Did you know that earning a radiology technology degree is among the fastest routes to enter the healthcare industry? You only need to earn an associate’s degree to become a highly effective healthcare worker.
How well, you ask? According to BLS, radiologic technologists earn $73,410 per year in median wages. The highest earners rake in $102,380 per year, usually with a bachelor’s degree.
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MRI and nuclear medicine technologists earn higher median salaries – $83,740 and $92,500, respectively. The highest earners earn between $112,420+ and $123,910+ per year.
Indeed, there’s good money in radiologic technology career opportunities. Plus, radiologic technologists play these crucial roles:
- Use imaging technology to take accurate, real-time images of different parts of the human body
- Work with radiologists and physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of injuries and illnesses
Being a radiologic technologist means getting good salaries and doing good for others.
If you’re interested in these benefits, check out the specializations in accelerated radiology technology degrees. Here, we’ll discuss career prospects and salaries, among others.
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Overview of Accelerated Radiology Technology Programs
Accelerated radiology degree programs have these key features.
- Shortened duration, usually between 12 and 24 months for associate’s degree programs. It’s usually 36 months for bachelor’s degree programs.
- Condensed curriculum, which can mean more courses per term or faster completion of courses.
- Intensive clinical experiences in healthcare settings
If you’re a student in an accelerated program, you must complete these requirements:
- Core courses (e.g., introduction to radiologic technology)
- Technical courses (e.g., radiographic and digital imaging)
- Clinical courses (e.g., patient care and management)
- Advanced topics in imaging technology and pathology
- Professional development courses (e.g., ethics and laws)
- Clinical practicum
However, due to the shorter duration, you will experience challenges in keeping up with the fast pace.
Once you overcome these challenges, you’ll love these benefits:
- Faster entry into the healthcare industry
- Lower costs of attendance
- High job demand
Since you’re earning good money earlier, you have a head start in paying your student loans, too. Once you’re done paying them, you can enjoy excellent returns on investment.
Specializations in Radiology Technology
Here are the must-know specializations in accelerated radiology technology degrees.
Diagnostic Radiography
This focuses on capturing images of the body’s internal structures using X-ray technology. Radiologic technologists, or radiographers, generate chest X-rays and skeletal imaging, among others. Radiographers also maintain the diagnostic imaging equipment and prepare patients for the procedures.
Most start their diagnostic radiography careers in hospitals, diagnostic labs, and private clinics. You can move up the ladder with a bachelor’s degree or professional certifications.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Technology
The MRI technologist specialization involves the use of magnetic fields and radio waves in MRI scanners. These are used to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures (e.g., internal organs).
MRI technologists play crucial roles in detecting abnormalities and diagnosing diseases. Their work involves collaborating with doctors to determine if more MRI tests are necessary.
There’s an increased demand for MRI technologists, too. This is due to the increasing popularity of MRI scans as a diagnostic procedure and advancements in its technology.
CT (Computed Tomography) Scanning
CT technologists use CT scanners to create cross-sectional images of the body. CT scanners combine x-ray and computer technologies to capture diagnostic images. CT technologists prepare patients for procedures, interpret doctors’ orders, and more.
Plus, CT technologists play crucial roles in trauma cases and cancer detection. Their expertise enables doctors to make informed decisions about patient care and management.
Start your CT scan technologist career at hospitals and imaging centers. You’ll find high demand in research facilities and vet clinics, too.
Mammography
The mammography specialization focuses on breast imaging for men and women. Its main goal is the early detection of breast cancer.
As such, mammography technologists play crucial roles in preventative healthcare. Performing breast cancer screenings is among their primary tasks. Providing information about breast health to patients is also part of their jobs.
There are plenty of mammography technologist jobs, too. More people are aware of the importance of breast cancer screening.
Nuclear Medicine Technology
The nuclear medicine technologist specialization isn’t as scary as it sounds. Students learn to use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat various diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, and more.
This is an advanced specialization that offers excellent career options. Find the best opportunities in hospitals and specialized medical facilities.
Career Prospects for Specialized Radiologic Technologists
Excellent career prospects await you no matter which specialization you pursue.
High Demand Across Specializations
According to BLS, the projected employment growth for these specialties ranges from 6% to 11% for the 2023-2033 period.
Always strive for continuous learning and skills development. There’s a high demand for radiologic technologists with advanced specializations. With the growth of the healthcare industry, job security and career growth can be yours.
Salary Expectations
In general, radiologic technologists with advanced specializations also earn higher salaries. For reference, the salary range for these occupations are:
- Radiologic technologists from $50,020 to $102,380+ per year (BLS)
- MRI technologists from $61,470 to $112,420+ per year (BLS)
- Nuclear medicine technologists from $69,300 to $123,910+ per year (BLS)
- CT technologists from $88,000 to $106,920 per year (Glassdoor)
- Mammography technologists from $85,000 to $103,515 per year (Glassdoor)
Opportunities for Further Education
Advance your career by earning:
- Advanced certifications in specific modalities
- Advanced degrees, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree
- Multiple specializations, such as combining MRI and CT skills
Leadership roles in radiologic technology include radiology manager, radiation safety officer, and chief radiologic technologist.
Top 5 Schools Offering Specializations in Accelerated Radiology Technology Degrees
We chose these five best schools for accelerated radiology programs for these reasons:
- Offered by universities with regional accreditation
- Known for their academic rigor and intensive clinical experiences
- Provide effective student support services
- Offer a wide range of radiologic technology programs (e.g., certificate, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees)
- Enable graduates to take certification exams and earn their licenses
Oregon Institute of Technology
Students in the BS in Radiologic Science program can choose from specializations in:
- Computed Radiography
- Mammography
- Interventional Radiography
There’s an 11-month, full-time externship requirement. Graduates are ready for success in the ARRT radiography certification exam.
University of Cincinnati
UC offers a three-year accelerated program that offers specializations in CT and mammography. Graduates earn a Bachelor of Radiologic Imaging Technology degree.
Students learn through classroom instruction, lab sessions, and clinical experiences. This is an online program that features flexible schedules.
Weber State University
Students choose from many bachelor’s degree programs, including:
- Computed Tomography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- CT/MRI Combined
- Advanced Radiologic Sciences
- Interventional Radiology
- Women’s Imaging (Mammography)
Each of these BS degrees emphasizes patient care, management, and education.
University of Mississippi Medical Center
Students choose from two bachelor’s degree programs:
- The traditional program is for students who want to become registered radiologic technologists. Students complete it in 22 months of full-time study.
- The advanced standing program is for students who are already registered radiologic technologists. Its online learning format makes it ideal for working professionals. Plus, it’s a part-time program.
AdventHealth University
Students must have an associate’s degree in a related field. This is an online program that offers specializations in:
- Imaging Leadership
- CT
- MRI
- Vascular Interventional
- Sonography
- Interdisciplinary
Graduates earn a BS in Imaging Sciences degree.
Preparing for Success in an Accelerated Radiology Program
With the challenging courses and clinicals, preparing for entry into an accelerated radiology program is a must.
Time Management and Study Skills
In most programs, coursework and clinicals are done together. You must then have effective time management and study skills. Otherwise, it’s easy to experience extreme stress and, over time, burnout.
Here are effective tips to prevent it from happening to you.
- Create a study schedule.
- Adopt active learning strategies.
- Keep your eyes on the prize – earning your degree and earning good money.
Clinical Experience
Hands-on training is part of the education. But it’s as challenging, if not more so, than your courses. You have to deal with a wide range of people, be in different places, and do different tasks.
Remember, however, that it’s part of your training, especially in building your practical skills. Be physically and mentally fit for your clinical experience to be a success, too.
Certification and Licensing
Your formal education is also part of the radiology technology certification requirements. Without an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, you won’t qualify for the ARRT exam.
Plus, you must also meet continuous education requirements to maintain your certification.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a radiology technology specialization boosts your career growth opportunities. Be sure to choose an accredited accelerated program if you want to fast-track your career growth. Once you earn your credentials, you become part of radiology technology’s bright future in the healthcare industry.
