If caring is your calling, becoming a Radiologic Technologist (RT) provides a unique opportunity to learn about and experience medical imaging, to become a primary provider in the care of patients, and to play an integral part in the diagnosis of disease. Upon completion, the graduate becomes a candidate prepared to take the Certification Registry in Radiologic Technology offered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. Certification is required for employment in Texas as a radiologic technologist.
Radiologic Technologists, sometimes known as radiographers or x-ray technologists, create x-ray images (radiographs) of different parts of a patient's body to help diagnose health problems, injuries or treatments.
Medical imaging is changing daily and the need for qualified RTs is growing. Employment openings are projected to be high; a handful of employers indicate that they have not been able to hire enough radiographers (careeroverview.com). Doctors' offices and diagnostic imaging centers are expected to create an increasing number of jobs, with hospitals continuing to be the largest employers of radiographers and imaging technologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the need for RTs is expected to grow by 39958 positions or 23% between 2002-2012 (2006-2007, Occupational Outlook Handbook, US Department of Labor). The median salary for a typical RT in the United States is $45,512 (MySalary.com). Actual salaries may vary depending upon employer size, employee experience, and employee credentials.
Prerequisites:
Consistent with the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) revised curriculum requirements the following 15 semester credits of general education prerequisites are now required:
Anatomy and Physiology, 6-8 semester credits (3 credits count toward the 15)
Math (mathematical/logical reasoning), 3 semester credits (mandatory math credit)
English (written/oral communication), 3 semester credits (mandatory English credit)
2 Electives
Applicants must also have 6 elective semester credits representing a variety of areas in Arts/Humanities or Information Systems or Behavioral Sciences/and or Natural Science.
Length: 2 years
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