Thinking of pursuing a career as a radiology technician but not sure whether it’s a good move?
First things first, radiology technicians play a vital role in the healthcare industry. They perform a variety of diagnostic imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT) scans and X-ray examinations. Physicians use these images to examine internal body organs and make accurate diagnoses.
As a radiology technician, you’ll have the opportunity to provide quality care services and make a difference in the lives of patients and their loved ones.
This isn’t the only perk, though.
Keep reading for 7 more reasons why you should pursue this career.
1. Easy to Get Started
Many careers in the healthcare industry require extensive education training. In fact, there aren’t a lot of healthcare jobs that don’t need at least a bachelor’s degree.
To become a physician, for instance, you must earn a bachelor’s degree, pass the medical admission test, complete another four years of medical school, and spend another three to four years in a specialty program.
To become a nurse, you need a bachelor’s degree and must meet state licensing requirements.
If you’re interested in working in the healthcare industry without spending several years in college, this is the career for you.
All you need to do to qualify for entry-level employment is pursue an associate of science degree in radiologic technology, which takes two years. If you want to be qualified for higher paying jobs you will want to look into bachelor of science degree radiology tech programs. You’ll also need to obtain certification by the American Registry of Radiologic Technicians (ARRT). Certification can take as little as four weeks.
2. Strong Demand
Nobody wants to pursue a college education only to spend several months hunting for a job. Yet, this is what will happen if you choose to pursue a career with low demand.
The good news?
Theirs is a strong demand for radio technicians. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for health technicians, including radiology technicians, will grow by 14 percent through 2026. Given that the average growth rate for all occupations in the United States is 7 percent, it’s safe to say it won’t take you long to land a job.
But what exactly is driving the demand for radiology technicians?
As the baby boomer generation ages, it’s likely that there’ll be an increase in cases of cancer, dementia and other conditions that require diagnostic imaging. Consequently, more technicians will be needed to offer this service.
3. Enjoy a Competitive Salary
Even if you’re pursuing a career just for the passion, at the end of the day you need to pay your bills. Your salary matters!
Lucky for you, the mean annual salary for radiologic technicians is over $60,000.
Considering the average annual salary for professionals with associate degrees is $32,700, there’s no doubt radiology technicians are way ahead of the pack.
If compensation is one of your primary concerns, then this job will excite you.
4. Career Portability
Let’s assume you’re a nurse. And you’re licensed to practice in California.
If you wake up one morning and feel like you want to start a new life in Florida, you have two options: give up your nursing career or start working towards obtaining a license to practice in Arizona.
The gist of this is most healthcare professions aren’t portable because licensing requirements vary from state to state. However, this is not the case for radiology technicians.
The vast majority of states recognize the AART certification, meaning that as long as you have this credential, you can work in any state without undergoing any additional training or examination.
This is an attractive perk, especially if you’re a millennial who wants to experience the thrill of living and working in various cities.
5. You Can Specialize
Radiology is a broad field. Depending on your interests, you can specialize in areas such as:
- Sonography
- Radiography
- Mammography
- Nuclear medicine technology
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Radiation therapy
- Ultrasound radiology.
Keep in mind, though, specializing typically requires more training. You have to be prepared to spend more than two years in training. If you’re keen on ultrasound radiology, here is more info on the educational materials you’ll need.
6. Diverse Work Settings
Most radiology technicians work in state, local, and private hospitals. Employment opportunities are also available in private medical and diagnostic laboratories, offices of physicians, and outpatient care centers.
The availability of jobs in multiple environments affords you the freedom to experience your career in diverse settings. If you start out your career at a public hospital, for example, you can decide to find a job at a physician’s office when you feel like you need a new challenge.
Such flexibility ensures you’re able to maintain a good work-life balance. If at the public hospital you’re required to work the night shift and you don’t like it, just find a job at an outpatient care center where people work only during the day.
7. Be At the Center of Medical Technology
As a radiology technician, you interact with medical devices and technology every day.
Although your job doesn’t involve innovating new technologies, you’ll play important role in their development, testing, and deployment. Innovators will rely on your feedback to improve existing technologies.
So if you want to be at the center of innovation in medical technology, this is the career for you.
You Have Every Reason to Become a Radiology Technician
Do you still have any doubts about pursuing this career?
From the easy entry requirements to the increasing job demand, competitive salary, flexible work environment, career portability and much more, you have every reason to become a radiology technician. Your task now is to find a suitable college and enroll in a radiology technology program.
While at it, here is why you should pursue the program online.
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