There are plenty of aspiring college students who want to work in the healthcare industry, but might not want to spend as much time in college to get the degree and credentials. Florida National University (FNU) offers a wide array of regionally accredited degree programs in the healthcare sector that does not necessarily require a 4-year degree. One of the healthcare professions we’d like to highlight is the Radiologic Technologist. To become a Radiologic Technologist requires only two years of education followed by proper certification in most states.
at FNU, we understand the importance of a college education and want to help students get the education needed to learn about the profession they’re aspiring work in.
Why You Should Understand the Role of a Radiologic Technologist
As a Radiologic Technologist, you are required to operate powerful medical equipment. There are certain responsibilities that come with being trusted to manage the upkeep and maintenance of this type of machinery. Additionally, there are other important factors a Radiologic Technologist must understand and practice.
Radiologic Technologists Practice Patient Care
Your role as a Radiologic Technologist is to capture the images of a patient’s organs and small parts—and caring for people. Just because you are capturing an image of a patient’s internal organs doesn’t mean you’re not practicing patient care. Many of these patients are getting an X-ray to determine a diagnosis. They might be uncomfortable, anxious—wondering whether or not they’re going to be OK. It is your job to treat patients in a professional manner and not disclose your interpretation of the image your capturing to the patient.
Do the research
While it is definitely encouraged to pursue the job of your dreams, it’s also highly recommended to do your research and learn everything you can about the profession. It’s important to try and look beyond the role of your dream career and ask the following questions:
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How much does a Radiologic Technologist make?
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that as a Radiologic Technologist, you have the opportunity to earn anywhere from $67,700 to $72,320 depending on what industry within the healthcare sector you work in. It could be in an outpatient care center, state, local or private hospital, diagnostic laboratories or private practices. Surprisingly, the highest paid industry according to BLS is the outpatient care center. Private practices rank at the lower end of the income—all still quite impressive.
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Are there any career-growth opportunities?
What other kinds of professions might you be interested in that a Radiologic Technologist can propel from? Here is a short list of professions that Radiologic Technologists work in (with appropriate training):
- Cardiovascular Technologist
- Nuclear Medicine Technologist
- Radiation Therapist
- Veterinary Technologist
There are many types of professions that can educate you to learn a particular trade. After earning that certificate, there’s usually little room to do anything else. This is something you’ll want to explore when looking to become a Radiologic Technologist.
Get the Right Kind of Education
Working as a healthcare professional is nothing to take lightly. Whether you’re handling equipment, patients, or both, it is imperative that you seek out a quality education that will prepare you to become a respected professional in your field. The best approach is to find a regionally accredited university that upholds proper academic standards.
FNU is a regionally accredited higher learning institution that is dedicated to educating our students with a top-notch education preparing them for real-life situations that they will encounter on the job. Our two-year Associate of Science in Radiologic Technology program is an 86-credit degree program that is designed to prepare students to take the National Certifying Examination.
The National Certifying Examination
As aforementioned, many states require Radiologic Technologist applicants to have more than a college degree. Graduates must pass the National Certifying Exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologist Technologist (ARRT)
Take Your Clinical Trials Seriously
Clinical externship are a way to actively apply all that you have learned academically toward on-the-job situations while under the direct supervision of fully licensed professionals. While this is still a learning experience, we encourage you to treat it as if it is your job. Your supervisor will be evaluating your performance as a student to report to your university for a grade. You should also be aware that they might be evaluating you to determine whether or not you have the potential to be part of their radiologic team.
Participating in clinical externship is also an opportunity to develop professional relationships. When applying for jobs, you will need a reference. While new graduates typically use their professors, it might give you a competitive edge to list a professional licensed Radiologic Technologist as a referral.
Contact an FNU Advisor to Start Enrollment!
Contact our financial aid department to determine what kind of assistance you might qualify for to pay for your college education. Start the application process today! Call any of our campus locations. You can also ask us a question through our online contact form.
