Radiology tech how long does it take

The main difference between these occupations is the scope of work. X-ray technicians may only conduct X-rays of the chest and limbs hand, wrist, and foot. Individuals spend an average of 14 months studying to become an X-ray technician.

Meanwhile, radiology technicians do the work of X-ray technicians. Meanwhile, sonographers specialize in producing diagnostic images of the body through sound waves and ultrasound technology.

The career path for a radiology technician is promising. Individuals who want to start working and earning may take up programs that take six months or one year. The degree of difficulty may vary, depending on the program and specialization one chooses.

The job descriptions and salaries for radiologic technology -related careers vary, depending on the position. A radiology technician goes beyond producing diagnostic images. The job also entails caring for emotional or vulnerable patients who may be fearful of their potential diagnosis. This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on thigh MRI. Thigh muscles This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on knee MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI is a radiologic procedure that uses a magnetic field and radio This photo gallery presents the anatomy of the abdomen by means of CT axial, coronal, and sagittal reconstructions.

This photo gallery presents the anatomy of the chest by means of CT axial reconstructions — mediastinal window. The chest or thorax is the region This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on hip MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging MRI utilizes magnet and radio waves to produce diagnostic images that allow This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on orbit CT.

Computed tomography CT is the standard diagnostic test for evaluating cross-sectional, two— or three-dimensional images This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on ankle MRI. Radiologists perform ankle imaging to assess injuries of the foot and ankle anatomy. Experts analyze This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on wrist MRI. The wrist consists of multiple joints where the bones of the arm and hand meet This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on shoulder MRI.

Radiologists primarily perform shoulder imaging to assess injuries within the shoulder joint. Experts analyze the This photo gallery presents the anatomy of Cerebellum by means of MRI T1-weighted sagittal, axial and coronal views. The Internal carotid artery divides into middle cerebral artery and anterior cerebral artery. The middle cerebral artery travels to the lateral fissure. The middle cerebral This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on ankle CT.

Anatomy of the Foot and Ankle The foot is a structure of the body with A review of brain magnetic resonance imaging MRI is used as support. The anatomy The sagittal suture is the line where the right and left parietal bone are in contact.

The coronal suture is the line where the parietal This webpage presents the anatomical structures found on elbow MRI. This photo gallery presents the anatomical structures found on cerebral CT. View topics. Skip to content. Depending on the radiologic technology program they join, radiology technicians spend at least one year to four years in school. A radiology technician should be able to operate imaging equipment , perform radiologic procedures, and provide proper patient care. Several degrees, programs, and specializations are available to radiology technicians.

To gain managerial positions and better compensation, individuals should focus on furthering their education and focusing on specialization. Radiology technicians have to undergo extensive training, earn certifications, and pass examinations before working.

These requirements vary depending on the state. Getting a Radiologic Technology Degree Getting a degree in radiologic technology , also known as radiography, medical imaging , or radiologic science , begins with a certificate program and could extend to a doctorate.

Radiologic Technology Certificate To enter the medical field of radiologic technology , an individual should first secure a certificate in radiologic technology. However, select courses are available online. Choosing a Specialization Whichever radiologic technology degree individuals choose to pursue, they must pick a major or specialization.

Radiologic Technology The radiologic technology program is often used interchangeably with radiography. Radiation Therapy Graduates who choose to major in radiation therapy or radiotherapy learn how to use radiation to treat certain types of cancer. Sonography Diagnostic medical sonography degrees are better known as ultrasound degrees.

Other Specializations Professionals may specialize in operating different medical imaging equipment types, including functional MRI scanners, X-ray machines , electrocardiography machines, and CT scanners. Training, Licensing, and Certification The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology is the organization that accredits radiography training programs.

Why Choose Radiologic Technology? The Pros Radiologic technology programs are flexible. Individuals looking for a job may take six-month or year-long programs. Meanwhile, those who want to further their career may take four-year programs, continuing education courses, or more in-depth training. Radiologic technology programs are specialized. Hence, individuals may pursue their particular interests and passions.

The career path of rad techs , especially those with further education, is a promising source of income. Knowing what qualifications you need and how to get them is an important step in planning your career as an X-ray tech.

In this article, we explore the process of becoming an X-ray technologist and answer some common questions about earning your qualifications.

It can take one to two years to become an X-ray technician depending on the type of education program you choose. Certificate programs for X-ray technologists typically last 14 months, though some have an accelerated pathway that allows you to complete the course early. More extensive degree programs for X-ray techs usually last for two years. Some programs offer part-time night classes that spread the course content over a longer period, making it easier to work or care for a family during your X-ray tech education.

If you already have a college degree, you may be able to apply some of your existing college credits to an X-ray technologist program and complete the remaining coursework in only a few months. Check with the college providing the certificate or degree to learn about transferring credits. There are two primary education paths for X-ray technologists: certificate programs for radiologic technologists and associate degrees in radiologic technology.

Some states require X-ray technologists to have an associate degree to get an X-ray tech job, while others don't have any official licensure requirements before you can start working. When deciding which type of program to pursue, it's important to understand the specifics of each option:. Certificate programs emphasize the background information you should know before operating X-ray equipment. They review the basic procedures X-ray techs perform and establish familiarity with X-ray equipment, terminology and best practices when working with patients.

Course content can include:. Some programs also offer an externship where you learn from an experienced radiologic technician in a clinical environment and use X-ray equipment with patients.

Certificate programs are ideal for people who live in states that don't require an associate degree for licensure. They're also a good choice for people who already have an associate or bachelor's degree in another field and want to specialize or switch careers to become an x-ray technologist.

An associate degree in radiologic technology is the standard education requirement to become a licensed X-ray tech. The curriculum of an associate degree covers more topics and provides an in-depth review of advanced X-ray technician duties, plus and general education courses in the associate degree program. Associate programs may cover similar topics as certificate programs but provide more specialized information and hands-on guidance.

Classes for radiologic technology associate degrees often include:. Associate degree programs for radiology also require all students to complete clinicals, which are courses that occur in a clinical setting and involve practicing under the supervision of a licensed technologist. It's common to complete multiple clinicals in different environments to expand your skill set. They offer a general certification for radiologic technologists, which is a common state requirement to work as an X-ray tech.

There are several options for specialties, especially when you go to a four-year program. You can study oncology, which is the study of cancer.

You can also specialize in heart disease, mammography, and taking x-rays of the brain. Each specialty requires experience on a different kind of machine, and choosing a specialty will make you even more employable.

If you study the heart, for example, you will use an ECG, or electrocardiogram machine. If you specialize in mammography, you will use x-rays and MRI machines to screen your patients for cancerous lesions in their breasts. You may also train to use x-rays on cancer patients to track their recovery.

MRI specialists can also help doctors get accurate images of brain tumors in preparation for surgery. Although online studying is an option, you may want to take your classes in person. If you need to study online, you may still be able to take your practical courses in person. Talk to your school and see what options they have for distance learning.

To find the right school, start with your local hospital. Ask the radiology techs there where they went to school and for how long. Did they leave school with all the skills they needed to make it in the real world? They may be able to make an exception.