Radiology Career Stafford VA

Applicants Wanted for Radiology Careers

Do you want a good salary and job stability? The current shortage of radiologists and radiologic technicians have increased job opportunities and wages, and improved working conditions for many interested in radiology careers.

What is a Radiologic Technologist?

Also known as radiologic technicians or radiologists, radiologic technologists are healthcare workers in charge of taking X-rays, performing MRIs and CT-scans, and various other diagnostic tests. Radiologists must have good communication skills to explain the procedure to the patient, and they must be familiar with all the stages of testing. A radiology career involves working with equipment and patients, using proper protective radiation shielding, and developing exposed film. As a radiologic technologist gains experience, they may conduct more complex tests.

What Does Radiology Training Involve?

Employers tend to prefer candidates with formal training, which can last anywhere from 1 to 4 years depending on the program you choose. Typically, radiologic technicians undergo a 2-year associate's degree program, although some prefer to earn a bachelor's of science in radiology from a 4-year program. Thanks to the Internet revolution, you can even get an online degree in radiology, studying at your own pace, wherever it's convenient for you.

Training for a radiology career includes coursework in:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Patient care procedures (including positioning of patients)
• Radiation physics and protection
• Principles of imaging
• Medical terminology and ethics
• Radiobiology

Radiology Career Outlook and Salary Ranges

A 2004 American Society of Radiologic Technicians (ASRT) survey found that the national annual salary average for radiologic technicians was $65,401, a 26% increase from 2001. The highest wages can generally be found at medical and diagnostic laboratories.

Opportunities should be best for multi-skilled radiologists, especially those trained in complex diagnostic imaging procedures like MRIs and CT-scans. However, the current shortage in radiology means most people entering this career path should find excellent job opportunities and may be able to negotiate higher salaries and better working conditions for themselves.

Source:
ASRT.org