About Radiologic Technologists
What is a Radiologic Technologist?
A Radiologic Technologist is a healthcare professional that administers imaging scans on patients, as ordered by physicians and other healthcare providers. They may also be known as X-ray Technicians or X-ray Techs.
What does a Radiologic Technologist do?
A Radiologic Technologist has duties associated with preparing patients and exam rooms prior to scans, administering scans, and evaluating scans. In addition, a large part of their role is focused on ensuring safety and adhering to guidelines and regulations.
Typical duties a Rad Tech may perform could include the following:
- Positioning a patient on the exam table, setting up the imaging equipment, and making the necessary adjustments to obtain the best possible scan of the area as requested.
- Operating equipment to produce images of specific areas of the body for diagnostic purposes.
- Using safety measures and protection devices to comply with regulations and to ensure the safety of patients and staff.
- Explaining procedures to patients.
- Observing a patient during and after procedures.
- Obtaining information from patients and updating medical records and charts accordingly.
- Reporting abnormalities to the physician.
- Adhering to quality control measures and standards.
- Setting up exam rooms and equipment ahead of procedures.
- Reviewing and evaluating completed x-rays to ensure they are sufficient for evaluation by the physician.
Where do Radiologic Technologists work?
Radiologic Technologists can be found working in hospitals, clinics, physicians’ offices, and other healthcare facilities.
Will I be able to find a job?
It’s important to note that no school can guarantee employment. Here at Dorsey College, we offer career services assistance to all completers of the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program, however, job placement is not guaranteed. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
Is a Radiologic Technologist a good career?
A career as a Radiologic Technologist can be both stable and rewarding. This is because Radiologic Technologists are needed in healthcare facilities that administer imaging scans. These scans are often ordered by physicians and other healthcare providers to aid in diagnosing injuries and illnesses. A Radiologic Technologist’s work must be precise to ensure they get an accurate scan so providers can accurately assess the results. Because of all of this, Radiologic Technologists can take great pride in the work they do because these scans can be the missing piece to the puzzle in correctly diagnosing and subsequently treating a patient.
Becoming a Radiologic Technologist
How might I determine if this is a good career choice for me?
In choosing any career, it’s important that someone look at a variety of factors, some of which include:
- Can I see myself doing the work that this position/occupation performs and am I going to be happy performing those tasks in that type of work setting?
- Do I have the education, training, skills, traits, and characteristics that one may need to be successful in a position like this?
- How is the employment outlook for this position?
How to become a Radiologic Technologist?
Radiologic Technologists typically attend a Radiologic Technology program to obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful on the job. These programs will likely include classroom instruction as well as opportunities for hands-on training (and/or clinical experience). While it may not be required in all instances, individuals pursuing this type of career are encouraged to challenge the ARRT exam after their Radiologic Technology program in an effort to become a registered radiographer.
How long does it take to be a Radiologic Technologist?
A Radiologic Technology program is usually a 2-year, Associate Degree program.
What are important characteristics for a Radiologic Technologist to have?
There are several important characteristics a Radiologic Technologist should have, including:
- Attention to detail: There are many elements to a Radiologic Technologist’s role that require attention to detail. First and foremost, ensuring safety and adherence to regulations are among their most important responsibilities. In addition, Rad Techs must be precise in how they position patients, and how they administer a scan to ensure the result is of high quality to effectively aid in diagnoses.
- Communication skills: Radiologic Technologists must be able to effectively communicate with patients before, during, and after imaging scans. This includes explaining procedures to patients, providing direction to patients, and monitoring patients both during and after scans. Patients undergoing imaging scans may be in pain or experiencing stress, so a Rad Tech should also be empathetic and able to put patients at ease.
- Technical skills: Radiologic Technologists must operate complex machinery and as previously noted, they must do so with precision and an emphasis on quality and safety. As a result, they must have solid knowledge of the equipment they work with daily.
- Stamina and strength: Radiologic Technologists work on their feet for the duration of their shift. In addition, they may need to assist in positioning or lifting patients, especially if the patient has challenges with mobility.
If you’re lacking in any of the above characteristics, it doesn’t mean you won’t be a good Radiologic Technologist. Instead, you may wish to make these areas of focus to improve upon during your Radiologic Technologist program.
Choosing a Radiologic Technology Program
How long is a Radiologic Technology program?
A Radiologic Technology program is typically a 2-year Associate Degree program. This may vary based on the school or program a student selects.
What is covered in a Radiologic Technology program?
In a Radiologic Technology program, a student may expect to complete general education (Gen Ed) classes along with specialized radiography classes. General education courses usually help set a solid educational foundation for a student. Specialized radiography courses introduce students to this specialized field and expose them to the knowledge and skills they will need. A Rad Tech program will also likely have a clinical training component that allows students opportunities to practice and master the skills they are learning. Since precision is so important to the work a Rad Tech does, this hands-on experience is invaluable.
What should I look for in choosing a Radiologic Technology program?
There are several things you should look for when choosing a Radiologic Technology program, including (but not limited to):
- Does the program have a clinical training and a strong hands-on component?
- Is the program designed to prepare students to challenge the ARRT exam?
- Does the program (or school) offer career services assistance to graduates?
The Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program
What will be covered in the program?
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program at Dorsey College is comprised of general education courses that will help set a solid foundation for students, along with specialized courses in radiography, all designed to prepare future Radiologic Technologists for success in the workplace.
In addition, our program has been skillfully designed to layer in clinical training throughout. This allows students a chance to apply the knowledge and skills they are learning in a hands-on environment. In addition, at the end of the program, students will take part in a Capstone course where they will be able to prepare for the ARRT exam in radiography.
Is your program hands-on?
Yes! In addition to opportunities where students can learn in the classroom, the clinical setting (practicum courses) provides students with real-life situations where there are opportunities to apply classroom theory to practice.
What is clinical training and why is it important?
The clinical training takes places during five courses throughout the program where students will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they have learned during their classes in real-life situations.
How long is the program?
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is designed to be completed in two years.
Who are the instructors?
Our instructors are caring individuals that possess experience and expertise in their respective field. Our instructors meet or exceed State of Michigan and accreditation criteria, guidelines, and qualifications. It’s not uncommon for students at Dorsey College to see their instructors as their coach and mentor throughout their studies.
Why should I choose Dorsey College over another school?
Students choose Dorsey College over other Career Training Schools for a variety of reasons. You can learn more by visiting The Dorsey Difference page.
Which Dorsey College campuses offer the Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program?
The Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is offered at the following Dorsey College campus location:
- Dearborn, MI (A branch campus of Madison Heights)
Will your program prepare me for certification?
The Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is designed to prepare students to challenge a certification exam. Dorsey College encourages all graduates to challenge applicable certification exams, as they can assist in obtaining and maintaining gainful employment. However, Dorsey College makes no guarantee of an individual’s successful outcome on a certification exam or their ability to gain recognition from any certifying agency or body.
Does your program include certification?
While actual certification is not included in the program, the Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program is designed to prepare students to challenge a certification exam. In addition, Dorsey College will pay the cost, one time, for graduates of this program to challenge a certification exam selected by Dorsey College upon the graduate completing the program-specific exam preparation requirements.
What is the tuition and fees for the program?
The current tuition and fees for the Dorsey College Associate of Applied Science in Radiologic Technology program can be accessed by clicking here.
Is Financial Aid available?
Financial Aid is available to those who qualify. For additional information on Financial Aid and Tuition Assistance, we would encourage you to visit our Financial Aid Information page.
Can you help me find a job after graduation?
Dorsey College offers Career Services assistance to all program completers, however, job placement is not guaranteed by Dorsey College. You can learn more about the assistance our Career Services team offers by visiting our Career Services for Students and Graduates page.
