Are you tired of your nine to five office job? Is your mind falling asleep at your computer screen all day? Do you crave a hands-on job that will give you purpose in the world?
A job as a radiologic technologist will offer a stable, profitable and hands-on career that will set you up for a life of success.
According to U.S. News, radiologic technologists rank number nine on the Best Health Care Support Job list, and they rank number 64 on the 100 Best Job list.
They have an important job because they are providing medical imaging exams to help diagnose patients. Their job is both rewarding and it is in a fast-growing and innovative industry.
We are here to present exactly why you should start your journey to becoming a radiology technologist and all of the impressive benefits that come along with it.
1. Radiologic Technologists Only Requires a Two-Year Degree
There is a stigma in today’s world that says people must have a 4-year degree to have a promising career. Luckily, that is far from the truth.
Along with many other careers, you only need a two-year degree to enter into the world of medicine. On top of that, a radiologic technologist is one of the highest paying jobs that only require an associate degree.
After you finish school, you must take the CT Registry exam. Our Tuffest Stuff CT Registry Review Webinar focuses on the technical aspects of this comprehensive test by encompassing the necessary preparation materials. It is designed to help students pass on the very first try.
2. Say Hello to Job Security
The baby boomers are growing older, leaving medical professionals with a plethora of tests to run and work to complete. From cancer to Alzheimer’s disease to broken bones caused by osteoporosis, RTs are needed now more than ever to run the proper tests and provide images for the influx of patients.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of radtechs is going to increase by 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, which is higher than most occupations. The increase in the industry will create plenty of job openings for people like you.
Being in an innovative medical field, RTs will always be needed. Plus, the more credentials and experience you have in radiology, the more valuable you are- promising even more job security.
3. There are Very Competitive Wages
The average annual salary for a radiologic technologist is $57,450 with the highest paid radiologic technologist making over $82,590. They are often offered benefits and retirement plans on top of their pay.
This type of career will set you up for a life of success and stability with nowhere to go but up.
4. This is Not Another Office Job
Forget the nine to five crunch. If you crave constant interaction and dread sitting in an office every day then this is the job for you. A job in rad tech will provide you with the hands-on interaction that your mind and body have perhaps been craving.
There are plenty of hands-on interactions through the operation of imaging equipment, positioning patients for procedures and working with radiologists to determine results.
On top of that, no two days are ever the same. RTs deal with different patients, different scenarios and different imaging procedures every day. This task-oriented job will definitely keep you on your toes.
5. It is a Rewarding Career That Allows You to Help People
Patients rely on radiologic technologists in the sense that they are helping to treat their medical needs. However, you would be doing much more than that.
When a patient has to go through imaging procedures, they are often scared and confused. Your role is not only to gather the images and radiology tests but to help support the patients in their time of need. A kind and patient radiologist technologist can make all of the difference in what could be one of the scariest and most confusing moments in a patient’s life.
Not only do patients rely on them, but doctors rely on them as well. Doctors need assistance with gathering essential and accurate radiology procedures to make precise diagnoses for patients.
The images they produce are vital to the world of medicine. Without the noninvasive imaging techniques and the technologists that work behind them, it would be rather difficult and sometimes impossible to diagnose and treat patients.
You can go to work every day knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life and in the world.
6. A Radiologic Technologist Can Work Anywhere They Want
Radiologic technologists are needed virtually everywhere. They work in clinical settings including hospitals, outpatient centers, physicians’ offices and medical laboratories. This means that there are openings left and right for radiologic technologists.
On top of that, radiologic technologists are needed in every city across the country. You don’t have to live in a metropolitan area or right next to a hospital.
From wherever you live now to wherever you want to live in the future, you will always have plenty of opportunities as a radiologic technologist.
So, You’re Convinced. But What Do You Do Now?
Radiologic technologists have a job that is well-paid, balanced, rewarding and is in high demand. So, once you’ve decided to pursue this gratifying career, it’s time to think about the steps needed to succeed. Keep in mind, you can start this journey at any point in life. Many people choose to pursue an RT career after years of working in a different industry.
Those interested in becoming an RT need a high-school diploma. From there, the next step is completing a degree program accredited by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). The ARRT recognizes various program lengths, but generally those pursuing an RT career must achieve an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. As mentioned previously, you can successfully become an RT with a 2-year degree. However, opting for a bachelor’s degree may make it easier to find employment and/or pursue advancement opportunities later in your career.
After successfully completing the accredited degree program, hopeful RTs should then apply for certification through the ARRT. Some states vary in licensing requirements and instead require RTs to obtain state licensure. Still, industry standard is for recent graduates to pursue the ARRT certification. In order to be certified, RTs must submit proof of educational requirements and complete an ethics pre-application. The ethics portion of the requirements is especially important and this is a career highly focused on patient care. Lastly, you must pass an examination administered by the ARRT which assesses both knowledge and skills.
It is important to note that ARRT certification must be renewed every two years. In order to do so, they must complete continuing education requirements and abide my all ARRT standards and regulations.
Advancement Opportunities for Radiologic Technologists
Many RTs find the desire to advance further in the field. One way to do this is by continuing their education and achieving an advanced degree in the field. However, for those not wanting to return to school, there is another options. RTs often choose to train extensively in a certain modality in order to better qualify for the types of jobs they seek out. Such areas include mammography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT).
Those seeking a CT credential quickly discover the knowledge and skills required are extensive. The same can be said of the ARRT CT Registry Examination, which is required to become registered in CT.
The Tuffest Stuff Approach to the CT Registry Exam
If you’ve already become an RT and are now looking to obtain your CT credential, The Tuffest Stuff provides a ton of valuable resources. Our CT Registry Review Online Webinar has the practice and mock registry and evaluation materials that other online companies do not offer. This ultra-effective study tool will provide you with the preparation, confidence, and knowledge to pass your exam – putting you that much closer to becoming an ARRT Registered CT Technologist.
In fact, we are proud to say that 94% of our alums pass the CT Registry Exam on the FIRST try. Struggling with making a plan? Schedule a consultation with author and presenter of The Tuffest Stuff, Mike Enriquez. Together, you will determine the best course of action to ensure you are prepared to tackle your exam with confidence!
