once the program is |
| some basic knowledge about patient positioning | | | | completed, it is advised that you take the ARRT |
| and anatomy, then you were on your way. While | | | | exam and become licensed through your state of |
| some of these programs are still in existence, the | | | | practice. Then, and only then, can you be |
| more common path to entry level work is to first | | | | considered a Rad Tech, as it is often referred in |
| receive formal training through a certificate | | | | slang within the radiology community. |
| program or an associates degree in radiography. | | | | Many Rad Tech's continue to expand their |
| There are many reasons for this shift to a more | | | | education, skill, and knowledge through experience, |
| formalized approach including enhanced national | | | | hands-on training, and additional certificate |
| standards for radiation safety and the fact that | | | | programs. Some continue on to pursue lead roles |
| most states now require that you become | | | | or Diagnostic Imaging Director roles. In this case, a |
| certified through a registering body such as the | | | | bachelor's degree is typically required to learn |
| ARRT (American Registry of Radiologic | | | | more about the healthcare administration and |
| Technologists). There are currently 38 states that | | | | management aspects of the role. Others may |
| have such requirements and this has lead to the | | | | choose to continue their education and their |
| growth of more formal education programs at | | | | knowledge of different imaging modalities much |
| colleges and universities. | | | | further. There is a relatively new role in the |
| Before explaining any further, it is important to | | | | radiology world called Radiologist Assistant (R.A.). |
| understand the distinction between a "technician" | | | | This is someone who must not only complete a |
| and a "technologist" in the world of radiography. A | | | | bachelor's degree, but most continue onward and |
| technician, often referred to as an X-Ray | | | | complete a masters degree in radiography. There |
| Technician or a Radiology Technician, is someone | | | | are masters programs that are tailored specifically |
| who often has what is referred to as a "limited | | | | for this advanced role which can boast salaries |
| scope" training. In addition, technicians are usually | | | | over 100K annually. |
| not certified through the ARRT. A technologist, | | | | Hopefully, you are now better prepared to |
| properly referred to as a Radiologic Technologist, | | | | understand your radiology degree options in terms |
| or abbreviated as RT, are individuals who have | | | | of the type of job it will help you obtain. |