Radiologist Technology School: Certificate Program Overviews

Radiologic technologists prepare patients and equipment for x-ray procedures, take x-rays and develop film. They work with radiologists, physicians who interpret the images and diagnose patients. A certificate program in radiologic technology, widely available at many schools, provides instruction in patient positioning, radiation protection and radiologic science, training students for professional certification as radiologic technologists.

Radiologic Technology Certificate

Most radiologic technology certificate programs take two years to complete and incorporate an extensive clinical component, in addition to classroom learning. Students begin by gaining a background in the physics of x-rays and radiation before moving into patient positioning, equipment settings and x-ray film exposure techniques. Most radiologic technology certificate programs include at least six clinical practicums, in which students have the opportunity to practice patient communication skills and positioning for back, extremity, spine and trunk x-rays. Graduates are qualified to earn professional certification from the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Educational Prerequisites

The majority of radiologic technology certificate programs are offered by community and technical colleges, which typically require that applicants hold GEDs or high school diplomas for admission. Admission to a radiologic technology program also usually necessitates that students pass a criminal background test, show an updated immunization record and complete courses in anatomy, algebra, computer applications and the humanities prior to enrollment.

Program Coursework

Coursework in a radiologic technology certificate program covers procedures for x-ray protection and x-ray procedures in addition to radiologic health sciences. Topics covered generally include:

• Anatomy and physiology
• Radiation medical terminology
• Radiation biology and protection
• Radiologic physics
• Radiographic positioning

Employment Outlook and Salary Info

The growing aging population and its need for medical care has led to an increased demand for certified radiologic technologists. Despite the development of new diagnostic imaging technology, x-ray procedures still remain the most commonly used form of medical imaging. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), employment of radiologic technologists and radiologic technicians is estimated to increase by 17.2% between 2008 and 2018. Radiologic technologists are employed by general hospitals, diagnostic imaging clinics and private physician offices. As of May 2008, the average annual salary for a radiologic technologist or technician was $53,230.

Continuing Education

Many schools that offer a certificate in radiologic technology also offer an associate's degree, toward which students may apply the credits they earned in the certificate program. Certificate program graduates may also go on to earn bachelor's degrees in radiologic technology, which may allow them to concentrate in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or other advanced radiology specialties.